Newsletter Sign Up

Photo courtesy of HDR © 2021 Dan Schwalm

The Future of Work is Flexible

Why technology, adaptability, and comforts of home matter in the era of hybrid work

Companies everywhere are trying to prepare for the future. And the near future of work is all about flexibility. 

According to Accenture’s 2021 Future of Work study, most people want a hybrid model, where they sometimes work remotely and sometimes go on-site. This model means that the spaces people are working from also need to be flexible to accommodate shifting needs. 

As people return to the office, many are looking for connection. A Microsoft study of 30,000 people in 31 countries showed that more than 65% are craving more in-person time with their teams. Which means space to connect and collaborate. 

For construction leaders, the focus is shifting to redesigning physical spaces to better accommodate these hybrid work environments — something that two-thirds of business decision makers are considering doing. Among the changes that need to occur are the seamless integration of technology, making space adaptable, and adding in the comforts of home. 

Integrating tech will make the workplace function better

As we enter an era of hybrid work where employees collaborate both in-office and from remote locations, the demand for technology will only grow. 

According to a recent EY study, 64% want better in-office technology, including faster internet and immersive video conference rooms, better displays, and smartboards. 

From a workplace culture perspective, the way technology is incorporated into a meeting room can influence who speaks up during meetings, and in what ways. As one workforce management executive says, it will also dictate what presentations are shared and if, or even how, chat features are used. 

For hybrid work technology to be successful, it must support employees without being disruptive, obtrusive, or inefficient. Beyond those basics, technology should make workspaces more beautiful as well as enhance their functionality. 

From a design and build perspective, the key is to contain background noise and make the technology feel like part of the interior design while remaining accessible for changes and maintenance. 

IMAGE CREDIT: Revette Studio

Create impromptu meeting areas with adaptable space

While employees may work from home on more solitary tasks and projects, they still want to work in person and collaborate with colleagues. It’s what Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella calls the “hybrid paradox”. 

Working from home has become a new norm for many, so it’s important to think about factors that are drawing employees back to the workplace. Nicola Gillen, author of Future Office, says employees won't commute to offices to work alone but will for specific reasons such as brainstorming sessions, meetings, and collaborative work. 

The hybrid paradox will mean many organizations need to adapt their workplaces for that in-office time. 

Interior architectural elements can be used to define spaces within a workplace. For example,  canopies made from timber add visual interest to an existing space, and timber accents can add warmth to workstations or reading nooks. 

With customized prefabricated interiors, existing open space can also be adapted to create instantaneous meeting rooms. The addition of an elegant and functional folding wall or partition means private meeting spaces can be created on the fly. For example, a large boardroom could easily be converted into multiple smaller collaboration areas. 

Today’s custom, prefabricated interiors can be made with all-glass panels or a combination of glass, casework and even tackable or magnetic fabric panels to provide light, privacy and functionality to employees using the space. 

Such folding walls are ideals for smaller workplace environments too, where space is always at a premium. 

Impromptu meeting areas

IMAGE CREDIT: Latitude Photography

Timber canopies add visual interest

IMAGE CREDIT: Andrew Kung

Meeting areas don’t all have to be formal, either. The important part is they are thoughtfully designed and enabled, which includes thinking about practical needs such as electrical and networks, as well as soft space that can bring familiar elements of the home into the workplace. 

Create informal meeting areas

IMAGE CREDIT: Latitude Photography

Enhance the employee experience with comforts of home

In addition to impromptu private rooms, communal spaces will also be necessary in the hybrid workplace. These spaces foster teamwork and creativity and provide employees with social connection. 

In fact, research indicates “unstructured collaboration” is key for business success. Employees are likely craving social interaction with their colleagues—particularly after spending 18 months in relative isolation. 

Adding a few comforts of home in communal spaces can enhance the employee work experience and be better for business. 

Greenery offers a relaxing effect

IMAGE CREDIT: Hero Images

Embrace residential design — a style that brings in home amenities, layouts, and furnishings (e.g., sofas) — is beneficial for a workforce used to working from home. 

Bringing the outside in, too, can provide a less stressful environment. Even the color green has a relaxing effect on the mind, according to color psychologists. Foliage can increase employee productivity too. For example, moss walls can help to reduce airborne dust as well as increase employee productivity and decrease stress. In one U.S. study, participants working in plant-induced environments were 12% more productive and less stressed than those in non-plant environments. Having a living wall can also break up sound reflection in noisy spaces. 

In the era of hybrid work, the workplace should be designed and built to deliver on experiences that employees crave. Flexible space supports human needs such as collaboration with coworkers, and technology integration helps people achieve their work goals. They offer more than just a couch or a café — they create a sense of place and purpose. 

Share this article

Copied to clipboard

© DIRTT 2024