3 reasons why the office is here to stay

In recent times some organisations have begun to question whether the office is still a vital part of everyday business. With more people working from home than ever before, a traditional office may seem outdated. But, with the right design, offices improve collaboration, productivity, and relationship building. Times may be changing, but the office is here to stay.

Offices are Conducive to Collaboration

While technology has helped dispersed teams to stay in touch while working from home, there’s nothing quite like collaborating on a project in person. The right office setting will naturally encourage collaboration, whether it be a team working together on a project, or one worker bouncing ideas of another. Just think how often you’ve called a co-worker over to check the wording of an email, get help with the printer, or give feedback on a new idea.

Working collaboratively improves workplace culture, productivity, and performance. In a study by Stanford University, participants who worked collaboratively persisted with set tasks 64% longer than those working alone, while also reporting higher levels of engagement, less fatigue, and a higher success rate. Interestingly, these positive benefits lasted for several weeks after the initial task was complete, showing just how vital collaboration is to performance.

Your Environment Impacts Productivity

There have been countless studies on how working from home affects productivity. But have you ever noticed how you get more done when sitting at your desk versus working in the living room? This is because your physical environment affects productivity.

Research shows that there is a strong link between your environment and your mood, with poor lighting, temperature, and even smells affecting your frame of mind and mental health. Not only that but when you’re working in an environment that is cluttered, noisy, or otherwise dysfunctional, your mind is easily distracted.

By working in a well-designed office space, complete with natural light, comfortable workspaces, and inviting interiors, you’ll find your team is naturally more focused, improving productivity just because of their surroundings.

Internal and external relationship building

Much like group collaboration works best in person, so too does developing positive relationships amongst staff. In a recent study by Microsoft, researchers found that a year of remote working significantly impacted employees’ relationships with one another, resulting in lowered productivity and innovation, higher rates of social isolation, and a decrease in social capital. However, teams that are getting back to the office are reporting both a strengthening of team relationships and positive change in organisational culture. By having your team in the same building, it’s much easier to build bonds, both inside the office and out.

As well as facilitating internal relationships, the office is crucial for building external connections. When you invite a potential client or associate to your office, the space immediately sets the tone of the business, giving guests a good indication of yourorganisation’’s values and vibe. While meetings at neutral locations can be successful in some circumstances, having a home base that is on brand and inviting will do wonders for your stakeholder and customer relations.

The nature of the office may be changing, but there are definitely benefits to working on site. Not seeing the rewards in your own office? It might be time for an upgrade!