What is the office actually for?

As working from anywhere becomes more widespread – what is the office actually for? Is it:

• for in-person meetings and collaboration?

• just a place to go when working from home isn't an option?

• for connecting with people outside your teams and the ‘water-cooler’ conversations?

Leaders need to have a careful think about why they want people to come into the office.

Once you figure that out, you can redesign the office space to best serve that purpose.

Generally, it will mean:

1.      Creating more flexible and adaptable workspaces that can accommodate both remote and in-person employees

2.      Investing in technology like video conferencing and collaboration tools

3.      Redesigning the office to include more conference rooms, collaborative spaces, and private workspaces.

The result will be a space that is fit for purpose, and attractive to come to.

Remember, many staff are - justifiably - asking why they should come into the office when they can work just as effectively from home.

Give them a good reason.

Has your organisation already made changes to the physical office environment? What are they?