One-Size-Fits-None: Designing a Future Workplace Model That’s Right For You
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As we are presented with a post-pandemic working world, we are challenged to rethink not only how our offices should function, but how we can create a more meaningful, multi-functional environment for the next generation of workers.
The future of work is not one-size-fits-all
We believe that each company has their own unique workplace needs. While some teams are working remotely, others may find themselves practicing a hybrid approach that balances both in office and at home settings.
As a result of COVID-19, the function of our workplaces will forever be different. We must now look to incorporate new health and wellness practices, integrated technologies, and ultimately bring to life a newfound form of collaboration.
At Studio Eagle, we continue to encourage open conversations around the future of work as we listen and learn from each other and industry experts. From understanding newfound perspectives on meeting in person, to creative approaches that ensure all teams feel included, we are here to imagine the office of the future together.
Jess Spataro, Brand Director/Strategist Lead
The Office of Yesterday
We believe COVID-19 further revealed that the office of yesterday was considerably flawed. Often, the spaces we found left team members feeling congested with a lack of activity driven open areas. Individual offices built along the window line, and workstations packed within an open office space arguably presented not only a sense of isolation, but a lack of collaboration.
With these arrangements, attendance was not necessarily activity driven which can now be considered a cornerstone of the future of the office. The pandemic challenged us to question what we found familiar and welcomed teams a unique opportunity to rewrite the way we work.
Mark Lo Bue, Workplace Strategy Director
Lite Transformation
Here we experiment with the creation of a lite office space transformation.
With the removal of several window-lined offices to create a more open work space, and the conversion of offices into huddle rooms, a greater appreciation and opportunity for collaboration reveals itself.
This model balances areas for heads-down work and community interaction with multiple opportunities for varied collaboration styles.
Having messaging that isn’t alarming but rather a creative approach to nudge teams around the space I believe is the way forward in our workspaces.
Melissa Cortez, Senior Business Development Director, 71 Visuals
There needs to be a level of in person collaboration in everything we do. I believe everyone has a fresher perspective on the need to meet in person.
Michael Wachter, Principal, The Rock Brook Consulting Group
Moderate Transformation
Here we experiment with the creation of a moderate office space transformation.
Building upon the prior model with a removal of several window-lined offices to create a more open work space and varying collaborative and individual zones, team members are encouraged to perform certain activities with appropriate accommodation. Remaining office walls are retrofitted with glass fronts for greater natural light distribution and transparency to each other.
This model takes a position towards a hybrid approach with support to touchdown, produce, and then retreat in the working day as needed. There is also a higher emphasis on a reduction of hierarchy.
We’ve noticed more modular lounge furniture is in demand that allows for a natural delineation of space and a support in activity based working that balances focus work.
Matthew Negron, President and COO, Dauphin
From the standpoint of the technology advancement we’ve been seeing, I believe we need to ask ourselves, ‘How do we ensure all teams feel included both in office and at home?’
Melissa Cortez, Senior Business Development Director, 71 Visuals
Heavy Transformation
With a removal of the majority of window-lined offices, the creation of an open workspace is fully developed. The opportunity for feature areas to allow for brainstorming, group huddles, individual work, conferencing, and storage are now accommodated.
This model puts heavy focus on activity-based working and an environment driven towards community, collaboration, and ideation. With an influx of amenities in an open work setting there is a support for a greater work–life integration.
I believe the open office environment is here to stay. We see everything in trends – I do believe we’ve fluctuated quite a bit in the last 100 years, and I do feel the open office always wins out. I think the open office encourages people, place, and culture that is unique to individual companies.
Matthew Negron, President and COO, Dauphin
Now more than ever we are putting well-being at the forefront. It’s really more important now to have an engineer looking at everything to leverage the most of the building and space.
Michael Wachter, Principal, The Rock Brook Consulting Group
Let’s talk about how we can continue to imagine the office of the future together.