A hybrid working environment is a model that blends remote and in-office work. The reasons for using this business practice vary. Some companies see it as a chance to increase efficiency and become more cost-effective. Staggering in-office attendance often creates a need for less physical office space. Other companies might provide a hybrid option to their employees as a benefit. A properly designed hybrid workspace provides a resource for workers to meet, connect, and perform work in an office space. But it also needs to allow for in-office workers to work seamlessly with their remote team members.
Our commercial office furniture can help build different spaces for different work purposes and connections. This space provides workers with resources that can help them in and out of the office. There are several key elements to a hybrid space. The design depends on a worker’s needs.
What do Employees Need?
An employee needs the necessary tools and space to do their job. For some, this may mean large, open collaborative workspaces. For others, this may mean private cubicles for focused work. But the majority of the time, both types of spaces are needed at different times. The worker needs can be identified by the type of work they do.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Do they work on collaborative projects often?
- Does the person need a quiet space for focused work?
- Is there often shoulder-to-shoulder mentoring happening?
- How does the number of workers in my office vary?
- Why do workers typically choose to come to the office?
- Will desks be assigned or is seating flexible?
The answers to these questions can help guide the type of workspaces you will need in your office. While the answers differ for every business, the following spaces are found in a normal hybrid workspace.
The Collaborative Space
In many hybrid working spaces, the bulk of in-office work includes collaboration. Sometimes the collaboration area is a conference room, but these tend to be in high demand if this is the only space available. A well-planned hybrid office will include multiple areas for group work that can vary with the number of participants and the purpose of the interaction.
Tech needs to be a part of any collaborative area so that connection can be made.
Aesthetics, comfort, functionality, and amenities are all elements that need to be considered when designing a collaborative space. Great designs make workers feel welcomed to the space and encouraged to work together. These spaces often include lounge seating, to bring a bit of home to the office. A key to accommodating the hybrid workforce is flexibility. Moveable partitions help make spaces for smaller groups but when rearranged accommodate larger meetings.
The Personal Space
The amount of personal work space that is needed often depends on the number of in-office days required and whether or not work schedules are staggered. When workers work out of the office they usually are able to give themselves the privacy and focused space they need. Workers should find the same privacy and have the same space when they come into the office. Provide proper desk space and a place that has few distractions and limited disruptions for detailed work. This can be found in sound-dampening or acoustic furniture. The tech in acoustic furniture helps absorb sound, muffling it or limiting how far the sound can travel. This tech is used in pieces from seating to panels, and modern cubicles. In larger spaces that don’t offer closed-off areas, often acoustic furniture helps limit noise distractions.
Provide ample desk space and an office that has little distraction and limits disruption for detailed work.
Solo privacy pods are becoming more and more common in the workplace. Pods are either completely enclosed or partially, with both versions reducing noise. Some completely encapsulated pods have smart features such as independent climate control and can provide custom lighting. The level of privacy needed from a personal space depends on the work and the worker. No matter the type, include some form of personal workspace within a hybrid working environment.
Staying Connected
Common struggles for distant and separated teams include keeping a sense of connection and keeping company culture. A hybrid office has a mix of office and remote workers that vary on any given day. Tech needs to be a part of any connective area so that connection can be built. This may come in the form of big screens or tech hookups for laptops.
Creating a cohesive space organized by use can help limit the distractions and increase efficiency in the office.
Although a worker might not be in the office they still need to have channels to communicate with workers and, or management. Encouraging group chat, team lunches, and having the resources to do so helps incorporate employees working remotely. Some offices might have private areas where they can also conduct small meetings or one-on-ones. It is important to keep employees involved in the day-to-day even though they might not be in the office. Providing workers with the proper resources is necessary to keep employees connected.
Hybrid Workspace Zones
There are many different areas in the hybrid workspace that serve different purposes. It is helpful to think of these separate areas as zones. Building zones through the office for different reasons can help with efficiency and productivity. A hybrid workspace can integrate focus zones, collaborative zones, training zones, and stations. Also, they allow the team to move between these spaces easily. The needs of hybrid workers change based on who is in the office and what their work needs are for the day, so having zones for each type of work accommodates their needs. Creating a cohesive space organized by use can help cut down on distractions and increase efficiency in the workplace.
Many companies view hybrid work as an opportunity to increase efficiency and become more cost-effective.
When building a hybrid workspace it is key to keep a worker’s needs in mind. Does a worker need a lot of focused space? Is collaborative space more needed? These are all questions that need to be asked. Giving employees the resources they may not be able to find outside of the office is key. Companies need to make changes to the office to meet the needs of the growing hybrid workforce. While some businesses do not need as much space and are starting to downsize, other businesses are making better use of the space that they have. With fewer employees in the office, there is space to build an ideal work space for a hybrid team.
Is your office ready for a hybrid workforce? StrongProject can create a custom design to help your team thrive.
Want to learn more about designing a hybrid office? Check out our comprehensive guide!
