Despite the recent news from Amazon that its team will be expected to return to the office five days a week in the New Year, research into the benefits of operating a hybrid working model is still pointing towards long term advantages for the companies and employees who embrace it.
Improving productivity levels, supporting the wellbeing of your team and reducing your company’s carbon footprint are just some of the ways organisations are benefiting. With research confirming that 44% of businesses are now offering hybrid working to their employees, how can modern office designs effectively accommodate the change in working patterns and the shift in dynamics around how and where we work?
What is hybrid office design?
Hybrid office design is a workspace that has been created to seamlessly bridge the gap between remote workers and those working in the office, to maximise engagement, productivity and wellbeing. This requires a shift away from conventional office design, which typically provides dedicated desk space per-person, and a move towards a more flexible and agile environment.
Integrated tech is at the heart of hybrid office design, to facilitate connectivity and collaboration between teams working across multiple locations.
Features of hybrid office design
Understanding your people’s needs is key to a successful hybrid workplace design. If you’re considering updating your office, a workplace consultancy process can help you understand how you use your current space and importantly, what’s needed from your future workspace. Gathering data, like how often your people come into the office and on which days, and what type of work they typically complete while they are there versus when they are working from home, is a good place to start.
Once you understand what your team needs in order to deliver their best work, you can create a hybrid office design tailored to your business which will deliver valuable return.
Here are some typical features of a hybrid workspace you should consider:
1. Intergrated Tech
- Fast and reliable Wi-Fi to ensure workers can work quickly and effectively anywhere in the office
- Placing power outlets throughout to accommodate flexible working habits
- High-tech meeting rooms with the latest video conferencing software, large screens and smartboards, microphones and cameras, to facilitate seamless collaboration with remote workers
- App or web-based digital booking systems so people can reserve desks, meeting rooms, and collaboration spaces quickly and easily, whether they’re in the office or at home
2. Flexible Workspaces
- A hot-desking system where people can pre-book or choose a workspace to use when they come into the office, reducing the need for assigned desks
- Flexible and adaptable spaces. This could include desks, chairs, and lighting which people can easily adjust to support their working preferences, as well as modular and mobile furniture, and moveable partitions, so people reconfigure spaces based on their needs
- Shared workspaces which can be used by different teams on different days to optimise space
3. Collaborative Areas
- Team zones with desks dedicated to specific teams so they can collaborate effectively when they’re in the office, encouraging teamwork and providing a feeling of belonging
- Groupwork spaces where teams can meet or connect virtually with remote colleagues, such as huddle rooms, open plan collaboration tables and meeting rooms, equipped with appropriate technology
- Multi-purpose spaces for hosting events, training, workshops, or social gatherings can help foster culture. Again, equipping these spaces with the latest tech will mean you can easily include colleagues working remotely
4. Dedicated Quiet Zones
- Not everyone comes into the office to collaborate. Some may prefer to use the office environment to complete focused, individual work. Small sound-proofed pods or focus booths can provide a quiet space for concentrated work, private calls, or virtual meetings
- Features with high acoustic properties, such as panelling, furniture, carpet and ceiling tiles can minimise the travel of sound throughout the office and boost productivity and employee wellbeing, particularly in open-plan areas
5. Storage Solutions
- If you are no longer providing employees with assigned desks, it’s worth considering incorporating personal storage solutions like lockers, where people can safely store personal items like gym kits, bags and coats
6. Wellness and Social
- Dedicated rooms or areas, equipped with comfortable furniture and calming décor, where people can take time out to relax and unwind during their busy day will support employee wellbeing and can enhance overall productivity and performance. Mothering rooms and multi-faith rooms are also important to support inclusivity
- Communal kitchen spaces, cafes and tea/coffee points where people can take breaks and socialise with colleagues can not only improve wellbeing but also encourage interaction and build culture
By considering your company’s hybrid working practices, you can create a modern workplace environment which meets the needs of your team and inspires them to be the best they can be, improving business performance and delivering long-term value.
If you have a project in mind you’d like to discuss, we’ve got the perfect balance of experience and enthusiasm in our team to bring your vision to life. We understand an office refurbishment project can be daunting, so our interior designers will take a collaborative and informative approach, working closely with you to guide you through every stage of the journey. Chat to one of experts today for some friendly advice.