The office culture has changed significantly in the past year and it will continue to evolve over the months to come. Today, it is integral to have a workspace that is both functional and flexible to meet evolving business needs. As the recent health crisis has altered the way a workspace is used, it will do companies good to restore a sense of balance by integrating technology, wellness, and design through workplace amenities.
Tech Trends
Embracing technology in the workplace is a smart move for any organisation. With the shift in working behaviours, there is a growing demand for technologies that will enable organisations and their team members to work smoothly, no matter where they are.
From project management software, virtual desktops, video conferencing setups, these tools are great to have for uninterrupted performance. While these technology may be limited in a home setup, they are easy to run in a flexible office environment. Flexible workspace providers like Compass Offices are already equipped with the essential tech and backup needed to ensure business continuity – from reliable high speed Wi-Fi connectivity, enterprise-grade IT infrastructure, and access to plug-and-play ready virtual meetings.
Having an office solely for physical space is out of date in today’s business landscape. It must be capable to meet the upsurge in digital technologies like virtual workspaces, video conferencing, and increased cybersecurity. You can save time, overhead costs, and maintenance expenses by opting for a shared office space that offers the IT solutions you need to be productive.
Wellness Trends
The wellness factor is something companies are heeding with greater caution now. In the past year, physical and mental health issues have taken a toll on many individuals, and one of the current growing workplace wellness trends is to combat stressors for employees feeling isolated at home.
Today, most companies have basic workplace guidelines for employees to feel at ease being at work, among them regular sanitisation of common touchpoints and areas and setting up sanitising amenities. A more popular safety measure companies are adopting today is having employees on a hybrid working schedule – with half of the workforce at home and another half in the office at any given time, the office can be spaced out further to ensure safe distancing.
But to further boost the wellness factor and enhance the quality of the working environment, companies are going for workspace that comes with qualities such as uplifting views, greenery, good natural daylight, optimum lighting and acoustics, as well as good indoor air quality.
Outdoor spaces like rooftop, balconies and terraces are also preferred by some companies to provide employees with a relaxing respite. According to this article from The Guardian, it is said that offices that were supplied with outdoor air experienced up to 35% less short term sick leaves among employees.
The commitment to support employee wellness and well-being does not stop here. There has been a notable rise in businesses that offer lounge spaces for breaks and auxiliary training for employees on resilience and mental health awareness issues. This lets employees settle at work with ease, build grit, and positively impact productivity levels.
Design Trends
Adaptive workspace will grow in popularity as the attitude toward the role of office space changes. Businesses need the office of the future to be flexible, and the post-covid environment has accelerated this realisation.
With flexible office spaces, companies are learning the agility they have to design the workspace that fits their business needs, whether to have a hybrid workplace, to set up a satellite office, interim offices, or customising a workspace with features unique to their own.
One big rise to the workplace design trends is the creation of purposeful space, which can increase productivity levels and employee retention. Companies repurpose office space or rework unused office space to create value-adding features such as games and entertainment nooks, sports and fitness room, and lounges for resting (think Google nap pods!). Flexible office space providers like Compass Offices has build-to-specification services and Enterprise Solutions that are available for companies that are looking for particular spatial needs.
Many companies today choose to go straight to flexible office spaces for business-ready workspace to reduce capital expenditure, and be able to maintain workspace agility. From fully-furnished private and secure offices, boardrooms and meeting rooms for formal discussions, to business booths for focused working as well as business lounges to unwind and recharge, flexible office space is a go-to workspace solution that hits the tech, wellness and design amenities trifecta.
A Balanced Workspace
The workplace is not like it used to be. Businesses have changed the way they use their offices to take in consideration of the office culture and needs of its employees. By taking these workplace amenities trends into account, you will foster a balanced and productive environment for the good of your workforce.