The Future of the Office

The DL Company have been adapting Workspace for over 45 years, so the current challenge is par for the course, though with some more specific considerations! So we asked MD, Daniel Lowe, for his thoughts on what the future holds in store for the Office:

“We’re seeing the largest change to working practices since the Industrial Revolution, not only that, it’s being done at pace, with moving goalposts! Putting all that together it’s not easy for anyone to make a clear and coherent strategy on their office space. However, life and business carries on and we need to find our way through to ensure our people still feel part of an organisation.

A lot depends on the size of the organisation, but every Company needs a physical space, to convey their identity, culture and include its people in that. It’s very difficult to form a team and encourage people to work together when they’re only ever meeting via a computer screen.

There’s a variety of methods to keep people in the office, from rotas, to screens, to reduced capacity. As pressure builds and leases come up for renewal then big decisions will need to be made.

I foresee larger businesses consolidating their property and creating exciting Hubs, where employees will be able to meet, work, socialise and feel part of the Company they work for. It provides an opportunity to create fun and vibrant spaces where staff can safely meet over a drink, spinning off to meeting rooms that are planned to allow safe interaction.

As office designers it’s a time to re-invent the conventions and find ways to convey the spirit and include everyone in the business for their benefit and well-being.

With access to the best and the newest office partition systems and furniture, as well as the skills to design and install it, The DL Company is best placed to take your new vision forward.”

Office Safety

Many are missing the day-to-day interaction with colleagues, the feeling that they’re “out-of-the-loop” and isolated. This is moving more and more people towards wanting “The Office” back.

The government guidance is clear and by using Hands. Face. Space. we can still create a safe working environment for people to see and talk to each other in a regular basis. Here are some suggestions, which we can help to implement:Ventilation – With the rules outside differing from inside, it becomes clear that fresh air circulation will help. You’re required fresh air into offices as part of Building Regulations, so if necessary this can be upgraded or implemented, to give people more confidence.

With the rules outside differing from inside, it becomes clear that fresh air circulation will help. You’re required fresh air into offices as part of Building Regulations, so if necessary this can be upgraded or implemented, to give people more confidence.

There are many options out there to erect clear barriers in acrylic or glass around workstations. Integrated with an existing system, or completely new we can advise on what will work best for you.

As we come to terms with our new normal we have to fight against our natural human instincts. The best help we can provide is visual reminders of our personal responsibilities. Tape, ceiling hanging signs or even special carpet tiles with arrows can help inform and provide demarcation that helps us remember our obligations.

Careful planning of furniture can provide the distance required to prevent the spread. Be it the “explosion” of bench desks int individual units, or new positions around the office, we can help design the space and implement those plans with today and the future in mind.

The Kitchen and canteen is a communal place with many appliances, Kettle, Taps, Water Cooler.  To reduce the amount of contact in a catering space the advent of plumbed in Boiling Water Taps allows someone to make a hot drink or get a glass of cool water, all from the turn of a tap. This will reduce the amount of hand contact, but no only that, it reduces contact time and provides efficiencies. All depends on how many people you have in the organisation, but a well planned Kitchen and Canteen can reduce risk and provide added value for you and your staff.

Home Working

Although there are certain benefits and comforts when working from home, it’s important to spend the right amount of time and money in setting up your space. Here are 5 things to think about:

Work in an area that provides enough natural and artificial light to avoid strain on the eyes. LED lighting is becoming more common in offices and home.

You may have brought your chair home from work? If not, we would recommend an office chair to provide the support and flexibility required to look after your posture, comfort and back. If you use a computer, the chair you use for work is the most important piece of furniture you own, as you’re posterior is in contact with it more than any other! Be careful not to make rapid or cheap buying decisions that will cause you pain and discomfort. Your employer still has a duty of care in the home, as many are given an allowance to purchase furniture if it looks like the arrangement may be longer term.

Many are perched on the Kitchen or Dining Room table, crammed in with other the other jobs that furniture has to do.  If you have the space then separating your working space from other demands provides a psychological break from the home and allows better concentration and focus.

As mentioned with desks, finding that space can be tricky. Other noises and distractions play their part. We supply and install surprisingly cost effective glass partitions, which don’t detract from the house, maintain light and don’t require the mess and disruption of new solid walls, plastering, decorating. Glass is straightforward and less disruptive.