Returning to the office safely
Returning to Offices
Our priority is to take all necessary precautions for the safety of our people and our communities.
We are taking a local market-led approach to office reopenings, reflecting local circumstances, regulations and legislation, and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our people.
Our general office safety measures are outlined below. It is important that if you are working from the office that you follow the guidance carefully and check with your manager or People team to see if there are local differences where you work.
What we are doing to keep offices safe
Safety measures are coordinated with local leadership and facilities managers to ensure a safe working environment.
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Cleaning procedures Office space will be regularly cleaned throughout the day and after work hours. |
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Face coverings Face coverings should be worn when people are not at their desks. |
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Space configuration Where required, offices will be reconfigured to ensure social distancing can be maintained in public areas and between desks. |
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Employee density
As each office reopens, capacity will initially be limited but will increase as local COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. |
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Temperature checking and testing Depending on location, you may have your temperature checked on entry to the office, or you may be required to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test, or proof of vaccination. Check with your People team what the local requirements are where you work. |
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Personal hygiene Hand sanitiser will be provided throughout offices for easy and frequent access. |
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Visitor protocols All guests will be required to follow health and safety protocols while visiting our buildings. |
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Clean desk policy Desks must be cleared of all equipment and belongings prior to leaving for the day to ensure cleaning procedures can take place. |
What we ask of you
Your manager and leadership teams will keep you updated on the status of your office, and what specific procedures are in place. When in the office, we ask that you act responsibly to protect yourself and others.
BEFORE LEAVING HOME
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If you feel unwell or have a temperature, you must stay at home and inform your manager. |
WHILE AT THE OFFICE
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The number of entrances to your building may be reduced – look for signs upon arrival. |
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Follow protocols and guidance about using lifts. |
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Wear a face covering while not at your desk, e.g. walking around the office, or when in communal areas. |
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Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitiser provided around the office. |
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Practise social distancing where required to do so. |
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Clear desks of all equipment and belongings prior to leaving for the day to ensure cleaning can take place. |
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Take your laptop and charger home with you every night in case the office needs to close. |
FAQs
Please speak to your People/HR team on any issues not covered here.
Is my office open?
Is there flexibility to work partly from the office and partly from home?
Given the variety of agencies, roles, locations and cultures within our company, flexible hybrid working including the balance between office and remote working, is being led by our agency networks and you should discuss this with your manager.
If I don’t feel comfortable travelling to a client office, what should I do?
What happens if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the office?
What should I do if I’m in the office and start to feel sick?
Will anyone be monitoring the office to ensure people are following the guidelines?
Will I need to be vaccinated before going back to the office?
Exceptions include where legislation, or clients, require vaccination of employees in office workplaces.
In the US, all employees, freelancers and visitors to our offices are required to be fully vaccinated and prove their vaccination status.
Wellness resources
- Remote Working Guidance
- WPP’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides free and confidential health, wellness and counselling services
- Employee Wellbeing Guide
As always, if you experience or hear about behaviour which is at odds with the principles stated in our Codes, you can contact the Right to Speak hotline, which is free and confidential, at any time.