It is undeniable the post-pandemic office world will be significantly transformed compared to what it used to be. But is it dead?
According to Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO, there are no positives in working from home.
He also plans to have his employees back to the office 12 hours after a vaccine is approved”. Mr Hastings added that “Not being able to get together in person, particularly internationally, is a pure negative”.
May this be a particular need of a creative industry such as the one in which Netflix operates or not, but people have come to realise the importance of the office space as being intrinsically related to wellbeing.
Tenant experience was already a hot topic, with many commercial office spaces being adapted to have a people-centric focus in the design and offer, as well as provide engaging workplace experiences.
Wellbeing and work-life balance should be the main drivers of the workplace, providing a place that people want to be in, feel inspired by and where they are actively engaged with the building’s community.
Remote working has always been discussed as something that promotes work-life balance, and WFH has only accelerated the trend.
However, as with most things, there is a flip side to the coin. As many were challenged without a clear-set routine and social circle, their wellbeing, mental health and work-life was put into jeopardy.
The value of the office space, Croydon and beyond, needs restructuring. The new tenant experience demands dynamicity and flexibility, and a new balance needs to be struck for employees and companies to find a middle ground where to stand together.
So, what does the dynamic office space of the future looks like?