There’s nothing quite like opening a new office in the middle of a pandemic. When Norm and I were mapping out our 2020 plans, we put a lot of thought into the design and functionality of our office. Then COVID-19 hit town.

Today, four months after everyone was sent home to protect citizens from the pandemic, we are setting in place the safe return and operations of our new physical office space anchored around a core belief: coming to work in the 3D Planeta office is desirable; it is not essential.

As 3DP operations ramp up and we increase the level of activity at the office, we must continue to ensure that we are taking the necessary precautions – both individually and collectively. It remains an important responsibility to ensure that 3DP personnel and our clients/guests are safe when they step through our doors.

To this end, all 3DP personnel working at the office now complete an on-line survey weekly before entering the office on Monday mornings. The survey, which is sent out Sunday afternoons, asks the Government of New Brunswick’s now familiar COVID-19 screening questions. If someone responds ‘yes’ to one of the questions, we direct them to work from home. If someone responds ‘yes’ to two or more questions we direct them to self-isolate at home and contact Public Health.

As we have learned over the past few months, everyone has the capability to work from home and as our local and national economy begins to reopen, the health and well-being of our team is our number one priority. This initiative will help ensure a safe workplace.

In a pandemic-marked world, the office is wherever we can be safe and ensure the safety of our co-workers – and there’s nothing more essential than that.