Published on:

01 May 2023

Updated on:

15 May 2023

Read time:

3 minutes

Stephen Parsons

Group Managing Director

We’ve arrived at the dawn of a new era in the workplace. The traditional office has changed in recent years. Technology has enabled more flexible and adaptable work settings. These new environments focus on employee wellbeing and productivity.

Greater flexibility

One of the most significant changes is the rise of remote working and flexible schedules. Most employees are no longer required to be tethered to a desk from nine to five. In principle, many of us can work from anywhere, whether that’s home, a coffee shop or a co-working space. We're in business as long as there’s access to a good Wi-Fi connection!

This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance and can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. We’re all more happier with an element of control; when we are in charge of our own working lives.

Sustainability

The new office is also designed to be more sustainable.

Many companies adopt eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. This includes investing in energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and overall waste reduction.

These greener buildings are of benefit to our health and well-being as well as to the environment. Maximizing natural light and guarding against noise pollution has been proven to have positive impacts. We all feel better, both physically and mentally, as a result.

Huddle area and collaboration area at FSP's office

Biophilic design

Natural elements are becoming increasingly popular in office interiors. This trend has been steadily emerging and is connected to the other trends mentioned above.

Biophilic design improves employee well-being and productivity. It incorporates natural materials, light and plants. This provides us with a vital connection to nature. Additionally, it improves air quality, visual comfort and mood.

Offices which bring outdoor life indoors cease to be sterile, functional spaces and take on a life of their own. They become more vibrant, fostering a more positive outlook for the end-user, powered by creativity, inspiration, and connection.

Flexible and Adaptable Spaces

The physical layout of the new office is also changing.

Open-plan offices have been popular for a long time. However, the traditional open-plan concept is now being replaced by more flexible and adjustable workspaces.

The office space has been carefully designed. It has many different types of seating, including hot desking. This allows employees to work in any area of the office they choose.

Workers do not have assigned seats. This freedom allows them to move around and collaborate. This creates a strong sense of community.

Employee wellbeing

It’s a well-established fact today’s workplace is all about employee well-being. Successful companies have invested in wellness programmes to support their employees' mental and physical health for a while.

Initiatives include yoga classes, meditation rooms, and ergonomic furniture. Many businesses provide showers and bike racks to encourage cycling to work. This allows workers to exercise during breaks and enjoy comfortable and convenient facilities. It also gives them the freedom of personal choice.

Companies can improve employee well-being. This can create a happier and healthier workforce. Increased productivity and lower turnover rates often result. It can also help to attract new talent.

Open-plan offices have been popular for a long time. However, the traditional open-plan design is now being replaced by more flexible and adaptable spaces.

Open-plan offices have been popular for many years however, the standard open-plan model is now being replaced by more flexible, adaptable spaces.

OPL 0581

Diversity and inclusion

The new style of office we envision has many advantages. It allows for a higher level of diversity and inclusion.

Barriers are disappearing. Remote working practices and flexible schedules are improving access to the workforce for people with disabilities, caregivers, and other marginalized groups. This creates more opportunities for them to participate.

Companies are striving for more diverse and inclusive workplaces. They are tackling unconscious bias and encouraging diversity in hiring and promotions.

We have progressed from discussions about helping working mothers return to work. Now, we have guidelines to assist working fathers who wish to be more involved in parenting. Many companies are creating solutions to help women manage their menopause.

Gender-neutral facilities are available in many offices. Prayer rooms are available for those of various faiths. Even pet owners' needs are being taken into consideration by some businesses.

Challenges to Overcome

However, today’s office is not without its challenges…

With employees able to work from anywhere, one of the biggest concerns is the potential for burnout. Flexible working can be beneficial, but there is a chance that work will encroach on personal time. This can make employees feel like they are always on call.

Sometimes, with the best of intentions, in our newly connected world, it’s hard to find the off button. Working from home has made it difficult to distinguish between home and work. Our homes were once a place to relax, but now they are often where we start our workday.

The good news is that such negatives can be addressed and countered. Companies should be clear about their expectations for work hours and availability. It is then the responsibility of the individual to manage and regulate their own time.

Individuals can create boundaries in their homes. This includes a dedicated workspace for working from home. Technology, such as message checking and emails, should only be allowed at designated times in that space.

Maintaining Community and Connection

Flexible working between home and office can be beneficial. However, the balance of such a situation must be negotiated. This is to ensure a sense of community and connection is maintained.

Developing strong bonds with coworkers and feeling part of a team can be hard without regular in-person contact. It's in a business's interest to ensure its staff feel like they belong and are connected. This can be done through remote and onsite team-building activities, regular check-ins, and social gatherings.

Data Security and Privacy

With employees working from different locations and using personal devices, there's a greater risk of sensitive company data being compromised. This issue should not be overlooked. It should be handled before changing the working style to a hybrid or remote form.

Companies need to invest in robust security measures and ensure that all employees are trained in data security best practices. Staff have personal responsibility when working away from official work premises. This responsibility should be clearly defined. This way, individuals are aware of what is expected of them.

In conclusion

The dawn of a new office is our brave new world to be embraced and explored.

We should use its full potential and enjoy the better quality of life and the sense of personal fulfilment this improved working space promises to deliver.

It’s inescapable that the model of a more flexible, efficient, and sustainable work environment will be weighted with expectation and there will be teething problems as the ideology is put into practice. Ultimately, we’re on the path of progress and the positives are multiple; we all stand to benefit from the latest workplace incarnations and should have the opportunity to work better.

Meet the Author

A renowned consultant and motivating leader, with a 26 year career in the office fit out industry, working extensively across the UK and Europe, Stephen has an exhaustive knowledge of office fit out and a proven track record for delivering results. As Group Managing Director and a member of the Board, Stephen has overall accountability for the content of the work and the performance of the team.