From changing office seating arrangements to opting for shift-based work hours, offices are going to look and function a lot differently from how it was earlier. Even after the lockdown ends, the risk of Coronavirus still looms, which is why new protocol needs to be taken by offices once they are allowed to resume work. Reports say that companies like ITC, Hindustan Unilever, Tech Mahindra are incorporating new norms keeping employee safety as the top priority. Capgemini plans to call only less than 10% employees who are working on extremely critical client projects to office according to a report. A recent tweet by Tech Mahindra’s CEO and MD CP Gurani was a series of images that showcased how Tech Mahindra is incorporating social distancing protocol to the office.

While there are some states that are in favour of extending the lockdown beyond 3rd many others are waiting to follow the centres directives. Today the Prime Minister had a meeting with the chief ministers of different states to access the situation. Reports also say that MNCs, BPOs, and IT-enabled services (ITES) in Gurgaon may have to allow their employees to work from home till the end of July, according to the Gurgaon Metropolitan Development Authority CEO V S Kundu. Although no such advisories have come out yet, it does seem like a likely option.

No matter when the offices officially open, the environment and protocols will change due to the looming danger of Coronavirus. WHO had taken out a guideline for offices to get the workplace ready for COVID-19, although this guideline is from March 19, some of these protocols might be replicated post the lockdown, these include:

  • The need to wipe surfaces (e.g. desks and tables) and objects (e.g. telephones, keyboards) with disinfectant regularly.

  • Putting sanitizing hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the workplace. Making sure these dispensers are regularly refilled.

  • Actively monitoring where COVID-19 is circulating. Advise employees in advance that if they have any symptoms or feel unwell, they should stay home. Providing employees with sick leaves if they feel unwell.

  • Limiting exposure of people, for example, if there is a meeting, see if it can be done via video conference.

  • Make sure the temperature of the employee is monitored, and there is a distance between employees.

  • New guidelines compiled by the Indian Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioner Engineers (ISHRAE), says that it is necessary for commercial spaces to clean out the air conditioning ducts as it may have bird droppings and rodent excreta. There should be 70 - 80% ventilation, as closed spaces can give rise to fungus and mold formation which can affect people with allergies. It is necessary to keep the spaces well ventilated and that fresh air circulation is maintained to keep Coronavirus away.

  • There are also reports that Central air conditioning may have to be used in a limited manner


Day to day routine will change post the lockdown, the government is working out an exit strategy for the country. Some companies might call back 50% of its employees to work in the office, some might ask only essential employees to work in the office, while others may stick to working from home as much as possible. The lockdown is deeply impacting the economy and it cannot be ignored which is why a proper exit strategy is required to make sure people are safe and are able to work.