Ever since the pandemic, the concept of the office has been undergoing a significant transformation. The traditional model of office space, split by departments and rigid in structure, is giving way to innovative designs that fit the evolving needs of the workforce.
In a recent discussion with Simon Green, Chief Information Officer, and Toby Isaacs, Director of Internal Communications, at Pax8 a pivotal trend in the future of work came into focus: creating office spaces that employees are eager to return to, trading the comfort of their homes for a more dynamic office experience.
Modern Workspaces: “More than just a place to sit and work”
The challenge for today’s companies is no longer just about providing a place to work; it's about creating an environment that adds value to the workday. But it goes beyond the standard “how to be more productive” concept. It’s an aspect that is becoming increasingly crucial as businesses consider how best to encourage their teams to come back to the office post-pandemic.
Simon highlighted how their approach to office layout is adapting to meet these new demands. “Our offices need to be more than just a place to sit and work. They must be compelling enough to justify leaving the comfort of home,” he noted. This means integrating new technology and design that enhance both the functionality and the appeal of the office.
Designing for Diversity and Flexibility
One of the key insights from the discussion was the differentiation between city and suburban office locations. City offices, Simon mentioned, are particularly attractive to younger employees who may face longer commutes or live in less ideal conditions like shared apartments.
These spaces are vibrant and centrally located, making them accessible and appealing to those earlier in their careers.
On the other hand, suburban offices cater to a different demographic—often older employees with families, who appreciate features like parking and a quieter environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
This dual approach is telling of a broader trend: the need for spaces that are not only physically diverse but also flexible in their use. Toby expanded on this, saying, “Our office design now emphasizes zones rather than departments. This includes quiet zones for focused work and more vibrant, busy areas that facilitate collaboration and social interaction.”
Additional Amenities: Beyond Basic Office Functions
Another aspect that is becoming important to modern office design is the inclusion of enhanced amenities. Catering services, for example, provide convenience and a touch of luxury, transforming the office into a place where employees can not only work but also enjoy high-quality food and refreshments.
This approach turns the office into a destination—a place where employees want to be, not just where they need to be.
The Future of Workplace at Joan
Building on Pax8's success story, Joan's workplace philosophy reflects a similar commitment to employee empowerment and fostering a dynamic work environment. At Joan, we believe in creating designated zones that cater to various work styles and needs.
Our offices feature "call areas" or "loud zones" for brainstorming sessions and open communication, while "quiet zones" and "library zones" provide dedicated spaces for focused work requiring minimal disruption. By offering this variety, we encourage employees to choose the environment that best suits their tasks, promoting both productivity and well-being. Additionally, we leverage our own room booking app to streamline desk reservations within these designated zones. This eliminates the constraints of traditional departmental layouts and empowers employees to craft their ideal work experience each day.
"At Joan, we design technology with people at the forefront. We believe a thoughtfully designed workspace with designated zones empowers teams to perform at their best. Whether it's facilitating brainstorming sessions in our collaborative areas or providing focused quiet zones for deep work, Joan is committed to creating a work environment that fosters creativity, productivity, and employee well-being." - Luka Birsa, co-founder and CTO at Joan.
Joan's Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, companies like Joan are at the forefront of redefining how office spaces are designed and utilized. Joan’s innovative office solutions focus on creating environments that blend technology with human-centric design, ensuring that office spaces are not only efficient but also welcoming.
This transformation in office design is not just about adapting to the new normal—it's about leading the way to a future where office spaces are vibrant, inclusive, and designed with the well-being of employees in mind. The modern workspaces need to become places that truly feel like destinations worth leaving home for.