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The post-pandemic era of work is coming into view.
Is your business ready for it?
Most employees have spent more than a year working at home, and along the way, they’ve been taking notes. First and foremost, they’ve been working in a space that they set up—and designed—to best fit the way they work. Additionally, they feel safe being at home, where they won’t be exposed to unnecessary health risks.
These considerations will influence the way offices look while employees return. And we’ve been taking notes, too.
The office is no longer the end-all, be-all default for work.
By now, we’re all familiar with hybrid work - many of us practice it. And data continues to roll in about it too. Like from Gallup, which has surveyed more than 140,000 employees since the onset of the pandemic.
Over 80% of workers continue to work from home at least part-time in March of 2022, with 42% working a hybrid schedule and 39% working fully remote. One thing is clear: extreme flexibility and hybrid work will define the post-pandemic workplace.
Employees want to be heard. They’ve been quite comfortable at home, and while many would like to return to work (according to Gallup, 38% of fully remote workers would prefer hybrid work), they’re not exactly eager to return to a place that hasn’t changed in a meaningful way.
Safety is still of utmost importance, but right behind safety is the work environment itself. A hybrid workforce, one that will be spending time at home and in the office, doesn’t want to work in the “same old office.”
Microsoft’s Work Trend Index offers compelling evidence for taking action to update (and upgrade) the workspace: “The way companies approach the next phase of work—embracing the positives and learning from the challenges of this last year—will impact who stays, who goes and who ultimately seeks to join your company,” the report says.
“Physical office space must be compelling enough to entice workers to commute in, and include a mix of collaboration and focus areas. Meeting rooms and team culture will need to evolve to ensure all voices are heard.”
In other words, the new office must be modern, and it must be a space that workers WANT to come to.
What are the checklist items for an improved, modern and exciting office?
Flexibility is at the top. Then, a relaxed and welcoming aesthetic. Finally, the office has to work for workers. That’s why office furniture is such a critical part of the post-covid workplace. This is a tremendous opportunity to make meaningful changes.
You need furniture options that are fit for today’s workplace and down the road. It’s inevitable that, as work evolves, so too will the office.
One thing that isn’t likely to change: every great office setup starts with a great chair.
The truth is, most people aren’t working in a “good” chair. An instant upgrade comes in the form of the HON Nucleus task chair. Not only is it stylish with its Designer White frame option and customizable colors, but it also has new design elements and additional customizations to craft your perfect fit.
Workstations should support all types of work—and for this, we recommend a height-adjustable desk that allows employees to stand or sit. This is a healthy habit to get into.
When your environment changes, so do the possibilities of what can happen within it. The West Hill™ collection encourages both individual inspiration and comfortable collaboration.
Storage is a great addition, as well. Contain storage from HON maximizes your office footprint, and is outfitted with bench cushions for mobile seating. Fuse storage is made for today’s aesthetic with a variety of size and color options.
Now, it’s up to you. Are you ready to create a space that’s tailored—and inspiring—for the next chapter of work?
Reach out to us at HON.com or contact your HON dealer to get started on a new, invigorating and rewarding space for you and your employees.
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