Office Space Croydon: The Truth About the Future of the Workplace

It’s been a year now since news of the imminent global pandemic hit our screens, and a lot has changed since. In particular, the way we work has been placed under the microscope and is likely to be revolutionised in the coming months as the vaccine paves the way for a return back to workplaces. So, what will this return look like? We delve into predictions for the workplace of the future, how it will be shaped by pressing demands for health and wellbeing, hybrid working and more. We also explore the best office space Croydon has to offer here in the heart of the Gatwick diamond, at Corinthian House.

What do people want from the workplace in the future?

"Workers would prefer to spend two days per week in the office, preferring the flexibility that the pandemic has forced into the mainstream"

JLL’s recent ‘Human Experience’ report has explored the changing dynamics in the workplace and offers valuable insights into what the future of work could look like in 2021 and beyond. In a survey of over 2000 people across 10 countries, three quarters of all respondents want to return to the office space. However, this is likely to be in a different format than the traditional five-day, 9-5 week. In fact, the report found that on average, workers would prefer to spend two days per week in the office, preferring the flexibility that the pandemic has forced into the mainstream.

What fuels this desire to return to the office?

The most obvious missing aspect of home working is contact with other employees. Isolated at home, colleagues are not able to collaborate as effectively. Without those water-cooler moments or chance encounters whilst grabbing a coffee in the break room, the sense of community between employees is distinctly lacking.

Whilst teams can converge over digital video conferencing platforms, the digital space simply cannot fully replicate the human experience of the physical space. In person, we are able to pick up on physical cues and facial expressions more clearly, making our interactions all the richer and allowing for innovation to take place.

Another reason people prefer to work from the office at least some of the time is the office is simply a more appropriately outfitted space than our homes, unless you have the luxury of a home office. For many, connectivity issues over home broadband are a disruptive inconvenience, particularly when trying to conduct important calls with clients. Equally, a lack of basic equipment such as appropriate sized screens, office chairs, desks and laptop risers can all lead to discomfort and even poor physical health when working from home.

Mental health and wellbeing at work

ONS data indicates that the percentage of people experiencing depression has doubled since before the pandemic. The blurred lines between home, office - and even classroom for many families struggling in the face of school closures – are undoubtedly contributing factors affecting the mental wellbeing of the populace. Trying to act as both full-time employee, parent and teacher simultaneously has led to burnout in some cases.

Health and wellbeing are emerging priorities for many of us coming out of this pandemic, so workplaces that can cater to this sense of work-life balance and wellbeing will see lower staff turnover and greater employee engagement.

Investing in technology can help employers to achieve this harmony. With remote collaboration tools, home workers and those in the office can stay in touch, promoting greater work-life balance whilst maintaining the integrity of the team dynamic. Meanwhile employee wellness, communication and engagement tools can further enhance a sense of community, bringing the workforce together digitally and creating opportunities for in-person socialising, for instance, by providing the facility to book exercise classes and coffee meetings.

How will technology be used to protect physical health in the workplace?

It’s not just mental wellbeing that is a pressing concern for those returning to the workplace. Ensuring the environment we spend our working week in is keeping us healthy and safe is also paramount.

Technology that can help pandemic-proof the working space includes contactless entry and lift access software, fever detection technology and control of the ventilation systems for imporved indoor air quality. There are also options such as colour-coded 3D occupancy flags designed to indicate when a space is safe to enter based on the latest social distancing guidelines.
Physical spaces can be safely managed with desk and meeting room booking capabilities, which optimise space utilisation by allowing people to book the facilities they need in advance. This can even include the capacity to book a parking spot or EV charging point, handy for those looking to make their commute more sustainable for the environment.

Office space Croydon: Corinthian House makes the cut as a workplace of the future

When it comes to office space, Croydon’s Corinthian House can offer fully refurbished working environments with specifications set to meet health requirements. One of these is the call for greater indoor air quality, as Corinthian House boasts a brand-new, state of the art air conditioning system. According to REVHA – the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations, building managers can help stop the spread of Coronavirus by increasing the ventilation of spaces, and switching to using outdoor air, whilst closing the recirculation dampers. So, at Corinthian House, occupiers can work safe in the knowledge that their airspace is fresh and healthy.

Interested in knowing more about healthy buildings and how they’re securing the return to the workplace? Read the Insight article Office Space Croydon: A Quality Concept To Drive The Return To The Workplace.

Has the time come to find your ideal office space to let? Croydon could be the place for your ideal workplace of the future. Why not get in touch with our dedicated team today to discover more about office space opportunities at Corinthian House?