The question we should ponder is just how much your office can handle before it can’t handle any more? The Pandemic has shown us that resiliency is actually more important than futureproofing. For this reason, Accordant offers its’ customers the functionality to plan for future change. Rather than just utilizing a software application that works today, the user is the one that initiates strong scenario planning to do what is best for today’s office while forecasting for tomorrow. The application can be extremely effective during a crisis, reflecting the wants and needs of staff and management. Currently the office space is in limbo as we are embedded in an era of transformation.
“The difference between a water resistant (future resistant) and waterproof (futureproof) watch lies in how much it can actually handle before breaking.” Watch Warehouse, May 2018
The workplace is evolving into more of a destination than just a building you work in. The Pandemic not only demanded we care for ourselves and our families, but our co-workers as well.
The future WORKPLACE will likely:
- give people the encouragement to come back into the physical space
- facilitate the coming together of people to intentionally interact, collaborate and educate
- offer opportunities for shared contributions to a greater good
- change its geographic footprint, encouraging an environment of sustainability
- support climate change initiatives using clean energy
- be a destination of CHOICE
- will incorporate augmented, mixed, and virtual realities as a work from home policy be the hub for sales and marketing teams who excel during live interaction
- Wider corridors, on-site testing and one-way foot traffic patterns are already a norm.
The future WORKSPACE should:
- demand the need for improved air filtration systems and the use of antimicrobial materials
- be more sanitary to keep workers healthy and productive
- be equipped with the latest portable technologies
- bring the outdoors in, using natural light and living walls to be more green
- continue to support flexible, virtual working hours that support our home life environment
- expand on-site facilities: fitness centers convert to spas, kitchens are used for catering, meeting rooms handle private events
The workplace was never intended to be a one size fits all. Rather, the business will drive the culture, design and space. As we plan forward, remain mindful of how a destination office will need to be maintained. No drastic measures should be implemented today like releasing multiple offices or shifting to full virtual. This can wait as select teams and or individuals will remain remote for a variety of reasons. Keeping your teams connected to one another, the brand, and the mission is what remains.
In planning your future RESISTANT space, maintain an optimistic view. Allow for creative customization potential as a need arises. Flexible arrangements have proven attractive, and the popularity of workplace wellbeing is the priority. Future workspace MUST remain flexible as none of us has a Magic 8 Ball to tell the future. I’m guessing if you relied on that type of thinking, your answer would be ‘ask again later’ or ‘cannot predict now’.