Publicis Groupe Reveals Phased-In Office Reopening Strategy
- by Larissa Faw , May 11, 2020
Although Publicis Groupe is requesting that its employees continue to work from home as much as possible, even if their cities ease lockdown rules, agency leaders at the Groupe are revealing plans to also begin reopening offices.
This approach depends largely on local situations that will be managed by corresponding country leads. In many cities, the Groupe is planning to open only one office per city, under strict protective measures.
Moreover, these offices will only be available for “exceptional circumstances,” such as tech support and key client meetings. They will also be open for those who are unable to work safely at home.
CEO/Chairman Arthur Sadoun mentioned in an internal video that although France’s lockdown ends Tuesday, May 12, the Groupe’s French offices will open two weeks later. This approach will continue to best protect its people, their families, and help fight the virus by limiting in-person contact and reducing pressure on public services.
The Groupe has formed a task force to assist with reopenings and new work approaches. A Groupe-wide survey showed that 90% of employees want to work differently than in pre-COVID-19 times. “We obviously will formulate a clear new-ways-of-working roadmap based on this input,” the company stated.
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...these offices will only be available for “exceptional circumstances,” such as tech support and key client meetings. Sooo... If there's a new business pitch to make money :). Sorry - didn't come to be a troll, was actually reading to see if they revealed any details that we might be able to incorporate into our own eventual re-opening, and that line just hit me like a brick. Agencies are in a bad place right now, and I think that about sums it up...
Hi Michael,
Agency leaders are hesitating to reveal specifics because it changes day-to-day. They might want five people in an elevator but then their landlords or the city comes out to say they will only allow for two. Email me at larissa@mediapost.com if you want to chat about your concerns. I can hopefully answer them for you.
Appreciate your quick note… I wouldn’t say there are concerns about the article, as much as I think I have concerns about the industry as a whole. Agencies are saying they’re going to do the right thing, but your line stating that “key client meetings” are exceptional circumstances is a bit concerning. There are no clients mandating in-person meetings, so while I’m reading between the lines – it sure seems like they’re still following the new biz dollars over safety.
That said – if any agencies have provided details to you – like your example of elevators, I’d love to see a follow up “best practices” story! We are re-addressing when/if we come in on 6/1, but we already have some general lists such as no internal in-person meetings or vendor/client meetings to be held in the office – they must remain as goto/video calls. The workout room is closed indefinitely. Limits to the number in the break room. Food brought into the office and kept in the fridge will get placed in a lunch box that is then disinfected before being placed in the fridge. Obviously – there are a ton of variables out there, but the more people are sharing their ideas for how to keep safe on a return to work, the better! Thanks!
Thanks for the story suggestion. I shall get started on it right now :)