As we - hopefully - edge towards the beginning of the end of the worst part of the pandemic, business owners and companies are mapping out future plans for employees and their working environments.
Property Director, Karen Pugh, shares her views on what the workplace environment could look like post-pandemic.
“In the last 12-months, individuals, teams and - in some cases, entire workforces have continued to operate and reach targets while being totally separated from their working environments. It raises the question – is remote working here to stay?
“In February Spotify announced its new work from anywhere policy, this allows employees to work from where they do their ‘best thinking and creating’. The policy allows employees to choose between working from home or mostly in the office – as well as selecting their geographical location.
“Without question the latest trend offers notable benefits to companies and their employees. Nevertheless, concerns are still raised as to how this affects communication, brainstorming and problem solving; knowledge sharing; socialising and building working relationships.
“At Elevator we speak to our tenants and founders on a regular basis, we know first-had that it’s the interaction part that individuals are missing right now. Those looking ahead are either looking to introduce a hybrid way of working, or ways to safely just get back into office space for interaction with colleagues, teams and importantly new clients.
“So, what does our workplace environment look like moving forward? Finding the answer to this would be like finding one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets!
“Late last year, Julie Whelan, head of occupier research at real estate firm CBRE, commented that only 50% of office space is now dedicated to “heads-down-work”, which once filled most of the office space. The change has seen an influx of specific areas in modern offices, dedicated workspace; collaborative areas – such as training areas and meeting rooms; private rooms for private meetings and conversations; and social space – open-kitchens and breakout areas for employees.
“The Elevator model mirrors this. Starting and growing a business is challenging; housing SMEs and entrepreneurs across our 21 business centres we know the ‘human-stuff’ is crucial. It is about making space that feels like a home away from home.
“While ‘Work-from-Anywhere’ may suit corporate organisations such as Spotify, I believe it could be the downfall for many start-ups and entrepreneurs looking to scale, grow and shape a collaborative, top-notch team.
“As we look to the future and opening our physical doors again, our team has revamped our spaces to not only make them as safe as possible, but to kick-start the entrepreneurial spirit that has been missing for too long.”
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