Evolution of the office

With the development of technology and the globalization of the economy, more and more employees are becoming mobile, spend less time in one room and do not need a fixed workplace. How are office spaces responding to these changes? How necessary is an office in the modern world?

The coronavirus pandemic has brought a lot of difficulties to humanity, but it has also shown a huge number of possibilities! Digital technologies have long prepared the ground for remote work, which allowed us to quickly adapt to the restrictions of quarantine and not drown in the economic crisis.

During the year, about 85% of employees worldwide worked from home. After going through the stages of anger and denial, people involuntarily realized the advantages of a new workplace and wondered about the need for an office as a whole. Nevertheless, as the COVID restrictions were lifted, organizations gradually reactivated their office premises, but with the thought - what will happen next?

In 2020, the international analytical company Leesman conducted a survey among 125,000 respondents from around the world dedicated to working from home. According to its results, 45% of respondents found benefits in a flexible working day. Nevertheless, 58% miss the office and 44% miss communicating with colleagues. These are mostly young employees whose profession is related to creativity or clients. The support of colleagues, which was so lacking at home, turned out to be important to them. However, such employees as accountants, financiers, programmers and others associated with routine activities show themselves more effective when working from home.

Obviously, the office does not lose its necessity, but continues to evolve:

1950-1960
Factory production. The office simulates production floors, but with rows of desks for employees involved in mental labor.

1970-1990
The appearance of a computer. Free-standing desks have turned into booths, and the office into a workspace equipped with wired appliances that require quite a lot of space and restrict movement.

2000-2020
Development of Wi-Fi and mobile technologies. There is flexibility, the ability to "take work with you". Nevertheless, management still needs the physical presence of subordinates in the office.

Present and future
Pandemic. She forced us to leave the office and became a catalyst for changing our view of the office and work. Employees and their managers realized that work can be carried out not only from the office.

Therefore, in our opinion, the future of workspaces is the creation of an ecosystem that will give organizations and employees the opportunity to choose where and when to work. Thus, the work will be performed in three places, instead of one: in the office, at home and in other spaces.

Such employee autonomy encourages creativity and innovation while ensuring their safety. Flexible working hours help attract and retain talent by offering a work-life balance. At the same time, there remains a physical place where organizations can create and develop their unique corporate culture.

Remote work is really valuable as a way to reduce risks and ensure continuous production. However, many business leaders are concerned that it may affect the well-being of employees and weaken the organizational culture. In turn, we are confident that the office remains the epicenter of work, but within the framework of a new ecosystem: home - work - third places.