Working from home became the norm as the world weathered the COVID pandemic. While it provided numerous benefits, it also resulted in frequent misunderstandings, decreased interactions, distractions while working, and a lack of communication, among other things. It was unspoken but obvious that complete work-from-home is not the solution. There was also a clear recognition that the synergies gained while working together could not be replicated when the workforce operated remotely. As a result, a solution to all of the employees’ and employers’ problems was discovered over time. It marked the introduction of a hybrid working model.
Working in a hybrid setup means taking an employee-first approach to workforce management that increases output and job satisfaction while addressing the fundamental drawbacks of remote work, such as loneliness and a lack of community. Employees who work under a hybrid work paradigm have more flexibility to work from home or any other location where they can be productive. It is imperative that the corporate world update its rules and protocols and incorporate a new hybrid working policy into its handbook.
What worked (or did not work) in the world prior to the pandemic does not work anymore. Businesses are seeing this as they transition from remote to hybrid workplaces and consider hiring interior designers to revamp their offices. It is necessary to redesign the office space to accommodate various modes of working, both collaboratively and individually.
Ideas to Redesign Your Office For a Hybrid Work Model
Preparing for a hybrid work model necessitates a strategy that differs significantly from what was previously considered standard. Prior to the pandemic, office architecture was problematic, and the shift to hybrid work provides an opportunity to reconsider and reassess workplace layouts with deliberate intent.
Modular Workstations
The arrangement of modular furniture is highly adaptable and can take many different forms. Overall, it is simple to construct and even easier to move around. Because it can be created (and modified) on a daily basis to meet the changing needs of your company, it is ideal for the interior design of small offices and flexible hybrid workplaces. A combination of private and collaborative spaces perfectly captures the concept of redesigning an office for a hybrid work environment.
Communal Lounging Areas
Working from home has numerous benefits, the most notable of which is the ability to work from the comfort of your own couch, sofa, or cozy bed. The comfort of lounge chairs makes working in the office feel more like working from home. Furthermore, it creates a welcoming environment that encourages spontaneous collaborations and socializing. In fact, many researchers have discovered that working in office lounge spaces helps employees be more productive than those in organisations without such facilities.
Places For Gathering And Socialising
When employees worked from home, they missed the informal banter that occurs in the workplace. Conversations over the water cooler or coffee have been sorely missed in the last two and a half years! Consider creating a hybrid workplace for the community that will entice people to congregate. Providing incentives such as comfortable couches, free food and drinks, gym areas, a games and books corner, or even activities for employees to play in the break room, such as table tennis, carrom, or word scrabble, will help employees stay mentally and physically active. Furthermore, it allows them to focus their energy and be more productive at work.
Enclosed Pods To Support Video Chats
Open offices are great for collaboration and provide a variety of seating options, but they can be noisy. Mobile and meeting pods provide employees with a private area to take a video call, relax, or attend a client call. These clear pods can be placed anywhere in the office and resemble large phone booths. Individuals can drop in and out as needed without taking up the entire office.
The workforce is divided on remote work. So, when planning to call back your employees, it is critical to redesign office space based on their evolving needs since the WFH phase. Workplaces that are versatile and inclusive will help to maintain a positive work culture and teamwork. Keep these tips in mind so that your employees can return to work with a smile on their faces.
