News in the Channel - January 2023

WORKSPACES

The future of the office: reimagined workspaces The way people work has changed, and businesses must change their office space to reflect this and help employees to maximise their potential, says James Rossell, chief operating officer at Pax8.

The everyday office is constantly evolving but perhaps now is the biggest change we’ve seen. Fuelled by a world dominated by remote working and a growing need to cater to the needs of every employee, the traditional office model has evolved drastically. The ways in which people work are constantly changing and the typical 9-5 isn’t tolerable for many organisations. Therefore, the office space must reflect this change in order to drive the best results. To say businesses have had to adapt in recent times would be an understatement to say the least. New inflationary pressures and companies still in the midst of the repercussions of the pandemic have forced businesses to find new ways to relieve pressures. Change in business is nothing new, but perhaps the biggest difference lies within the workplace – inspired by the introduction of hybrid working and the call for an employee-centric office space. In order for businesses to succeed, organisations must focus on delivering a positive working and social environment. Flexible working key to business growth It is essential for businesses to recognise that while some elements of a role are best completed in the office, others can be completed at home. In order to

be successful, companies must provide staff with the freedom to work where they want, when they want. Depending on someone’s role within a company, they need the right space to function at their best and by simply providing staff the choice of where they can work, businesses are often rewarded with greater results, with employees not only becoming more productive, but also more engaged. Meeting the needs of every employee is fundamental for success, and to achieve this companies should be investing in office spaces that foster collaboration and engagement, and bring the best out of people. One way in which this can be achieved is by designing task-specific spaces within the office – all created with a purpose to cater for different employees. For instance, Zoom rooms are specially made to engage staff with those in the office and at home, providing them with the best possible environment to work collaboratively. Meanwhile, other areas such as board meeting rooms and training rooms are designed with productivity in mind. Additionally, employees also might want to escape from work in their breaks and by providing a range of wellness rooms, employers can allow them to separate themselves and move into a different headspace when required.

James Rossell Pax8

In order for businesses to succeed, organisations must focus on delivering a positive working and social environment. “ ”

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