When many of us envision the traditional work environment, several images tend to come to mind. Harsh overhead lighting, isolated cubicles, limited personal space and a sparsely equipped kitchen are all too common. However, the modern age has ushered in a host of changes which are intended to benefit the company and the employee alike. The collaborative working environment has now taken precedence over what can only be called a dull and less-than-productive atmosphere. Why are these locations proving to be so beneficial, what can they offer the worker and perhaps more importantly, how can firms located within major cities benefit from these innovative solutions?
The Rise of the Agile Working Environment
The concept of the agile environment is nothing new and yet, it has only recently become the latest trend to be observed within the business industry. The underlying factors are primarily associated with a shift from quantity towards quality. As competition within major urban centres has steadily increased, companies are now forced to stress customer service and the worth of their product over sheer volume alone. Management realises that much of this has to do with the everyday work environment. Thus, employees are now provided with more flexible hours and office interiors have come with a greater level of scalability. However, there is a bit more to meet the eye than mere ROI alone.
The Needs of the Few are Equal to the Needs of the Many
One of the major benefits of a collaborative working environment is that it provides a mutually beneficial relationship between management and entry-level staff. In fact, many experts point out that empowered employees are directly associated with higher levels of productivity. A positive emotional state reinforces feelings of motivation and in return, turnover is vastly reduced. These concepts are also vital in times of change or unexpected turmoil, such as those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s abundantly clear that keeping employees productive, engaged and mentally healthy is key to the continued success of any business, particularly when working from home.
The Millennial Generation and the Digital Age
It’s no secret that millennials are more concerned with happiness and contentment as opposed to the so-called financial “bottom line”. If all other things were equal, many younger applicants would choose an agile work environment over the stifling atmosphere associated with traditional office space. Some would even argue that this trend was visible as far back as the 1990s with the release of work-related films such as Office Space.
Still, millennials are only one side of the proverbial coin. Digital technology is playing an increasingly important role through the ways in which employees interact with their clients and the surrounding environment. While static VoIP systems were predominant in the early 2000s, these have now been replaced with remote devices and a growing number of workers are telecommuting. This provides management with an opportunity to tailor their in-house environment in accordance with such demands. Employers also realise that the ability to leverage these situations can eventually define eventual success or failure.
Sharing Office Space: The Logistical Edge
A final trend can be seen in the advent of collaborative working atmospheres. Not only can sharing office space provide a greater sense of dynamism, but businesses are able to save money on expenses such as rent and utilities. As cities such as London are associated with a limited number of vacancies, it only makes sense that up and coming businesses are choosing to work in hip coworking spaces featuring customized neon office décor and open plan layouts.
The traditional office environment is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The future looks bright, agile and promising from nearly any point of view.
