Trends in the post-COVID workplace & office space design
As we navigate how to live and return to work amongst a global pandemic, a question now on everyone’s mind is: What does a post-COVID workplace look like? Without a doubt, COVID has changed the work landscape already. Moving forward, we expect a number of changes in the post-COVID workplace, with responsiveness and employee safety as the driving force behind many business decisions, from office space and beyond. Here’s what we see happening and why we’re paying close attention the financial services industry’s response.
Mixed time spent with remote work and in-office time
According to Gallup, remote work has been increasing over the past several years. In 2016, one survey showed that nearly 31% of U.S. workers reported that they worked from home 80% or more of the time. (That’s up 7% from 2012.)
But COVID has proven that many more jobs can be done from home—and done well. This has shown that the long-time concerns of worker disengagement and decreased collaboration are not just not founded. That said, studies have shown that there is a sweet spot when it comes to productivity and engagement. The State of the American Workplace revealed there’s an engagement boost when employees 3 or 4 days at home and the rest in the office. Despite current unemployment rates, Stanford University estimates that 42% of the entire U.S. labor force is working remotely.
We expect a rise of collaboration-centric office spaces in the post-COVID workplace
Even though technology can bring us together, there will always be a need for traditional face-to-face meetings and collaboration. Commercial real estate and office space aren’t going away.
But collaboration-centric office spaces in the post-COVID workplace promise to look different than many traditional layouts and models. We expect to see fewer fixed work stations due to a portion of employees working from home at any given time. Desks will be spaced farther apart and will be constructed from wipe-able surfaces that are easily disinfected and sanitized. We also expect to see plexiglass screens strategically placed to enhance safety and help employees feel comfortable.
With fewer work stations, companies will have the space to create larger communal areas that allow for collaboration without close proximity and contact. Because time in the office will be tied to collaborative projects, this rise in shared space makes sense moving forward. We also might expect to see more room made to emphasize employee wellness initiatives.
Adequate air circulation will become more important than ever
Right now, HVAC systems have had a light shined on their role in possibly enabling spread of COVID in some places. For any HVAC systems that have been turned off and are being used again, the CDC asks that you refer to new construction startup guidelines to determine safety.
Time will tell, but it’s possible that, in the post-COVID workplace, we will see updated regulations or standards for mechanical ventilation to ensure air quality within office spaces.
Responsiveness will matter most in business and post-COVID office space design
In the long-term, the top thing we think employers will consider in office space is responsiveness. No longer can we afford to think of office space and interior designs as semi-permanent. When considering real estate and build outs or remodels, flex space should be top of mind, and we should go into it with plans for versatility and how reconfigurations would look. That way, we’re able to adapt, weather, and grow with whatever changes are ahead.
Looking to the financial services industry to follow trends and decision-making
It’s no secret that finance is a top sector in New York City. It’s responsible for about 30% of worker earnings throughout the city and holds a substantial amount of real estate. Because of this, the decisions and steps taken by financial services companies will shed a lot of insight on emerging post-COVID workplace trends, from redesigned office spaces and enhanced UV cleaning or air quality sensors to technological protocols, staggered and remote work times, and more.
Working with us
We’re happy to discuss and help with reconfiguring workspaces and other aspects of buildings with social distancing and COVID in mind. Reach out to us today.
