Rethinking the workplace

The past two months has been etched in the history books as a landmark period where the physical relationship between work, office and home were restructured at short notice. Relationships with family and friends also lend themselves to re-examinations due to the increased or lack of physical contact and proximity. What is the new normal for the workplace?

Firstly, the office culture that has been accepted for the past decades need to be reimagined. I would suggest that the new normal takes place around the principles of connection, convention and celebration. As remote working is incorporated in the new normal, the physical office should now become a place for the tangible, human touch and physical interactions. Experience, values and branding in relation to the office should also be reimagined.

Traditionally, workstations have occupied 50-60% of office floor area. This figure will be reduced and more space made available for experiences (branding, values), social needs (establishing relationships) and collaboration (for complex problem solving). This will allow designers the space to create innovative solutions for the new needs of the workplace. It is now time to rethink and redefine.

Apart from program and function, the basic quality of the indoor environment should be improved. They are paramount to the well-being of staff and form the basis of a healthy lifestyle. The immune system and good hygiene is first line of defence; a healthy and motivated workforce is our best asset. Biophilic design principles should be adopted to improve connections to the natural environment, through direct and indirect nature, natural ventilation and daylight.

It is rational to exercise prudence given the uncertainty in economic outlook, but the need for change is essential. The solution might lie in a methodological approach where improvements are planned and made in stages, and within the limits of available resources. The optimisation of limited resources, therein lies the skill of the designer.

Stay safe wherever you are, and best of work.