As the caseload of Covid-19 cases started ebbing, offices are once again opening up after almost 19 months. Several corporate offices, including IT/ ITES companies, Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPOs), and multinational companies (MNCs) are looking forward to getting most of their employees working from their office spaces. However, there have been unprecedented changes in the way how the workforce will function considering that the pandemic has changed things dramatically for everyone.
A few of the changes in how an office space would function seem to be permanent. Here’s the lowdown on five of the things that most office-goers are likely to experience as they resume working from a commercial space.
Fewer desks, wider hallways: The open floor plan, which was not easily acceptable earlier, has made a comeback as companies look forward to creating collaborative spaces for better interaction among employees. Rows of desks are making way for a more adaptable design where people can get together effectively while keeping health and safety concerns in mind.
Supporting the hybrid workforce: As organizations adopt a hybrid workforce model, more employees are likely to continue working from home and visit the workspace in case of meetings, mentorship, connection, and learning sessions. In this regard, companies are looking forward to creating more interactive spaces and social connection points for their employees.
Stress on health and well-being: The focus is now on creating better ventilation in an office space with sufficient natural lighting. The offices are also looking forward to undertaking deeper cleaning on a regular basis while taking into account the wellness of their employees.
Contactless technology: Meeting or conference rooms are being outfitted with videoconferencing or VR meeting technology, touch-free bathrooms, sign-in kiosks for visitors with mobile integration, contactless technology has become more of a must-have in most office spaces.
Social distancing norms: Considering the prevalence of social distancing norms, the per capita office space allocation will most probably witness an uptick. Most offices are looking forward to changing their current layouts to ensure that social distancing remains feasible. For some offices, reducing the density of people will remain a priority.
Most companies have now realized that they need office spaces that are better and resilient. Taking this into account, the demand for flexible office spaces offering various services would continue to be a preferred choice. The office spaces are being looked at as destinations where employees can get inspiration and exchange ideas rather than come to just sit at a desk.
