Why Companies Aren’t Compromising On the Office Spaces
The pandemic has highlighted the work from home culture for maintaining health and safety protocols. After two years post Covid-19, the offices have now shifted to hybrid mode as both the employer and the employees find the work from home set up more productive and sustainable. However, even though physical presence of the employees in the office decreased substantially, the offices are really not looking into cutting down on the office spaces as it was expected and predicted at the beginning as the world started opening up after the pandemic.
WHY COMPANIES AREN’T COMPROMISING ON THE OFFICE SPACES
Researchers state that the cuts in office space imply big reductions in the density of the office, not space. Let’s discuss why:
- Post pandemic, high density at the workplace seems uncomfortable. Many employees dislike too many people hovering around their desks. There remains discomfort even in the lobbies, kitchens, canteens, and especially the elevators. The only possible way to reduce the density is to cut days on site without cutting on to the space.
- In order to attract and retain talented employees, the employers have to inculcate changes to bring forth the talent onsite so that the future office conditions seem to be inviting. Tightly packed cubicles are complete no-nos these days. Spacious, lounge-style, open seating plans are taking its space.There will not be any tightly packed cubicles,The meeting rooms should accommodate a mix of employees who are in as well as the remote participants. The cubicles must be sound proof to handle video conferencing and webinars as well. And these are making sure that the businesses retain enough office space.
- The businesses are reshaping the offices to make it much more inviting with social spaces that encourage face-to-face collaborations, creativity, and profitable interactions. Many renowned organizations have brought in tech-free reflection zones, yoga and other wellness areas, comfortable conference rooms like a lounge, expandable dining areas, presence of couches, installing white board for collaborative team activities, etc. Introducing amenities like restaurants, gym, entertainment opportunities and cultural venues, conveyance facilities will make it easier to bring employees back to office.
What do you think the above measures will prove to be fruitful towards retaining employees and encouraging them to come to office? Or it will only prove to be futile expenses done by the businesses? Share your views in the comments.
Also, read our article on: “6 Office Space Design Trends for 2022“