Over the past century, there have been many instrumental changes to the modern office environment, which began with the expansive direction of open-plan offices to the maximisation of space driven by the cubicle culture. However, it seems none are as important as the rise of hybrid office design representing a drastic shift in the office’s physical layout and attitudes about where and how people work.
Unlike previous layout changes that sought to get the most value out of every square foot of floor space and disregarding its cost of reduced worker satisfaction, the move toward hybrid workspaces is fueled by the change in the needs of the modern employee. As the world recovers from the recent pandemic, the experience has left people wanting greater freedom in when and where they work most productively. Professionals the world over have recognised the shortcomings of open-plan designs, cubicle offices, and even their home setups. Thus, the new generation of employees now demands flexibility and access to a reimagined workspace that places a greater focus on learning, collaboration, and teamwork – if anything, it seems like coworking is the new future.
Keep in mind that transforming into a hybrid workplace is not just a physical matter but also a cultural one – no interior designer can accomplish this feat overnight. However, with gradual changes to work processes and the adoption of new technologies and services, companies can at least realise some of the benefits of a hybrid office layout.
Types of hybrid workspaces that meet the needs of a remote workforce
There are many ways to introduce pockets of hybrid space into an existing office layout and solutions that unlock shared office space for remote employees. The most optimal office layout for a given company will largely depend on its size, shape, and the needs of its employees.
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Modern office space for rent on demand
One of the greatest challenges in shifting towards a hybrid workplace is ensuring that both remote and office workers are on a level playing field. Ideally, everyone should have the tools and work environments they need to do their best regardless of where they are.
You can keep your teams synchronised by providing remote employees with the option to rent a shared office space (or coworking spaces as they are more commonly known) whenever they need it, whether to access office amenities like meeting rooms or simply for a change in pace. Coworking spaces are furnished workspaces and conference rooms complete with the necessary supplies and amenities that can be rented whenever you need them on a per-day basis and even on short notice.
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Dedicated workspaces
A hybrid workplace aims to decouple companies from its central premises by leveraging remote working tools, allowing its employees to work when and where they want, and reimagining the conventional office as something that adapts to accommodate the type of work that must be accomplished at any given time.
Remote workers should not be disadvantaged if they cannot always access the hybrid office. Arranging a shared office or desk space near where they live allows remote workers to remain closely involved with their team and still collaborate seamlessly, supported by the space and resources they need to be productive.
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Spaces that prioritise employee safety and well-being
After the pandemic, virtually everyone now has a heightened awareness of their personal safety and well-being. Thus, dividing some of your teams to work remotely makes it easier to implement social distancing measures, increase sanitation processes, de-densify the office, and introduce more personal space in every workstation. Naturally, many are apprehensive about returning to the traditional office layout, but a hybrid workplace eliminates one’s fears over their safety and empowers employees to work autonomously, switch between different work environments safely, and arrive or leave at times that avoid crowded commutes.
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Dynamic workspaces
Unlike a conventional office, an effective hybrid workspace does not restrict employees to a single style of working but instead anticipates what they might need throughout the work day. Hybrid workspaces typically provide a variety of areas that accommodate different ways of working, from quiet corners and relaxed social areas to meeting rooms for video conferencing. It should also have enclosed areas that offer total isolation for workers that need to concentrate on individual tasks. Lastly, it is important to be prepared and adapt the layout over time as employees figure out what works for them and what does not.
Conclusion
The basic principles behind hybrid offices and their design are all about achieving a single goal: providing a selection of spaces in the workplace that empowers and encourages employees to give their all regardless of whether they are in the office, at home, or working remotely elsewhere. Moreover, keeping remote employees connected to their colleagues and the company’s culture starts with providing them access to a dedicated, distraction-free, fully furnished workspace with everything they need to be productive no matter their distance.
Get started on transitioning towards a hybrid work model today with our coworking spaces here at GreenHub Singapore! Come check out our green and modern office spaces for lease, fully furnished with all the essential office supplies and amenities, and see how they fit into your hybrid workplace strategy. With its round-the-clock sanitation and green design elements, your employees are sure to work their best in a safe environment that promotes their physical and mental well-being. Contact us today to learn more details.