Why office redesign can help encourage the return to work

The offset of COVID-19 has prompted many leaders to begin reverting to pre-pandemic work traditions, including the reduction of hybrid working situations.

However, many have grown accustomed to the new world of work, and as employers ramp up back-to-office mandates, employees are fighting back.

This puts organisations in a tricky position, as priorities must be weighed up. To help alleviate some of this stress, a study by COS found that redesigning office spaces and creating a more attractive environment can help make this transition easier.

COS revealed that 37 per cent of people claimed their office design has changed since the pandemic. This included more open-plan designs (44 per cent), larger office space (35 per cent), and more collaborative areas (28 per cent).

These initiatives can help attract people back into the office, as 39 per cent of respondents who had an office redesign said it made the work more enjoyable and productive.

Employers stand to benefit by considering the design of office spaces. Those with thoughtful set-ups can help create a space that employees want to be in.

“Having an office that brings out the best in the team is paramount to a company’s success. This research highlights that many workers want different things in order to maximise their productivity and engagement, so it’s crucial to ensure you cater to all types of employees when doing an office redesign,” commented COS co-chief executive Belinda Lyone.

“It seems [for] the businesses [that] have not updated their office design since the pandemic that cost is a main factor, but it’s important to understand that these modifications don’t need to be an overly significant investment, and there are small tweaks that can make a huge differen[ce] to staff morale.”

According to COS, some considerations to make the transition easier are:

• Begin with focusing on changes that suit the majority of employees: Sixty-eight per cent of workers state they want a more ergonomic set-up, so refreshing the office with workstations, desks and chairs, and collaborative set-ups that incorporate ergonomic design will help to drive efficiency and productivity.
• Speak to your team about what types of environments would benefit them: Some industries benefit more from quiet rooms, others from adding more open areas, and others from rooms specifically to collaborate. Find out what your employees are looking for, and start there.
• Partner with an expert to ensure you get the maximum return: While it will cost more upfront, working with a specialist in this area will pay off tenfold in the long term. Not only will they be able to use their market expertise to deliver specialist solutions for every room in your office, but they will also be able to ensure the products used are backed by long commercial warranties.