Millions of office workers all over the world have been working from home offices since March 2019, either full or part-time. For many this is now the ‘new normal’ and the return to an office environment may not be an easy transition.
Many business around the world are recognising that remote working has worked very well, although pushed on them by unusual circumstances, productivity has not been effected and reduced business running costs have been welcome.
But that aside the hardest change will be making the change from home working back to office environments. People have got used to spending time with the family, being involved more with their children, partners and relationships. Although there will be many that will welcome a return due to finances, mental health and personal views.
Let’s not forget the millions who have also been furloughed during this time (maybe up to a year), and soon will be called back to work to get the economy running again!
We know schools will slowly begin returning very soon with the new government roadmap. Children have missed a great deal of their education and a return to school is imperative as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Will offices have to change?
As the economy opens up and workers are ready again to return – businesses have to consider the heath and well-being of people who have been out of work, or out of the office during this time. What can they do to make sure they are looking after their staffs best interests? Is a phased return possible? Flexible working? Do the staff feel safe? Are they mentally prepared to return? How can they improve the office layout and environment?
Physical contact has been missing for so long people will need time to adapt back to social interaction!
If home working has been a success will businesses decide to continue along this path?
The working environment has changed during the pandemic, and the long term landscape has also changed as workers have now developed new working strategies, routines and new living through the integration of technology.
Office design my change to bring the home into the office
Are offices now going to be more of a drop in environment ? Flexible working spaces where staff can choose where they feel most comfortable in their working life, for business, health and wellbeing.
Business owners will need to talk to staff to ask them what they are comfortable in doing, perhaps they could return on a staggered basis, for example, starting with 2 days a week moving to 3-4 after a month or so. Or is your business changing for the long term and remote working will now be a permanent part of working life?
At MPS we are ready to adapt to this changing world and create a space that will feel safe, inviting and comfortable to work in. Businesses need to ensure that their staff can adapt back into a normal working environment, its been a strange world we have lived in for so long…its a new world!
Get in touch with our planning team to discuss how we could transform your office into a welcoming space for your staff to return.
Contact Phil Eames on 0800 999 6061 or email [email protected]