Everyone is talking about the “return to the office” (RTO) and how office space should be utilised going forward.
While “remote” has been better than most expected, many companies are now looking for ways to get their workers to come back to the office. As we are two years into this unexpected experiment forced on us by Covid 19, some issues have become apparent.
• Isolation has been an issue for many since the start of the pandemic but is now affecting more workers as they miss the ease of team collaboration and those impromptu meetings with colleagues from other functions that often spur new ideas.
• Productivity was initially up, The Economic Times reported that individuals were working 48 minutes more each day equating to about 2 additional workdays per month. But whilst many companies initially saw an increase in productivity, others are starting to see that increase wane over time.
• Corporate culture is also suffering; many new employees are missing in person on boarding and a real connection to
the values of their new employer.
As the pandemic starts to wane and more individuals are considering changing jobs the need for direct and casual connections will be increasing.
Hybrid work may be the answer for many companies bridging the gap between working from home or in the office
full time. Developing a hybrid work program must consider both individuals’ preferences as well as corporate goals. It should not be “one size fits all”. Decisions about who works remotely need to be made based upon job function, personality, and ability to support the business’ needs effectively.
In a hybrid model there will be those who will be in the office full time, those splitting their time between home and the office and those who will predominately work remotely. A variety of space types will be needed to support the different needs of those working in the office. Meeting areas for collaboration and teamwork will be essential but workspace for those who need quiet space is also essential. Organising the office layout by providing locations for focus work away from the “buzzy” social spaces is critical. Spaces that encourage interactions or “collisions” will enhance collaboration and workspace that embodies the organisation’s culture will enhance new employee engagement and help teams feel more connected.
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