Dentons’ U.K. and Middle East operation has reopened its London office for staff who would prefer to return to the office for mental health and well-being reasons, the firm confirmed in a statement on Monday.
The firm said in a statement that it will maintain a 25% occupancy in its Fleet Place office in order to enable social distancing, and those wanting to return will need approval while restrictions are in place for those considered vulnerable or living with vulnerable people.
The firm said the rest of its U.K. offices will follow similar measures in the coming weeks.
The Fleet Place office is currently operating a track and trace system whereby those allowed to come into the office are given a pass that only works on their floor and are required to sign in and out of the building.
Anyone who has been in the office and has developed COVID-19 symptoms, or is close to someone who has, must notify the human resources team who will be able to assess if anyone else might have been in contact with them and whether the individual must self-isolate.
Lisa Sewell, the firm’s , said in a statement: “Given how successful a fully virtual operation has been it is clear that there is no immediate business need for anyone to work from the office as we have continued to support clients on their most important matters seamlessly while working remotely.
“However, now that the government has relaxed lockdown guidelines we want to accommodate those who would prefer to return to a more regular office-based working environment for mental health, isolation or well-being reasons.”
The firm has also created a well-being committee chaired by corporate partner Martin Mankabady. Other measures the firm has put in place include disabling desk phones, a one-way system around the office, and a clear and clean desk policy.
Dentons is the first major firm to officially reopen its offices in London. Other firms have recently surveyed their staff to gather views on their own office reopening and implement adequate policies and protocols to keep their staff safe.
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