2021- The Year Of The Experiential Office

15th March 2021

With the golden light at the end of the tunnel, workplaces are getting ready to welcome back their employees. Despite a year of forceful change in how and where we work, many positives have transpired from this; for those who have yearned for a remote and flexible working style, the pandemic has propelled this compulsory opportunity allowing for the freedom of commute-less comforts such as cosy home offices and work attire, more time spent with family, weekday walks and access to the fridge on tap (although waistlines may not be as forgiving). However, challenges such as homeschooling, domestic duties and internet issues may have also surfaced with a frustrating effect on productivity as well as the (un)popular notion that many are now working longer hours whilst at home.

Employees have been given the space to prove their proficiency and performance in such free and flexible conditions (albeit to the restrictions of lockdown) but with this new-found confidence in one another, it can progress through into post-pandemic life. We’ve demonstrated that micro-management is not necessary and having trust between colleagues benefits everyone – so this is the year that employees decide where work gets done. For some, WFH has been a dream come true, and so they will want to maintain the majority of their work from their own HQ. Our home office division, dufoyer.com has been significant in establishing countless WFH setups through products to help increase comfort, productivity and aesthetics of home offices.

But what does this mean for office spaces?

We as humans are hardwired to resist change, but with change being forced upon us, this (in)convenience has given the advance for employers to acknowledge and adapt spaces that have been in-need of an update for years. As office spaces are no longer now the sole capacity for effective work, they will need to create an inspiring atmosphere that entices workers to retrace their commutes and return to the office. With our world now pushing a greater emphasis on health (both physical and mental) and safety, we’re seeing this reflected in the workplace and with individuals carrying varying levels of confidence in returning to interpersonal normality, offices would benefit with areas that sensitively accommodate to these conditions too.

From comfortable meeting areas for those who have been craving human interaction and colleague collaboration, to private areas that allow for social-distancing giving space to focus away from home distractions, as well as zones for video calling for those who are still opting to WFH to allow for a continued but enriched technological way of cooperating.
There’s a greater need for open windows to circulate air or indoor air quality filtration which not only helps facilitate a safer, healthier workplace for the physical and mental well-being of workers but also can boost cognitive functions.
Tech-free or immersive green areas, where employees can take a break from their screens, can also enhance mental wellbeing in the workplace, people are now used to heading outside for their daily walks so freedom to do this will also be beneficial.

Whilst we welcome experiential offices that provide a flexible environment catering to individuals strengths and ways of working, we also see those faced with the challenge of combining this with the reduced demand for space. This is where, now more than ever, we at Tsunami Axis can help; we create beautiful and practical commercial spaces that entertain the differing requirements in today’s changing world. Employers who require a reevaluation of their areas to be carefully designed to fit this new malleable way of working, please do get in touch.

2021 is a truly exciting year for offices, by embracing the changes and reassessing the workspace in creating an inspiring, productive and safe workplace that prioritises health, wellbeing and happiness of employees means a fulfilled, productive and innovative workforce. So 2021? This is the year of the hybrid digital workspace, where choice is key.