2020 brought immense change to the workforce, swapping our cubicles and coworkers for home offices and mute buttons. Two years later, companies face a unique opportunity to change their office model to serve their employees better, whether that means continuing remote work, re-inventing their office space, or a hybrid model that includes both.
Employees’ desire for a flexible work environment has grown during the pandemic, and results have shown that these work models have positively affected their productivity and success. Companies with flexible environments are beneficial not only to the employee but also to the employer. Flexible work environments promote employee retention, support mental health, and attract younger talent. It also allows companies to expand their candidate pool to hire talent across the country.
While many have adapted to and mastered work-from-home, many companies have begun to welcome their employees back to the office and shift to hybrid work. So much so that there’s been an uptrend of reinvestment into office spaces and buildings. Companies are investing in advanced air filters, better ventilation, and flexible workspaces to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Many companies are also redesigning their office interiors and layouts to promote employee productivity and collaboration among teams. Open floor plans are quickly becoming the most popular design, as they promote transparency, collaboration, and inclusiveness.
The future of company workspaces is in progress and will look different for every company and culture. Leaders need to be transparent about return-to-work plans, open to feedback, listen to employee needs, and modify accordingly. Through clear expectations and communication, employers and employees can work together to determine the ideal model for both parties that is beneficial to the company’s success and the employee.