Finding dynamic workspaces to suit your situation
We recently looked at the careful planning needed to establish the right hybrid workplace model for the return to the workplace. It is a question of implementing a hybrid workspace for your employees that is most productive and effective. It is no longer just about masks and hand sanitizer. The new model of remote work needs to feel secure, to enable interchangeable work stations between colleagues as well as be relevant to future challenges. What is the ideal workspace?
As we can see, every work situation has different criteria and different needs. Therefore, we need to ‘zoom out’ and look at the whole picture to understand the parts, each of which need to be satisfied. Remember that the health issues may change at any moment and we need to be ready for that too. Some employees prefer to work remotely while others want to return to the office.
Employers need to account for safety, cost and numbers of stations as well as thinking about user experiences. Technology has to be available at the office as well as in the remote space so these must be compatible.
The ideal workspace is changeable
Today most people are working in coffee shops, at home or at the office and often we can decide which scenario suits us most at any given time. Nothing is fixed. The commute is becoming less and less attractive with the rising fuel prices and can be a big influence to simply stay at home.
Workers have proved during and after the worst of the Covid 19 pandemic that they are able to work anywhere. People enjoy their new found freedom and often prefer to work on their own terms in their own chosen space. This autonomy has shown to be effective and at least 48% of employees are expecting permanent changes in this direction. They want to be able to choose their own workspace. Creating personal workspaces seems to have mostly positive results.
As long as we can agree on flexible work spaces the movement is towards creative repurposing of stations, floors and whole buildings. When employees work remotely it results in substantial cost reduction which the companies can enjoy.
Booking your workspace
Sometimes numerous workers need to gather for larger projects. This means they could book a conference center or hotel and take advantage of a temporary station which is close to their colleagues.
Other times, there is a demand for quick changes in spaces. A worker may use a desk for two hours and then move on. The desk is immediately taken by the next worker. These spaces can be booked by the hour or day and is an effective solution to comfortable work spaces which match the need.
Being able to move around according to work needs, seems to improve productivity according to recent statistics. ‘Hot-desk’ has become the buzzword for short time desk usage. This phenomenon probably started organically in coffee shops when they started filling up with remote workers and customers tried to ensure they would have ‘their’ table for an hour or two.
For employers there were challenges with social distancing when it came to ‘hot-desking’. Now that these restrictions are easing off, things are easier and run more smoothly. Efficient navigation of a big, dynamic floor space can be attained with the help of floor maps and special software.
Outdoors
We all know how being around nature improves our state of mind and therefore, also our productivity. When suitable, outdoor workspaces are ideal especially when we could be back with social distancing restrictions at any moment. Roof gardens, inner city parks, veranda’s are all conducive work spaces.
Sheltered work spots are great for the odd weather change and employees who are feeling good outdoors will be more creative with greater work satisfaction.
For these situations, as with large buildings and ‘hot desks’, you need good software to ensure the success of your new workspace.
IFM Platform helps you to create your personal workplace.
Just remember that outdoor work spaces depend on a suitable, reasonable climate and also may include the need for purchasing appropriate equipment or furnishings.
Being adaptable as a company always puts you at an advantage
When your employees know that you have foresight, care about them and are creating solutions for the new remote trend, they feel safer and cared for.
Tackling the new demands of the workplace together develops trust, camaraderie and a shared vision.
As we are entering a new post-Covid 19 era, employers need to show that there are strategies in place.
Check out ALCM Solutions for workplace strategic planning.
Contact us today to set up a meeting where we can discuss how using our Integrated Facility Management Platform will help your business to run more efficiently.
You can email info@alcm.co.za or call +27 87 286 6445