“I restore myself when I am alone.” A meaningful quote by Marilyn Monroe that speaks volumes and is quite relevant in the contemporary scenario. Let’s face it: the pandemic has changed the concept of space, personal space, and exemplified the need for it. ‘Six feet apart at all times’ has become the new normal as we try to figure out what counts as a safe distance between us without completely disconnecting from each other.
When it comes to personal space at the workspace, an indispensable aura of safety is now attached to it. Let’s explore the new rules of personal space at workspaces by first understanding the basics.
Proxemics: A concept
In simple terms, proxemics is the study of how human beings use and interact with spaces and the effects it has on communication and social interaction. The term was coined first by anthropologist Edward Hall, who was intrigued by how humans use space while communicating. In his book, The Silent Language, Hall pointed out the four types of distances people keep: intimate, personal, social, and public.
Proxemics involves a plethora of concepts such as the proximity of a person from another while sharing a common space, whether there is physical contact, and the level of comfort they feel around other people.
Essentially, proxemics is a branch of science that deals with the amount of space that people feel should be there between them and other people. It is a study of space and how we use it, how it can determine our level of comfort, and how we arrange objects around us concerning space.
The need for Personal Space
Personal space isn’t a concept that was born out of the blue. It’s a scientific concept used by your brain to protect you. Even though the term is relatively new, it has been around for ages. According to neuroscientist Micheal Graziano, who has also authored a book called ‘The Space Between Us,’ personal space is an inherent need – a sort of a second skin hardwired into our DNA. This invisible second skin is primarily meant for protection. It has a considerable variety of functions, ranging from protection against actual physical threats to helping us navigate effectively, such as walking through a doorway without bashing a shoulder on it.
The concept of personal space is so deeply wired into our nature that we don’t even notice it. Since we are a social species, it also has substantial social significance as it acts as a means to maintain a buffer between individuals. It is an invisible shield your brain forms to protect you, instinctively, and depends on the person you’re interacting with and the environment you’re in. It is also extremely important as it prevents us from potentially acting aggressively, and ultimately, prevents stress.
Rules of Personal Space at the Workspace in the times of Covid-19
Stress theory is a model that emphasizes the fact that personal space can shield us from stressful stimuli that may be present when someone gets too close. Personal space zones serve to protect us from stress. While returning to offices in the times of a deadly pandemic that is spread through proximity, the rules of personal space become more important to define. Here are some basic rules of personal space at the workspace in the times of Covid-19:
- Social distancing is key. Being six feet apart from coworkers is encouraged, and you should be close to the people you work with only if it is crucial.
- Spaced out work stations are encouraged as they act as an additional safety measure and minimize the chance of possible transmission.
- Separate workspaces mean that employees are discouraged from working in the same cubicle or desk.
- Going digital is going to be the norm as conference rooms might become redundant due to the safety precautions and restrictions.
- Interpersonal interactions that require employees to be nearby will be discouraged, especially if they can happen through digital means.
The Future
Personal space is a concept hardwired into our brains as a consequence of evolution, and the pandemic is only amplifying its need. The future of personal space at workspaces would involve extensive use of tech to minimize human contact, to eliminate all possible contamination methods.
Even though it has been over nine months since the coronavirus and its existence came to light, it is far from over. Nations have been forced to open their economies to save them. Therefore it is essential that we practice basic social distancing and preventive protocols to protect us and those around us. In this context, the concept of personal space becomes imperative and indispensable.
