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One universal truth emerged about work in 2020: the purpose and function of the office has changed.
Whether that’s a permanent change remains to be seen, but the immediate future of a once-constant presence in our working lives is cloudy at best. A flexible, hybrid workforce has made its voice loud and clear in support of a model that puts less focus on in-office work and more focus on choice.
According to research from FlexJobs, nearly 40 million Americans are expected to work remotely (at least part time) in 2021.
A study conducted by the University of Chicago found that 30% of people are more productive and engaged when working from home. This is all to emphasize the changing dynamic of the workplace, and how companies can (or should) adapt to this new type of worker.
The next question may be, “where do those companies start?” And it’s a good question.
After more than a year of working from home, employees want to return to an office—part time or full time—that’s markedly different from the one they said goodbye to in early 2020.
Featured Products: Mav™ and Astir™
What Does the Hybrid Workplace Look Like?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the hybrid work model.
There are, however, opportunities for companies to design workspaces that adapt to workers’ changing needs and create an inviting and inspiring work environment.
The reality is that employees now, more than ever, have options; an Owl Labs study about remote and hybrid work found that nearly 60% of respondents were more likely to consider an employer who offers flexible or remote work.
Adjectives like “relaxed” and “comfortable” represent both how your employees should feel in the office and how the office should make them feel. When flexibility is a desirable quality in a career, companies need to show that they’re making workers’ wants a priority.
Otherwise, you run the risk of losing talent that can help your business prosper. The trend of upgrading the office to become more of a destination had been in the offing before COVID-19, but the pandemic only accelerated it.
We have a few solutions to get you on the right track.
Mav™ Single Lounge Seating and the contemporary West Hill™ collection from HON feature modern pieces that add a mid-century aesthetic to the office, bringing in classic colors and textures that put teams at ease while allowing them to do their best work.
Personal touches (think of the comforts of home) add to this experience, as well; as people move between home and the office, ensuring the two dynamics are similar is an important part of the office holding its place.
Sit-to-stand workstations and flexible work areas can help employees avoid becoming sedentary and keep things fresh throughout the day.
Featured Product: Empower®
What Tools Do Hybrid Workers Need to be Successful in the New Office?
Let’s get right to it: the furniture sets the tone in the office, particularly when we’re talking about attracting (and retaining) a hybrid workforce.
The workplace should be somewhere they want to be, because it offers everything they need to do their best work in a setting that’s warm, modern and (dare we say) fun. That’s where the aforementioned HON solutions really shine.
Astir™ Collaborative Work is another new offering that’s perfect for the hybrid office. Like Mav™ and West Hill™, stylish hues and a sleek look give Astir™ a welcoming vibe—and it offers the ability to bring people together for meetings, brainstorms or just quick chats during the day.
This ties back into the transition between home and the office, as mentioned earlier. The flexible workspace, combined with comfort and the ability to relax in that space, are among the aspects workers like about being at home. Borrowing from the home to inspire the office will be impactful.
Furniture that’s comfortable and supportive, coupled with flexible workstations, are exactly what the hybrid worker wants. Whether your office is a smaller space or larger with an open floor plan, a product like the newly released Workwall tack zone solution will transform where and how people work.
Featured Product: Workwall
Workwall is completely customizable and will match any office’s aesthetic, and it can be personalized for a potential new look you’re considering. Employees can also customize a Workwall to make it feel more like home, with accessories for hanging family photos, displaying personal items and more.
Workwall helps people stay organized and on schedule, and it can quickly shift into a collaborative oasis in the office.
Ready to upgrade your office for the hybrid workforce? Now’s the time to get started. Visit hon.com for more information or to speak to a member of our team.