Being “connected” and the office environment after Covid_19

Before Covid-19 we already had more and more clients requesting agile working in their office environments. Wanting different spaces their employees can work in to allow for both the introverts and extroverts, to enable them to be connected wherever they choose to work and forming spaces which don’t necessarily have titles.

But what does being “connected” actually mean?

 

When working from home we all have the software and technology to keep us connected. Connected to clients and colleagues and connected to complete day to day tasks. However, connectivity isn’t enough for extrovert workers and they may find isolating at home uncomfortable and ultimately lonely.  It isn’t a new understanding that humans are social creatures and we endeavour to engage in face to face interaction.  Everyone will be experiencing working from home differently due to the many distractions we are faced with, but it’s important to realise colleagues and employees may be feeling detached even if they are well connected.

With this is mind, human connectivity is very much going to be a design trend when we are back working in the office. We have already seen a movement in office design between home and the work environment. With everyone now experiencing working from home, it’s important we embrace this blend of styles and create spaces where we are able to undertake our tasks in a varied manner.

Furthermore, here are five key things to think about when remodelling your office space after Covid_19:

· Create zones within the floor plan to encourage ‘accidental’ meetings.

· Blend the home and workplace settings so you are unable to identify or give names to the spaces because they are so varied

· Include ergonomic task chairs within the different working environments, not just at desks.

· Encourage human connectivity to drive ideas and solve problems.

· Furniture should include built in technology to maximize connectivity.