A recently commissioned report by Julia Hobsbawm – a social health and workplace consultant – bore the provocative title ‘The Nowhere Office’.
In it, she highlighted some of the issues that had been brought to the forefront of many office workers’ minds by the Covid19 pandemic:
‘[It] triggered an eruption of the pressures which had been building up deep within working life for the last 50 years – namely flexible working, remote working, automation, digitalisation, the expectations of digitally-native Gen Zs…’
With around 20 percent of UK workers classed as ‘office based’ (or partially), changes enforced by the pandemic will permanently affect many workplaces.
And for businesses that work in the office interior design and refurbishment sector, how will these changes impact on their approach going forward?
There is no ‘one size fits all’
One thing we’ve all learned through the pandemic is that it’s impossible to predict precisely what’s round the corner – and office design is no different.
However many expert panels of planners and architects are assembled to speculate on the office of the future, only one expectation is certain: flexibility.
Many of today’s (and more of tomorrow’s) office workers want the option to work remotely or in situ, collaboratively or in isolation, sitting or standing etc.
With this focus on worker wellbeing in mind, workplace environment consultants are creating space that are adaptable, scalable and welcoming.
Examples of measures incorporated include:
Even flexible furniture selection can play a part in futureproofing against worker discontent, with various fit out configurations available to maximise comfort.
Working from home
Of course the biggest departure of the future office may well be from the idea of an ‘office building’ in itself.
With so many people having had to fashion home workspaces in spare rooms or on dining tables, the value of a proper ‘home office’ setup has been made clear.
High speed broadband, video conferencing and an absence of bulky computer towers and monitors have made home and garden offices a reality for many.
Find out more about office design and refurbishment options
Businesses throughout Sheffield, Yorkshire and the UK are embracing the need to update their offices to forward-thinking flexible spaces.
View some of our most recently completed projects – or, if you’d like to discuss your business goals, get in touch to speak to a member of our helpful team.