Work at the office post Covid - 4 key areas to consider

Covid has changed the way we work profoundly. While it was the norm for most to make a commute to an office on a daily basis, post Covid this will no longer be the default way. We have learned new ways to be productive and keep communicating and meeting with colleagues and clients. While some miss days spent in the office, others got quite used to working in the comfort of their own homes. 

According to McKinsey research, 80 percent of people questioned reported that they enjoy working from home. Post Covid many people will need reasons not to work from home, experts say. Employers will need to offer something more to employees than a desk, chair and computer.

On the flip side dozens of surveys have found a virtual meeting can't replace the effectiveness of face-to-face meetings and group work, nor is it as good for workers' mental health as socializing with colleagues in the office kitchen. 

EY, one of the first big corporations in Australia to send its workforce home in early March, surveyed 4,500 of its employees across Oceania. Almost half (48 per cent) want their homes to be a feature of the future office, with 44 per cent saying they want remote working to become the default. These said they only want to go into the office for specific purposes like client meetings or team building. This sentiment is global. Boston Consulting Group surveyed 12,000 of its employees and found 60 per cent want to choose where and when they work, while international recruitment firm Adecco's survey showed 75 per cent of workers want that flexibility.

1. Redesigning the Workspace

A transformational approach to reinventing offices will be necessary. Instead of adjusting the existing footprint incrementally, companies should take a fresh look at how much and where space is required and how it fosters desired outcomes for collaboration, productivity, culture, and the work experience. Ultimately, the aim of this reinvention will be what good companies have always wanted: a safe environment where people can enjoy their work, collaborate with their colleagues, and achieve the objectives of their organizations.

2. Empathy

Management teams should lead with empathy and demonstrate an understanding that while all of their employees have experienced this crisis, they haven’t all experienced it the same way. Some employees may have conditions that increase their risk of serious COVID-19 infection and may be reluctant to return to the office. 

Likewise, it’s essential to recognize that their staff will need time to adapt to new ways of working post-pandemic. Employees coming back after an extended period of remote work may find the physical layout of their workplace changed and their shift schedule altered. Returning to a workplace may require a mindset shift for those who’ve adjusted to working remotely. 

Employees who continue to work from home will need ongoing support, regular communication and the reassurance, that while others have returned to work, they are still an integral part of the team. 

3. Communication

Providing employees with the chance to make their challenges and concerns known may help management teams identify potential problems with their return-to-the-workplace plans. By enabling real, two-way communication, leaders may turn the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity to strengthen corporate culture, increase employee engagement and boost productivity and loyalty over the long run.

4. Aesthetics

Last but not least, this transition period might be a good time to reconsider the aesthetics of your environment. While the layout of your office space will most likely see some transformation, have a think about how your overall surroundings could play a vital role as well. Consider adding indoor plants and wall art.  Art can be a great way to add visual interest, spark creativity and motivate people to work in the office, especially in a time when some might be reluctant to return. Looking at something beautiful also helps reduce stress levels which will be particularly valuable in a time of change and adjustment.