In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is estimated that about 300 million employees worldwide have made a sudden shift toward remote work in the past few months. Our “new normal” has proven how quickly the workforce can adapt under unexpected circumstances and continue to operate, even from makeshift home offices.

However, as lockdown restrictions begin to loosen and organizations start to develop return-to-work plans, the question remains: are physical workplaces still necessary? Employers are currently faced with this question as they evaluate whether or not to wait to reopen their workplaces.

When planning for their staff’s return to work, organizations should consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with having a physical workplace during this unprecedented time.

[…]