The workplace has always been evolving, but in recent years, the transformation has accelerated, with the pandemic seeing a drastic shift in how and where we work. Traditional office space is expanding, and hybrid and home working are reshaping how businesses and employees operate.
Each setup has its own pros and cons that can influence productivity, wellbeing, and overall work-life balance, and in this latest blog, we thought we would take a closer look at office working, home working, and hybrid options.
The traditional office
Although homeworking is on the rise, the traditional office setup remains the most popular style of working in the UK. There are a myriad of reasons why the traditional setup remains so popular, one of the biggest being that it is designed for interacting with colleagues. Being able to sit, talk, and engage with your team not only helps to create a sense of cohesion, but it also supports brainstorming and problem-solving.
The structured environment of an office and the set working hours that often accompany it can also help to enhance employee focus and productivity. While working from home can often be more convenient, it is also full of distractions, whereas offices will allow for full focus.
Traditional offices are also fully equipped with the tools and equipment employees need to succeed. From fast internet connections to ergonomically designed office chairs and desks, they are designed for comfort and focus.
Of course, that is not to say that there aren’t some downsides to traditional offices. The daily commute can be a time-consuming and exhausting chore for many workers, impacting their overall wellbeing and work-life balance. The fixed hours and location can also be restrictive on certain team members, while office politics can also lead to unhealthy conflicts.
The home office
Working from home saw a huge rise over the pandemic and as things began to return to normal many workers wanted to continue the flexibility that comes from a home office. Not only does it allow them to set their own hours and customise their workspace with the furniture they need, but it also saves them money by removing commuting, the need for professional attire, and lunch.
Yet despite those advantages, working from home can pose a number of major challenges. It can be very costly to set up a home office, with a professional office desks, chairs, computing equipment and internet connections requiring a significant investment. Alongside being distracting, working from home often comes with blurred boundaries which can make it harder to switch off, seeing you work longer hours.
The best of both worlds?
Hybrid working offers a blend of both home working and traditional office-based work, providing a greater level of flexibility. Employees are able to choose where and when they work based, staying at home for certain days and commuting to work on the others. This establishes a stronger work-life balance, maximising productivity and still allowing for collaboration amongst team members.
However, truly effective hybrid working needs everyone in the team to be aligned. Scheduling meetings and catchups can be more complex when people are in different locations. As with home working, hybrid working can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, potentially leading to increased working hours and higher stress levels.
How office furniture has evolved
As the demands of employees’ changes, the world of office furniture has had to evolve and adapt in response. Modern offices are now prioritising ergonomically designed furniture, helping to enhance the overall comfort and productivity of workers. The traditional layout of the office is also changing, with more open-plan settings and breakout areas being utilised, helping to enhance collaboration and encourage more spontaneous interactions.
As technology advances, offices need to keep up to ensure they can maintain their competitive advantage. From high-speed internet and advanced computers and monitors to smart technology such as interactive whiteboards, this technology facilitates smooth working and also enables hybrid working.
Home office furniture has also advanced considerably in recent years, with compact desks, ergonomic chairs, office storage, and other furniture designed to suit any space. Virtual collaboration tools such as Zoom, Slack and Microsoft Teams have also facilitated remote communication and project management further.
Need help with your office?
If you are looking to transform your office and create a bespoke space that your entire workforce can thrive in, then our team here at Meridian Office Furniture is on hand to help you. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional office furniture and customer service, providing solutions that have been tailored to meet your business needs.
Want to find out more about how we can help you? Get in touch today!