The world of work and offices is changing more and more rapidly: from the pandemic to the new expectations of candidates and talents, through environmental and economic constraints, an entire paradigm needs to be reinvented.
While this challenge may at first seem like a new thorn in the side of workplace managers, it actually offers a multitude of new opportunities - which come with challenges.
Today it is essential to understand the trends that are shaping the future of work and integrate them into workplace management. This article details four key trends and offers practical tips to help workplace managers optimize their spaces and meet employee expectations.
Trend No. 1: Teleworking
Teleworking, once considered an exception, is now a reality for many businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this transition, and it's a safe bet that remote work will continue to expand in the years to come.
To meet the needs of remote workers, workplace managers must now consider the following parameters:
- Modular and flexible offices: design spaces that can be easily adapted to accommodate remote workers when needed. This can include adjustable workstations, flexible meeting rooms, and informal collaboration spaces.
- Connectivity: ensure that workspaces are equipped with Internet connectivity High speed and access secured to the corporate network, to allow employees to work effectively remotely.
- Clear remote work policies: Establish remote work policies that define expectations, responsibilities, and processes for employees working remotely.
Find our remote work interview framework to clarify your policy!
Trend #2: Coworking spaces
Les coworking spaces offer an alternative to traditional offices, offering flexible and user-friendly working environments for freelancers, start-ups, and small businesses.
Having become fashionable in recent years due to the growing popularity of brands such as Wework, or Morning in France, they promote collaboration, creativity and innovation by bringing together people from different sectors and industries in original spaces.
Workplace managers can take inspiration from coworking spaces within their company by:
- Setting up common areas: create spaces for relaxation and meetings to promote exchanges and collaboration between employees.
- Offering shared services: provide resources and equipment, such as printers, meeting rooms, and dining spaces, to make life easier for employees and moments of reunion.
- Encouraging flexibility: offer flexible solutions to employees, such as unassigned workstations, to adapt to their needs and preferences.
For this last point, in order not to destabilize employees and to preserve culture, rituals, and team efficiency, it is essential to support this flexibility with adapted tools such as m-work. To find out more, Book an appointment with a Future of Work expert !
Trend #3: Technology at the service of work
Technology is a key driver of change in the world of work.
Digital tools and technology solutions have revolutionized the way employees collaborate, communicate, and manage projects.
To take advantage of these advances, Workplace managers need to collaborate with IT and innovation more than ever, to integrate technology into their workspaces:
- Adopting online collaboration tools: facilitate communication and collaboration between employees, whether on site or remotely, by adopting collaboration platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace.
- Investing in project management software: enable teams to effectively track and manage their projects using project management software such as Trello, Asana, or Monday.com
- Set up videoconferencing solutions: Ensure employees can participate in remote meetings by installing quality video conferencing solutions, such as Zoom, Cisco Webex, or Microsoft Teams.
- Securing data and systems: Protect sensitive information and corporate systems by implementing appropriate security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and two-factor authentication protocols.
Trend 4: Employee well-being and health
The well-being and health of employees are increasingly recognized as key factors in ensuring the success of a business.
To offer a differentiating and appreciated experience for employees, workplace managers must fully integrate these concerns when designing and managing their workspaces:
- Designing ergonomic spaces: ensure that workstations are ergonomic and adapted to the individual needs of employees, for example by offering adjustable chairs, laptop stands and palm rests.
- Promote physical activity: encourage employees to move regularly by offering on-site sports facilities, fitness programs, or partnerships with local gyms.
- Promote relaxation and disconnection: create areas for relaxation and relaxation, such as green spaces, meditation rooms, or coffee corners, to allow employees to recharge and disconnect from work.
- Encouraging a healthy work environment: ensure workspaces are well-ventilated, bright, and clean, and put in place protocols to prevent the spread of disease and keep employees safe.
The future of work and offices is marked by major changes and rapid change.
Workplace managers are at the forefront of meeting these challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. By taking a proactive approach and staying on top of emerging trends, they can not only create workspaces that adapt to the changing needs of employees, but also shape the future of work and offices.
It is essential to continue to keep up with the evolution of technologies, employee expectations, and work organization models, in order to remain competitive and promote a stimulating, healthy and inclusive work environment.
Finally, it's important to keep in mind that every business and every team is unique. Workplace managers must therefore be attentive to the specific needs of their employees, their culture, and be ready to experiment and innovate to find the most suitable solutions.
By adopting this flexible and future-oriented approach, workplace managers can help create an environment that encourages employees and businesses to succeed, while shaping the future of work and offices for generations to come.
