What Does The Future Of The Office Look Like?

If you were asked what a modern office looks like, your answer might be quite a bit different now than it would have been even three years ago.

Office buildings and designs are under near-constant change. Often, these changes reflect shifts in society and culture around the workplace.

It’s no surprise that people are viewing offices differently now than they did before COVID-19. The pandemic was a major and sudden shift in how people were working.

At the start of the pandemic, many office jobs became fully remote. Now, even as vaccines have allowed for a return to society, many employees want the flexibility that remote work offers. This shift means building owners and business owners have to continue to plan the workplace of the future.

Predicting The Workplace Of The Future

While it’s challenging to accurately predict what the future of the office will look like, it’s possible to make some educated guesses based on current changes and what employees and employers are looking for from jobs.

In this guide from Hokanson Companies, we’ll take a look at what the future of the office could be and what that means for real estate owners, investors, and business people.

The Desirability Of Hybrid Workspaces

Whether you run an in-person or remote office, the past few years have shown that workers like flexibility. A hybrid workspace will likely continue to be the most desirable for owners, managers, and employees.

Some jobs make more sense to have in person, other jobs work well with a balance of both, and some positions can function entirely remotely. But, even people who can do their jobs completely from home may want the ability to go into the office at times.

Overall, many office employees are looking for workspaces that fit their needs. So, investing in offices that allow for a variety of in-person, at-home, and combination roles makes the most sense.

Statistics Show Employees Like Flexibility

While some owners and managers want to rush a return to the office, this might not reflect what employees want. In fact, studies show that most employees are looking for the ability to work from home.

Still, don’t fear. This doesn’t mean the office is obsolete. Instead, it simply means that work-life balance matters more than ever to employees. It also means that office buildings can be more multifunctional, as many workers also want the ability to come into the office at times.

Prioritize Offices Buildings That Allow For Comfort And Space

Because so many employees want flexibility in their jobs and office spaces, the future of the office is one that focuses on comfort and seeing employees as whole human beings. People want to have office buildings that support their work and lives outside of work.

Office buildings and employers that want to retain employees should consider making their offices more comfortable and inviting. This means creating comfortable places for people to work, such as couches, chairs, and quiet areas.

Because COVID-19 brought increased awareness of germs, many people also want areas where they aren’t stuck right next to other people. This is good for overall health, so rethink the size of your office. If employees feel they are being packed in too tightly, they may want to avoid coming to work.

The End Of Open Concept Offices?

Before COVID, open-concept offices were all the rage. They made sense in some ways, as they allowed for collaboration and were also more economical space-wise. However, open-space offices are likely not the workplace of the future.

Having everyone in the same room may lead to more spread of illness. Plus, people who got used to working in their own space and quiet may find working together with so many people jarring.

While some workplaces are still suited to open-concept offices, not all of them are. Think about how people started using their homes once the pandemic hit. Many people were looking for distinct areas to separate their living spaces. This is also what you can expect from hybrid workplaces in the future.

Hokanson Companies: Creating Commercial Office Buildings of the Future

As a real estate investor or building owner, finding office spaces that cater to modern workplace needs doesn’t have to be challenging. At Hokanson Companies, we’ll help you find properties that work and can be easily adapted. Contact us today to get started.