It’s 8am. I’m on the hunt for a coffee. The city centre is still quiet – not all offices are back open yet, and I suspect the majority of traffic is made-up of retail and healthcare workers. However, for us, property is a people business, and the benefit of working and collaborating in-person is better than its virtual equivalent.

That’s not to say working from home over the past 3-months was a hindrance, it worked quite well and, as an employer, that gives us confidence in affording employees more flexibility.

As 9am approaches, our office is close to full occupancy again. The atmosphere is great and there is a lot more energy on this Monday morning than there would have been on any other Monday pre-lockdown.

I have a big smile on my face, but I am also quite emotional – I think its relief. My natural instinct is to greet my returning colleagues with a hand shake – or even a hug – but it quickly dawns on me that, for now, we must keep our distance.

Nobody’s desk is their own anymore. Our new set-up has some employees working from meeting rooms, while others have a whole row of desks to themselves.

It would be remiss to assume that COVID-19 has gone away. Although new cases remain low, the possibility of a second-wave is never far from our thoughts, so it’s important that we don’t become complacent in the workplace when it comes to social distancing and general hygiene. Any disregard for this new normal could be detrimental to our health and to the health of the economy – and let’s not forget, it’s not just COVID-19 we’re battling with, Brexit hasn’t gone away either.

We have many battles ahead, but it’s great to back in the office to fight them head on. Our focus is now on recovery, supporting our clients in the weeks and months ahead, and ensuring our office is a safe, collaborative and enjoyable environment to work in.

Ben Turtle is Head of Savills Northern Ireland.