Hybrid and Home: Future Workspaces

September 7, 2022

Once upon a time, time spent in the office was an important metric of success, and to ever suggest working from home or ‘hybrid working’ would be absurd. Fast forward to 2022 and this traditional way of thinking has been totally flipped on its head. The COVID-19 pandemic saw the office workplace as we know it disrupted and dismantled, with thousands of office employees having to adopt a work from home approach.

Two years on, and most offices are showing no signs of returning to the way things were before the pandemic. Job opportunities are being advertised as ‘hybrid’ or ‘remote’ opportunities and flexible working is the new buzzword on the block. With a far more fluid and flexible approach being introduced to where we physically work, what affect has this had on businesses? Is the office still important? Or will the chit chat around the office coffee machine be forever replaced with Teams notifications and virtual meetings?

The Shift Towards Home Offices

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and home offices, with many companies embracing it as a long-term solution. Home offices offer a safe and comfortable workspace, allowing for better work-life integration and eliminating commuting time. They can be customized to individual preferences and needs, providing a supportive environment. This shift towards home offices has become key, enabling small companies and freelancers to thrive while offering privacy policy compliance and sustainable workspaces. The future workforce will continue to rely on flexible and supportive home offices.

Embracing Remote Work

Embracing remote work offers numerous benefits for both employees and companies. With remote work, employees have the flexibility to work from any location as long as there’s an internet connection. This opens up opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive workforce, breaking down geographical barriers. Additionally, remote work promotes work-life balance and enhances employee well-being. From a company’s perspective, embracing remote work allows for cost savings on office expenses. However, effective communication and collaboration tools are crucial for successful remote work.

Setting Up an Efficient Home Office

Setting up a productive home office is crucial for focused and efficient remote work. An ergonomic workspace with comfortable furniture and proper lighting promotes comfort and prevents strain. Reliable internet connectivity is essential for seamless communication and collaboration. To enhance concentration, it’s important to create a distraction-free environment. Establishing a daily routine and setting boundaries help maintain work-life balance. By implementing these strategies, professionals can create a productive and supportive home office environment for sustained success.

How has the Pandemic Influenced Workplace Trends?

The pandemic has significantly impacted workplace trends. It has accelerated digital transformation, making remote work the new norm for many organizations. Health and safety concerns have led to changes in office layouts and protocols, prompting companies to reevaluate the need for physical office spaces. Adaptability and resilience have become key factors in navigating these changes.

Digital Transformation in the Workplace

The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital tools and technologies in the workplace. Cloud-based collaboration platforms have become essential for remote work, allowing employees to collaborate seamlessly from different locations. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being leveraged to automate tasks and improve efficiency. Virtual meetings and video conferencing have replaced traditional face-to-face interactions, enabling teams to stay connected. To protect remote workers, companies are investing in cybersecurity measures. The digital transformation in the workplace has revolutionized the way we work and collaborate.

Health and Safety Concerns in Office Spaces

The pandemic has heightened awareness of health and safety in office spaces. Companies are implementing social distancing measures and sanitization protocols to prioritize employee well-being. Office layouts are being redesigned to minimize the risk of virus transmission. Improved ventilation systems and air filtration are key in creating safe and supportive workspaces. Additionally, flexible work arrangements help reduce the density of people in office spaces. The pandemic has made health and safety a priority for organizations of all sizes.

Hybrid & remote work: why some employees want to continue working from home

Remote roles suggest employees work from home on a permanent basis, whereas hybrid roles offer employees a mixture of office based days and work from home days. These setups do, obviously, pose some attractive benefits such as:

• Flexibility and freedom – there are many benefits from having more time spend at home and less time commuting. Being home to take deliveries, to look after children or pets, and to save money on commuting, are all reasons to enjoy working from home.
• Lower building costs – employers can plan around occupancy levels and cut down on office overheads such as supplies, rent, and other expenses.
• Safety during the pandemic – some employees might still be worried about COVID. Hybrid and remote roles are more inclusive for high-risk individuals.

