There’s a hollow, lonely feeling in many office buildings these days. The return to the office that was anticipated post-covid never happened. Instead, employee demands for hybrid and remote work has forced employers to comply or lose valued staff. But the tides are turning.
Nearly 90% of companies plan to implement stricter policies regarding in-office attendance by the end of 2024 according to a CNBC article published in September.
According to a recent Texas Tribune article, vacancy rates in DFW are currently hovering around 25% - well below the national average, and it’s safe to bet that 2024 will see more “flight to quality.” The phrase refers to employers leaving their old leases for smaller, more refined, and luxurious space in an attempt to lure their workforce back to the office.
A return to the office is crucial to the success of many area businesses. For instance, a creative firm like Quorum relies on the unstructured exchange of ideas and collaborative interactions. The lack of these informal gatherings can undermine company culture, as stated in a recent Harvard Business Review piece.
The article also cited surveys that show most employees want to return to the office, albeit not full-time, and suggest that the quality of the space should be more important than the quantity, and companies are likely to focus on smaller spaces that provide better services and amenities.
What Should You Prioritize?
So, what are these amenities that will entice people back into the office? According to commercial real estate advisors, Plante Moran, this means providing “sleek workplaces with smaller, more interesting spaces and an emphasis on open, flexible, and collaborative environments,” – exactly what Quorum did during their 2020 move.
“Invest in amenities that positively impact staff wellbeing.”
Karin Taylor, Quorum’s Director of Interior Design agrees that flexibility is crucial, and adds that businesses still need to provide private, heads-down workspace as well as conference rooms for quiet collaboration.
Additionally, Plante Moran suggests investing in amenities that impact staff wellbeing like an on-site café, gym, or patio. But simple perks like better air quality, natural light, quiet rooms, or healthy snacks are also impactful.
A recent Harvard study of 1,600 American workers revealed that air and light matter much more than tech-based health tools.
Taylor adds that natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms which in turn increases wellness.
Next, the real estate consultants at Plante Moran report that open, contemporary spaces where companies can host events, informal collaboration, or lunches, help to build camaraderie, and encourage networking among co-workers while increasing feelings of loyalty.
And finally, providing collaborative, versatile spaces that can be easily converted for multiple uses is crucial to encouraging interaction among employees. The real estate advisors suggest providing resources such as technology, quiet space, individual offices, or sit-to-stand desks that staff may not have access to at home.
Ultimately, it’s key to implement multiple common areas for work and downtime.
Creating a Custom Plan
“If you’re considering consolidating or reconfiguring your space to entice employees back to work and increase employee engagement, we have the experience and the knowledge to help you do so,” says Quorum partner, Karin Taylor.
By designing an environment that has advantages over work-from-home and is focused on wellbeing while offering plenty of flexibility, you can reinforce and strengthen your company culture to align with employee goals.
Quorum’s interior design team will work with you to accomplish your objectives within your budget. They’ll listen, respond, and recommend innovative solutions while remaining flexible to your input. They focus on sustainable solutions to minimize the effects on the environment.
In short, they will help your business run better with a customized office space design and plan that supports the needs and culture of the people working in the office.
Before taking steps to restrict employee choices, let Quorum’s design pros show you how they can create a space where people want to spend time and come together for a common purpose.
Contact Karin Taylor, Director of Interior Design to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your office space needs.
