With no end to the pandemic in sight, firms need to be planning for a return to the office that can be safe and flexible.

A wholescale return to the office is unlikely before the new year under the government directive for offices and professional services that “employees must work from home or single site where reasonably practicable” until the state reaches “COVID-normal”, which may not be before Christmas. Even after that, offices will need to take measures to ensure physical distancing and hygiene, including the possibility that face coverings will still be required until an effective vaccine is found. Meanwhile, employees are indicating they would prefer to continue working from home for at least part of the work week, even once restrictions are lifted.