As we begin to approach what a return to the office looks like, many companies are working toward different goals. While some are full force ahead to get everyone back in a seat at the desk, other companies are now keeping as many employees remote as possible.
There is, of course, a hybrid model that is making waves as many companies embrace utilizing both spaces, but again, this isn’t for every business.
Which style of office is your company trying to transition back to?
Fully In-Person
Everyone being present in the office is “easier” for management because it follows the same protocols that have always been implemented – come to work in your designated space, collaborate as necessary, and work face-to-face with co-workers. Yes, it is convenient for last minute in-person needs and water cooler creativity, but it also has down sides with lack of flexibility and forced commute.
Post COVID safety aside, the physical office is a popular choice, especially amongst the seasoned crowd. It is traditional and has already been proven to work. Company culture and community is also important to those who wish to return, as building connections with co-workers is made possible when they are there to engage.
As easy as the transition should be to familiar grounds, there will be a few barriers, such as implementing new safety measures and communicating those with all returning employees, as well as an emotional barrier for those who have taken pleasure in a more flexible WFH lifestyle.
As for the office layout, not a lot will change in this approach. More physical dividers may be implemented or there may be a need to spread out employees a bit further, but otherwise personal desks and classic conference rooms will likely stay the same.
Complete Work from Home
On the flip side, there is a portion of employees and businesses who are pushing for 100% remote. Working from home emerged as technology evolved, but the pandemic spiked the number of those doing so entirely. Similar to in-office, many have found positives along with a few downsides.
The freedom to be home to let a pet outside or home when children are dropped off from school at the end of the day has people craving this option, but, of course, texting and scheduled video calls don’t replace spontaneous conversations with in-person co-workers to build relationships and drive creativity.
Younger generations are heavily embracing this model. Having grown up with technology, it is all this crowd knows and doesn’t feel a disconnect as others may.
With this approach, the physical office would change completely. Many companies may just sell their brick-and-mortar spaces to save on real estate costs and replace it with a one-time supply of WFH furniture and technology to their employees.
A Hybrid Model
Hybrid models are a happy middle that businesses across the country are trying to transition to. This option allows employees to work from home part time but still have a space to also come to be with their co-workers. Hybrid models emphasize building spaces with significantly less “you sit here, I sit there, we collaborate there”. Not only is it flexible in how often employees are coming into the physical space, but also where they spend their time when they do.
Think of spaces that are entirely open to choose where you want to be. They all include open spaces with furniture designed for collaboration, such as white boards and couches, public spaces that include high-top tables for personal work surrounded with friends, individual desks, and closed-off private spaces. This option could allow employees to come find space as they please or schedule out rooms and areas for specific time blocks.
Switching up a building to include very little designated workspaces is a big transition for many companies. It is unfamiliar to offer-up any desk for those coming in and have general spaces for collaboration. But, is this the future of the workspace?
Forcing employees to work one way or another makes it difficult to attract a full pool of applicants. People are becoming more particular as to how they work and what that looks like, and with companies offering various options, they are able to choose what works best for their lifestyles.
After 18 months of trial and error and learning new working options since COVID began, it will be interesting to see which approach takes hold as we continue to grow and transition!