Pond Ingenuity V26 I1 - Winter 2022

12 Pond | www.pondco.com T he chal lenges presented from the last few years have transformed how we use the office permanently. While the physical office remains an important collaborative center, remote work isn’t going anywhere. In June of 2021, an estimated 42% of the U.S. labor force was working from home full time. The data is clear -- many employees are enjoying the flexibility of working from home. Conversely, some professionals prefer the flexibility of choice. According to a recent survey, 63 percent of the workforce now prefer to alternate between on-site and remote places of work. Whether you work from home or work in an office, there’s no doubt the idea of the traditional office is changing. For one, space is being used quite differently. There’s a focus on prioritizing places for collaboration and interactive meetings. This shift is so prominent that some furniture manufacturers are also pivoting and increasing their offerings for home office lines. Balancing Distinct Working Style s How do businesses lean into being flexible and adaptable, giving employees what they need to be successful all the while doing so cost-effectively? The challenge is finding a balance between the groups of people who want to continue working remotely, providing space for those who miss the collaboration found in the office setting, and offering a choice for those who want the flexibility. Organizations that realize there’s no one-size-fits-all approach will be a step ahead. Creating an environment that supports both in-office and remote workers will serve as a differentiator, attracting top talent in the current talent challenge, and bolstering a stronger, more resilient business. So how do we design a space that ticks all the boxes? People are craving choice. It’s a human-centric office designed around flexibility, mobility, and intention. Embrace Flexibility And Mobility To build flexible spaces, you must ask the hard questions. Are we over- investing in real estate? Should an allowance be provided to employees to design their home offices if dedicated space won’t be provided in the traditional office setup? The key is to realize employees are in different phases of thei r l i fe and careers. Determine what these phases are and create “worker profiles.” This wi l l al low future planning and needs to become clear, and leaders can easily determine what space is needed. To further reassess the use of space, categorizing areas for particular use can be helpful. Designated zones for communal space welcoming collaboration, no phone zones for quiet concentration, and reservable soundproof booths for private phone calls can all be considered. Re-Think The Footprint Part of this transformation is rethinking the footprint of the office. Do we still need the campus-style headquarters some companies were building in pre-pandemic times? Possibly, but more likely, we will see smarter distribution of space with less offices and cubes and more collaboration space featuring adaptable design such as moveable barriers or tables Intentional Design As workers who have been remote for some time consider a return to the office, missing the creature comforts of home will be a difficult part of the transition. As a result, we’re seeing tons of home-inspired office trends popping up aiming for a more comfortable and less formal feel. No more sterile cubes lacking personal touch -- humans want their spaces to reflect their identities. This might look like workplaces with more comfortable chairs, warm lighting, curtains, and other cozy textiles. A few years ago, we saw the shift with hotels to create spaces that not only are clean but feel clean. This was indicated by the switch to white linens and white bathrooms, which makes people feel more comfortable and confident in the cleanliness of their surroundings. This trend is making its way to social spaces in offices as well. The biophilic trend, the design concept that increases occupant connectivity to the natural environment, also continues to live on. People associate the outdoors and fresh air with health and wellness. Integrating elements of nature in workspaces can help employees feel more comfortable and safer especially in times of heightened anxiety surrounding public health. Working with Experts Working with design professionals to help determine a customized solution is one way to combat the challenge. Pond’s architecture and interiors teams have vast experience working with a number of clients to create tailored built environments that reflect the true identity of an organization and create a positive atmosphere for the people who utilize the space most. Anna Dis Sveinbjornsdottir, LEED AP, ID+C Director of Interior Design Individual Spaces Collaboration Spaces Amenities Social | Learning As companies move toward a more flexible model, that number is expected to fall by In June of 2021, an estimated of the U.S. labor force was working from home full time Historical Office Future Office Amenities Individual Spaces Social | Learning Collaboration Spaces Nicholas Bloom, Standford Economist news.stanford.edu/2020/06/29/snapshot-new-working-home-economy/ Before the pandemic, individual desks took up an average of of office space Pond Ingenuity Winter 2022 13