We’ve seen cubicle farms, open office plans, entirely remote work, and now hybrid office spaces. The truth is that workspaces change as our employees’ needs change, and studies are now showing that people want to be in the office part of the time. 

The way people work has changed over the past few years. While the majority of Americans were eager to get back into the office, 97% of workers desire some form of remote work. Hybrid work still allows for the flexibility of a remote job without the risk of isolation. With the option to work remotely for part of the week, company culture can be fostered in the office without risking your employee’s needs for a work-life balance. 

Your office space should undergo a physical transition as your organization transitions into this new schedule. Let’s discuss how you can meet your team’s needs by adapting to a hybrid office space.

Balancing Home and Office Needs

Find the right balance within your organization. While 68% of Americans prefer remote work over in-person work, 68% of employers say employees should be in the office at least three days a week to maintain company culture. Being in the office has its perks, especially when the layout is set up to accentuate the benefits of hybrid work. In fact, 72% of the companies have noticed increased revenue when a return-to-office policy has been set. However, it’s important to note this doesn’t mean staff necessarily have to be present daily.

The hybrid schedule often requires employees to be in the office X days per week, allowing staff flexibility. Adapt your office space to reflect that. Transition from assigned individual desks that will sit empty a few days a week to reservable office spaces. Revitalize that unused office space as conference rooms or social hubs for the employees that only pop in for a meeting or collaborating. 

Blending Comfort and Professionalism in the Workspace

With your team working from the comfort of their own homes half the week, the office shouldn’t feel like a downgrade. Entice your staff with benefits they can’t get from home.  Implement designated collaborative spaces that allow for seamless connection and collaboration. Manage noise pollution by utilizing conference rooms, phone booths, and seated height privacy to provide spaces for uninterrupted efficiency. Implement styles like resimercial design, which blend comfort and professionalism through earthy tones and comfortable seating. Each space should have a purpose, ensuring productivity and comfort in both work environments. 

Be Adaptable

Hybrid work is a relatively new approach. Adapting your workspace can take time and might need adjusting as your employee’s needs change. As you transition to a hybrid office space, it’s essential to accommodate every team member’s needs. Some people may want to spend their days in the office collaborating and networking, while more introverted workers may simply want space for uninterrupted, heads-down work.

Make the right adjustments for a hybrid office space utilizing Relo’s Workplace Productivity Analysis®. Our proprietary survey with custom-designed questions gives employees a voice so we can design and implement the right workplace plan for our clients, increasing employee engagement and productivity by 25%. Hybrid work looks like it’s here to stay. Adapt your office space to maximize the benefits of your organization’s hybrid work model. 

Reimagine Your Workplace with Relo

Office spaces are changing as employee’s schedules and needs change. At Relo, we understand the pivotal role office spaces play in business outcomes and in attracting and retaining staff. Let us help you reimagine your workspace and unlock your team’s full potential. Reach out today to learn how our services can help you create a workspace your staff will love.

Increase Employee Engagement by 25%

Everyone works differently and your workspace matters! Reimagine your workspace into a flexible, engaging work environment that suits the needs of all of your employees.