Return to Workplace

With the available Covid-19 vaccine and CDC guidelines being loosened, will you return to the workplace?

Studies show 72% of people surveyed would request a work-from-home option two days per week. 87%, if allowed to WFH, would come to the office at least 3 days a week to collaborate.

What does the physical office bring? Team brainstorming, social connections, creativity, access to materials, face-to-face meetings, commute…

What does working from home bring? Focus work, reading, virtual meetings, scheduled calls, no commute…

The task given to designers is to create flexible workplaces enabling spaces to change as rapidly as people and organizations require. The office floorplate needs to respond – creating environments that provide physical and virtual connection and adapt for occupancy levels. This approach supports organizational culture and employee well-being so people can work fluidly between the office and home.

The office cubicle had somewhat of a negative connotation over the past couple decades. The comic strip, “Dilbert” captured that sentiment pretty clearly!

The trend pre-pandemic was to open the cubicles up as much as possible and lower the dividing panels. Now we are reverting back to division for safety purposes! Luckily there are very nice options using glass that can provide physical division while allowing visible connection. (Additionally, HVAC systems can provide superb ventilation and filtration.)

Providing varied collaborative seating and hoteling workstations can address our current workplace needs.

For me, the human connection element is missing from the Zoom experience. I value what the workplace brings to my life – social connection, collaboration and fun! I whole-heartedly welcome the return to the workplace and I hope you do, too!