by Shivalika Vohra, LEED, and Jill Di Clementi
The future of the workplace seems to be one of the most talked-about subjects over the last year, regardless of geography, industry, or profession. From the very first day of the pandemic we all suddenly had to pause and adjust to a new way of working. At first, we thought this pandemic would be a temporary interruption to our everyday processes. Little did we know that this change was here to stay! In many ways the pandemic led us down a path that no one could have fully anticipated or prepared for. Working remotely was a foreign concept to many until early 2020.
One thing this pandemic has highlighted is the resilience we have as a community. Many industries and professions quickly pivoted their habits and patterns–not without a bit of grumble or frustration–into new ways of working. This was possible because of the technological advancements that we already had at our disposal, but may not have taken full advantage of. The quick switch happened for most of us because we had tools that could be leveraged to facilitate the shift.
Within less than a week, across the globe, everyone figured out that platforms like Zoom, Webex, Teams, and Google Meet were essential for remote work survival. Before we realized it, we had embraced the virtual workplace. While not a full replacement for being in-person, virtual backgrounds, chat sessions, and emoji reactions helped to mirror our previous norms of communication. Within a couple of months we were seamlessly working remotely and collaborating virtually. “Zoom fatigue” was the new talk of the town!
Now, realizing how agile we are, the question shifts to “What’s next?” Most acknowledge that remote working is NOT what we all want to settle for in the future of the workplace. Some organizations have already made a move to consolidate and take the opportunity to realign, but for many, it is still a temporary solution. Most in the industry recognize that while “work” is happening, there is still something missing.
While each organization has different specific needs, one common thread in conversation is the physical office. Do we still need office space? What does physical space offer that remote space cannot and may never offer? Now that the pandemic has blurred the boundaries of work and home, how do we define the new workplace of tomorrow?
There are no precise answers to these questions. The answer will be based upon each organization’s unique perspective and experience. Here are some concepts to consider that could be the ingredients to your magic recipe.
Culture
We are inherently social beings who like to interact, gather, socialize, celebrate, and learn. The sense of community, need to collaborate, and need to build relationships is critical, and the success of our teams can determine our personal successes. Culture will be the biggest driver in the shift to return to the physical workspace.
People will want to come to work because they miss the micro-connections – the coffee chats, the water cooler breaks, the conversations you overheard sitting in the open office, that sense of being at the “firm you always dreamed of,” etc. These important connections will never happen remotely. The physical office will be the cultural hub, an essential microorganism within the bigger ecosystem that our communities are a part of. So for those of you who think physical office spaces are a thing of the past, think again.
Flexibility
While getting back into the office is essential for many reasons, we recognize that it will not be without change. Flexibility will be adopted on an unprecedented scale, and embraced as an integral part of company culture. We have never been better positioned to embrace the work-life balance we have always sought.
Though the pandemic has posed many challenges, it has also revealed an opportunity to redefine boundaries. Morning rush-hour commutes have been replaced with walks, yoga routines, or time for an extra coffee. Your desk is by your window, on your patio, in your basement, or in your bedroom. This flexibility has empowered employees to create balance in their lives, aided in renewing familial connections, captured the time to slow down, and shown the importance of how precious life truly is.
Technology
We must acknowledge that without technology we would never have managed to work from home. The shift in the workplace, adaptability, and culture was only possible because of technology, which showcases how vital it is in our lives. Whether it was remote learning for our children, communicating with distant family members, or staying in touch with clients, our devices and software allowed for a smoother transition to virtual connectivity.
As we look ahead, companies are strategizing about the various platforms they must invest in to stay ahead of the curve. It is evident that technology will remain at the forefront during our return to the workplace in the coming months.
Well-Being
Creating healthy spaces that focus on the employee’s well-being will be of great importance as we discuss the future of the workplace. Now, more than ever, the spotlight is on employee well-being, and it is being evaluated from all angles. The quality of the indoor environment, the incorporation and association of air, light, or water, the design of spaces that inspire creativity and improve efficiency, all will be the mantra of the new vanguard.
What is the right balance? While every organization will have its own perspective, it is important that each of these ingredients are evaluated in terms of priority to define your organization’s culture. It is essential to understand that a hybrid schedule will work successfully when the right teams are together in the right physical space. Having people just be present in the office will not facilitate necessary and important employee engagement. At the same time, it will be essential to remember that those who cannot physically return to the office do not feel left out. Organizations will have to adopt and implement methods for equity and inclusivity to ensure that physical office space doesn’t create a divide between team members.
The workplace has undergone a cultural shift. The mute button has been turned off, and now it is time to embrace a new workplace that reflects the vision of the 21st century in its true sense – a modern, equitable, inclusive nucleus that will foster collaboration, well-being, and creativity to create the new live, work, and play communities that we have always longed for.
For questions, contact Shivalika Vohra, senior project manager at Spiezle Architectural Group at svohra@spiezle.com, or Jill Di Clementi, director of interior design, Spiezle Architectural Group, at Jdiclementi@spiezle.com.