A new workplace culture is taking shape

Space Sense insights: June 2020

Vaccines are rolling out (albeit slowly) and we’re starting to see some nervous twitches as business leaders across the country start to deal with that beast of a question: “What does our new normal look like?”

It certainly does not, and should not look like early 2020.

The world has changed. The way we work has changed.

Has business on the whole changed? We’re certainly more open to change than ever before.

We are much more mobile than a year ago, and have learned to self-manage away from traditional desks and without the proximity of managers and colleagues.

We have built new mental muscles that allow us to organize, manage knowledge flows, collaborate and deliver project services using online means.

We have new technology, tools and infrastructure that allow us to connect into our information systems, and with our colleagues and clients, from anywhere. And we can do it safely, securely, and effectively. We are at home in the cloud, and know the difference between a 4 and a 10 meg line, and what that means for our ability to participate in video conferences.  

Most of us have also rediscovered a set of values and priorities in our own lives. Health and wellness (physical and mental), relationships, and simple daily rituals are valued like never before. And we’re not going to let them go easily.

And we’ve also become more patient and understanding of one another.

We have changed.

 And what is emerging is a new working culture.

We’re replacing previously rigid processes and with more fluid, flexible and human approaches.

Connection, cooperation, innovation, wellness, and greater transparency mark the emerging cultures of organisations bravely stepping forward today.

So in returning to the offices of early 2020, do we expect them to change too?

Would you expect to see

• Fewer desks, more collaborative spaces and more Zoom rooms?
• Plug & play technology infrastructure to support people moving about throughout their day within the building?
• Improved ventilation and more windows now being openable?
• More greenery in and around the office, and better access to outside break areas?
• Great coffee, healthy snacks and more attractive amenities like café areas for people to connect around?

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What are you seeing from where you stand? Share your view in the comments - I’m always interested.

And if you need a hand evolving your space, you can always give me a call. Book a chat with me here or again, pop me a mail :-) 

Yours in workplace evolution,

Georgie

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Image credit: Adapted from a photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash