Member Article

London-based Condeco launches tool to help companies re-open offices safely

Condeco, a provider of meeting room scheduling solutions, has today announced the launch of a ‘return to office’ desk booking tool.

This allows corporates to allocate space through a desk booking application, manage cleaning processes, and to track exposure to COVID-19 if an outbreak occurs in a workspace.

According to Condeco, several major corporations have signed expressions of intent to use the new software, and will use the tool to re-open workspace which has been out of use since March.

A new hotel-like booking system for office-space providers:

As workspaces reopen around the world, strict social distancing measures will reduce the capacity available in offices, forcing companies to ration desk-space to those who need it most.

Condeco’s new software allows companies to allot time to employees, who will be able to download an app to book space on a day-by-day basis.

According to the firm, HR teams will also be able to use the app to manage office capacity by setting the number of days that employees can work in the office per month. The app will allow employees to plan when they visit the office and be certain that there will be a safe, clean space for them to work in.

According to Condeco, it will also be possible for employees to see where their colleagues are situated, and on what days they are booked into a workspace, enabling easier collaboration. With full visibility of when desks are available, employees can organise office trips during quieter times, whilst also giving HR teams the ability to limit access to office space during peak times, in order to ensure that social distancing measures are maintained.

**Mapping space, deep-cleaning efficiency and tracing exposure: **

Condeco’s software will also enable automatic scheduling of deep-cleans for each desk / area. This can be after a continuous period of use by the same person, before a space can be booked again, to make sure that companies are providing a bio-secure workspace.

This has a significant cost advantage for employers - instead of an entire building being deep-cleaned each day, workspace providers using Condeco’s software can be sure an environment has been cleaned thoroughly based upon occupation, leading to reduced expenditure on cleaning services.

Condeco’s application also has contract tracing functionality. If an employee were to develop COVID symptoms, the app can identify who worked near the infected individual over a period of time. The employer can then mandate that those employees work from home for a period of time - through the app - in accordance with government guidelines.

Paul Statham, CEO of Condeco, commented: “The advent of social distancing and track and trace means that office space will be under pressure when people return to work. Using technology we can manage the demands on that space to provide a safe and flexible environment for companies of all sizes. For some time to come, meetings and the need to book meeting rooms will be off the agenda but our technology is more relevant than ever as companies work out the best way to return to work in the new normal where fewer desks are available for the same number of people.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harry Ashcroft .