The Modern Office - Factors to Consider

In the past two years, the world of work has been transformed forever, through the evolution of collaboration technologies and the accelerated spread of smart working and working remotely.

The office experience needs to change to reflect this new hybrid working environment, and consequently the design of our offices needs to change to reflect the new normal. The factors driving this new office design are.

Hybrid working models are here to stay

Now that the pandemic is no longer forcing us to work from home, many people prefer to do so, because employees feel more productive and employers have seen the benefits of not having employees congregating in expensive office buildings.

Working from home has benefits and drawbacks

For years, employees clamoured for improved work-life balance. Working from home allows more time for family, exercise and rest, however some feel work never ends.

The benefits of working from home are not felt evenly by everyone, and some clamour for time back in the office or a hybrid setup.

Employee Age Matters

In a study by Bucknell University, employees over the age of 4o were more likely to say they would prefer to continue working remotely, while employees younger than 40 were more likely to want to return to the office.

Young people felt they were missing out on the mentorship and soft skills they would have received working alongside older colleagues in the office, who can help them advance.

The Modern Office Workspace

What does the modern office need to offer in this new working environment?

Office spaces and workstations must be flexible to rapidly cope with different flows of people, depending on the day and time of the week. Sit-stand desks are one example of what active design can do to improve health.

Organizations and companies should take a fresh look at how much and where space is required and how it fosters desired outcomes for collaboration, productivity, culture, and the work experience.

Office layouts need to be rethought and new community areas and informal spaces need to be provided. These are not spaces exclusively designed for working, but breakout areas dedicated to collaboration as well as well-being and recreation.