1300 368 461
As the world continues to shift from the thick of the COVID pandemic, the way we work in an office space and as a team may seem a little different. Pre-pandemic, we saw open-plan layouts, collaborative learning spaces and the removal of office cubicles, but now? We’re learning to adapt again with a new way of working together. If you’re wondering … “has the pandemic transformed the office forever?” the short answer is, yes. But it hasn’t been for the worst, more so, there has been a major positive impact.
To know how the workplace has changed, we need to look at the new modes of getting things done as a team and on our own. Across the world, companies are determining whether it’s worth renewing leases on their buildings, or if they’ll save more – and see an increase in productivity – by setting their employees up to work from home. In this blog, we’ll be talking about how offices have learned to cope throughout the pandemic, and the changes we’ve noticed in the way we all operate.
If you’re looking at investing in a new and modern office fitout, request a quote online today and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. Additionally, if you’d like more information, you can give us a call on 1300 368 461 and we’ll answer your questions.
How the Workplace has Changed
The Power of Technology
Businesses once took pride in technology’s ability to make working easier in an office space for employees. It made communication between staff members swifter, data collection simpler, tasks easier to complete and so on. Now, technology has become a major hero during the pandemic with the need for communication booming. Employees were able to hold meetings via video calls, their access to company data bases are quicker, and employees can now be online at all times no matter where they are.
Without technology through the pandemic, it’s no secret that businesses would have crumbled, however, we were able to witness the complete opposite. Although face-to-face meeting and conversing became impossible, technology kept us connected at all times.
Productivity & Working from Home
With some offices creating socially distanced work zones, others have opted to work from home. Although this may have been an anxious decision for business owners to make, there has been a major increase in work productivity and concentration since making the WFH change. How has this become a positive solution? When people work from home, they cut down their commute time, reduce distractions and noise levels, giving their overall performance the ability to elevate along with efficiency.
Not only is remote working great for work productivity, but it has seen employees better able to balance their work/life balances, and because of this opportunity, they’re spending time working in a greater, satisfied mood.
Touchless Work Environment
Work health and safety used to look a little different pre-pandemic, with PPE and required equipment the centrepoint. However, healthcare has become reimagined for workspaces, with automatic bathroom taps and soap dispensers, automatic doors and even voice activated elevator banks. Touchless workspaces are just one of the many definitions of how the workplace has changed through the course of the two-year pandemic.
Collaborative & Relaxed Workspaces
The way we work collaboratively and together on projects is just one other thing that’s starting to look different within the workplace. In a previous blog we touched on the trend that is coworking spaces, and although this is booming now more than ever, so are collaborative work zones and office spaces that aim to be more relaxed. How does this work? It includes specific rooms where teams can get together to brainstorm, hold team meetings, work closely on projects together without distractions, and dedicate time together. This would usually take place in the office boardroom or conference room, but now? Couches, armchairs, ottomans, and more are seeming to increase in popularity for more comfortable and relaxed workspaces.
Asking yourself “has the pandemic changed the office forever” is an extensive question, but by comparing the way we work now to pre-pandemic times, you’ll be able to see the many changes that have taken place over the last two years. The way an office operates will continue to change and adapt as we slowly move towards a post-pandemic world, but it’s all for the greater good. If you’re a business owner, and you’re wanting some tips on how to adapt to all of these consecutive changes, take a look at UNSW Business Schools article about important ways COVID-19 has changed the workplace for good.
Are You Interested in an Office Transformation?
If you’re wanting to change up your current office space to suit the way your staff are now operating, Future Fitouts will be there to help from start to finish. Contact our team today on 1300 368 461 to discuss all things office space planning to get your new or improved, modern office fitout ready.
