Don’t wait until it’s too late to plan for your office’s future. By then, it will be too late to make the changes that will help bring employees back. Now is the time to think carefully about what will work best for your business, your office space, and your bottom line. Here’s how to future-proof your office.
How many companies had to face the hard cold fact that their technology couldn’t keep up with their remote needs during the shutdown in 2020?
Not everyone will feel comfortable with an immediate return to work. With safety, productivity, and employee well-being top of your mind, you’ll find happy and motivated people back at their desks.
4 Ways to Mindfully Future-Proof Your Office
Introduce Ergonomic Office Furniture
Suppose your company hasn’t invested in ergonomic chairs and workstations. If that’s the case, it’s time to bite the bullet.
Seventy percent of people sit at work, and the havoc wreaked on their bodies from excessive “chair-living” is commonplace. Many people suffer from heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic conditions because of a sedentary lifestyle. A study from The Harvard Gazette talks about the negative health implications of sitting too long – specifically on the heart. Being sedentary in the workplace can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. The type of heart disease associated with lack of exercise. You can find the full article here. The results of the study are also published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
With ergonomic workplaces, employees will stand, move, and take breaks more often. The benefits include better posture, increased blood flow, and decreased fatigue. Future-proof your office by investing in employee satisfaction and long-lasting wellness.
Make the Most of Square Footage
Whether your office is small or large, be smart about how you use the space. Office furniture that maximizes the square footage like custom modular workstations can include ergonomic sit-to-stand desks and bright colors.
If it makes sense for your company, promote employee satisfaction and productivity by having more flexible hours.
Different shapes such as curved, semi-orbit, and dogbone, modern modular furniture uses cleanable non-porous materials such as laminates, acrylics, marker boards, and social distancing barriers.
If your commercial space is large enough to accommodate hotdesking, future-proof your office with sophisticated cubicles acoustic pod touchdown spaces, and exceptional laptop tables. Employees do some of their best work with just a change in scenery.
Increase Level of Technology
What could be more essential to future-proofing your office than better technology? Invest in more dependable equipment and modernize all your outdated systems.
If your workplace isn’t well-suited for complicated IT solutions, look for alternatives. For example, Connectrac’s floor-mounted wire system allows for easier wiring that delivers data and power cabling without the need for core drilling or power trenching. Make space for a dedicated video conference room, and commit to workstations and meeting rooms that are enabled to support a range of technology solutions.
Create areas for those employees who need a quiet space for deep work.
Be Flexible
We’ve all had to adjust to new ways of living, socializing, and working. The good news is that humans are highly adaptable. When planning for the future of your office, flexibility will be key.
Some employees will prefer to keep working remotely, and where possible, managers should support this. The same applies to those with childcare needs. Other workers may thrive with a 10 am to 6 pm schedule. If it fits your company, offering flexible hours can boost both satisfaction and productivity. Research has shown that open-plan offices don’t work for everyone. Create quiet areas for employees who need a peaceful space to focus on deep work.
We don’t see these future-proofing ideas as whimsical trends. They’re practical suggestions your company can take before it opens its doors to a workforce that may both be hesitant and excited about coming back to the office. The truth is, we want to reconnect with our colleagues, but a few thoughtful incentives will make the transition much sweeter for them and you.
Questions about how to future-proof your office in constantly evolving times? We’re here and ready to help.
Interested in learning more about addressing the future of business? Check out these related topics:
6 Factors Driving the Future of Work
What is a Hyper-Flexible Workspace?
This post was updated December 2024
