Hybrid Workplaces
Working remotely has become increasingly popular in recent years. A very clear side-effect of the pandemic was a rapid acceleration of this trend. As a result, many people and companies have had to adapt to this new way of working. But how can we work best with remote colleagues and enhance the remote experience?
It’s become clear that the home office is here to stay. Companies have realised that remote work can support productivity, but employees have also recognised its limitations. To strike a balance, many companies are now implementing a rule of one to three working days per week for employees working from home. However, this has also led to a realisation that many desks are now vacant 20% to 60% of the time, prompting the need to rethink space efficiency.
As companies begin to address shifts in the use of office space, Toni Piskac, Interior Architect and Workplace Consultant at tnpx, suggests that this is a great opportunity to think about space efficiency. He states,
As companies begin to address shifts in the use of office space, Toni Piskac, Interior Architect and Workplace Consultant at tnpx, suggests that this is a great opportunity to think about space efficiency. He states,
“Until now, companies have been counting people and square meters at the office. But today, it is time for companies to consider what is being created in the space. To achieve a balance of productivity and space efficiency, it is important to create varied work zones and interaction areas in addition to far fewer desks.”
Enhancing the Remote Experience
Working with remote colleagues requires a balance between technology and face-to-face communication. It's clear that companies must acknowledge the benefits and limitations of remote work. The importance of in-person communication should not be overlooked, and companies should strive to create an attractive and inviting office environment that encourages collaboration. One way to improve communication and collaboration between remote colleagues is by integrating communication technology into a modern office environment. The traditional "video conference room" is no longer the only option. There are now compact solutions for video conferencing that can be used in workspaces or even at home. In addition, mobile video conferencing solutions can be used in lounge zones, meeting pods, or workshop rooms.
Alternative types of meeting spaces bring a different quality of interaction than traditional meeting rooms. These modern adaptions are enabling less formal, yet meaningful types of engagement with in-person and remote colleagues and is becoming essential to how modern workspaces operate. According to Piskac, “You don’t need more meeting rooms; you need more opportunities to interact and that makes a difference in terms of the typology, size or scale of a room, but also in terms of the quality of the conversation.”
“You don’t need more meeting rooms; you need more opportunities to interact”
Best of Both Worlds
It's important to note that face-to-face communication is still vital for innovation and creativity. Making sure an office is inviting is key to attracting the workforce back. Therefore, it's ideal to have an office that is both attractive and functional in a way that’s conducive to collaboration. This will encourage people to come together on-site and develop ideas and concepts together.
Marie-Louise Høstbo, Creative Design Director at Fritz Hansen adds, “Visual appeal and functionality impact how people feel about their work environment. With a thoughtfully designed office, it’s possible to inspire creativity and foster a sense of pride and connection to the physical workspace.”
The evolution towards hybrid workplaces is an undeniable reality in the ever-changing landscape of work. As we move forward, the permanence of the home office is evident, but so are the nuances that come with it. Striking a balance between productivity and space efficiency is no longer just a matter of counting desks and square meters. Instead, it calls for a thoughtful reconsideration of office spaces, emphasising varied work zones and interactive areas over a surplus of desks.
Marie-Louise Høstbo, Creative Design Director at Fritz Hansen adds, “Visual appeal and functionality impact how people feel about their work environment. With a thoughtfully designed office, it’s possible to inspire creativity and foster a sense of pride and connection to the physical workspace.”
The evolution towards hybrid workplaces is an undeniable reality in the ever-changing landscape of work. As we move forward, the permanence of the home office is evident, but so are the nuances that come with it. Striking a balance between productivity and space efficiency is no longer just a matter of counting desks and square meters. Instead, it calls for a thoughtful reconsideration of office spaces, emphasising varied work zones and interactive areas over a surplus of desks.
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