Over the past year, our daily lives have been drastically changed – namely, the way we work. While some credit these changes as the catalyst for rethinking the way in which we program and activate workspaces, Lemay has been exploring workplace trends and forecasts for several years. Armed with extensive market research and case studies, Lemay’s Workplace Strategist, Sandra Neill, has identified the top 5 key changes in the office of tomorrow.
1. The Creativity Hub will foster deeper connections with peers and the community
Where offices used to be a destination for respective employees, working environments will gradually become hubs to socialize, network and bring like-minded people together. This notion will be activated through initiatives like public events such as workshops, speaking engagements and community mentorship.
2. The continuous rise of activity-based spaces
Offices will continue to incorporate a variety of spaces that respond to a spectrum of activities and working styles. This will include informal and formal collaborative spaces, independent workspaces, both open and enclosed spaces as well as various heights and programming for workstations.
3. The adoption of unassigned workstations
The concept of unassigned workspaces will continue to be increasingly adopted as spaces become more fluid and modular to fit the daily needs of those entering the workplace, similar to the inclusion of more modular spaces and furniture.
4. Support the implementation of latest emerging technologies
Workspaces will adapt and embrace technology to support a safe and healthy return to the office. These apps and scheduling technology, powered by artificial intelligence, will accelerate strategic occupancy planning and enable dynamic occupancy management.
5. Continued flexibility with remote work
Enterprises need to be agile and fluid. In light of unanimous surveys, offices will continue to support teleworking flexibility. Their flexibility will ensure that employees can continue to leverage the benefits of focused work at home, complimented by collaborative work and spaces at the office.
As the return to the office draws nearer, we will continue to see a cultural shift towards increasingly human centric workspace strategies and a new hybrid workplace ecosystem – work from anywhere. Many are eager to emerge from their homes and reconnect with colleagues and organizations but as surveys show – do not want to do that every day of the week. Above everything, the office of tomorrow requires collaboration and must be quick to evolve to changing needs. “The best way to approach workplace strategy is to continually be changing, in beta mode, prototyping and reviewing”, concludes Sandra Neill.
What’s the best workplace strategy for your culture, your company and your vision?
Stream Sandra Neill’s, Lemay Workplace Strategist, CoreNet webinar moderation on the future of workspaces here.