Why the office environment is still key to employees

Despite a few attractive benefits, there is a lot to be said as to why offices could be argued as integral to the success of businesses:

• It is much easier to create a culture of support and personal development when you have employees in the same space.
• Following on from the above point, it’s far easier to create a sense of camaraderie by having everyone in the same workspace. Having a central place for employees to come together helps instil a feeling of belonging and purpose.
• In an office, you are guaranteed certain standards by law. There are legislations in place to make sure your equipment is supportive of your health, such as preventing back ache or eye strain. At home, you are solely responsible for your own health, safety, and wellbeing.
• The office can offer a disruption free zone for employees who, at home, may be distracted by children, pets, or household chores.
• Humans are naturally sociable creatures. Working from home is extremely isolating, and although it may be a novelty for a short period of time, ultimately, humans thrive off of social interactions and feeling a part of a collective for something that matters. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, we all have a need for connections with others.
• Despite technology being the best it has ever been in terms of bridging geographical gaps through video calls and instant messaging, nothing compares to face-to-face interactions. Being in person with our employees allows us to receive no-verbal cues and conversation flows far more naturally and at a faster pace.
• Working in an office is convenient for communicating. More often than not you can get an instant reply from somebody word of mouth rather than waiting for an email response or a message via Teams.

The new Purplex HQ

Here at Purplex, we have recently moved into a brand new, state-of-the-art office headquarters that we could not be prouder of in Worle Park Way, Weston-super-Mare. This trailblazing new HQ has changed the way we work for the better; creating an exciting and dynamic environment we can grow with and enjoy after years of lockdowns and isolation.

Benefits of our HQ include:

• Plenty of free parking
• A free gym
• Bike storage
• Instant boiling water taps and filtered water
• Advanced AC and air filtration systems
• Easy transport links, local amenities and shopping
• A large open-plan office with plenty of space for each individual employee
• A large communal area featuring a fully equipped kitchen, flatscreen TV, and bar (for after hours and events only, of course.)
• Seated massage sessions
• Regular social events
• A morning yoga class
• State-of-the-art meeting rooms

We have recently adopted a flexible hybrid working model. This means, for the most part, our workforce are based at our HQ. However, should someone need to work from home for whatever reason, they can request the day in advance with their line manager. Staff may also request a reoccurring day to work from home.

Flexible working can reduce absence rates and allows employees to better strike a work-life balance. It allows them to manage aspects such as childcare and long-term health conditions, as well as supporting their mental health and stress.

Human-centric Approaches to Future Workspaces

Human-centric approaches to future workspaces prioritize the satisfaction and well-being of employees. These workspaces create supportive environments that foster collaboration and innovation. Inclusivity is promoted to ensure diversity and equal opportunities. Future workspaces also provide amenities like wellness rooms and recreational areas. A strong sense of community and belonging is considered crucial in designing these workspaces. By focusing on the needs of employees, organizations can create a positive and productive work environment that benefits both individuals and the overall business.

Prioritizing Employee Well-being in Workspace Design

Creating workspaces that prioritize employee well-being contributes to higher productivity and satisfaction. By designing comfortable and ergonomic environments, we can improve employee health and reduce the risk of injuries. Incorporating elements of nature, such as plants or natural lighting, promotes a sense of calm and reduces stress. Furthermore, flexible workspaces that allow movement and different work styles enhance employee well-being. Additionally, providing dedicated spaces for relaxation, mindfulness, or exercise helps employees recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Promoting Collaboration in Hybrid Workspaces

To promote collaboration in hybrid workspaces, it is essential to leverage technology solutions like video conferencing and collaboration tools, bridging the gap between remote and office-based employees. Creating dedicated collaborative spaces such as brainstorming areas or project rooms encourages teamwork and idea generation. Fostering a culture of open communication and transparency within the workspace facilitates collaboration. Additionally, offering flexible meeting room options, including virtual meeting capabilities, accommodates diverse collaboration needs. These initiatives enhance collaboration and foster a productive and collaborative environment within hybrid workspaces.

What Role does AI Play in Future Workspaces?

AI plays a crucial role in future workspaces. It automates repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on strategic work. Intelligent assistants powered by AI help manage schedules and provide personalized recommendations. AI analytics optimize space utilization, while smart sensors enhance security and energy efficiency. AI chatbots improve productivity and provide instant support.

How to Balance Sustainability and Functionality in Workspace Design?

When it comes to workspace design, striking a balance between sustainability and functionality is crucial. Incorporate sustainable materials and practices, optimize natural lighting and ventilation, implement recycling programs, and design flexible workspaces. Prioritize energy-efficient technologies to reduce environmental impact while creating a healthy and productive work environment.

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