Could The Co-Worker Be Considered As The Latest Office Perk?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift to remote office space and work-from-home style jobs happened en masse, leaving the identities of not only companies but also greater communities ambivalent. The in-person office space in 2023 looks utterly different compared to five years ago and is having difficulty in its return. In fact, larger businesses are lucky to operate at half of their pre-COVID attendance levels, resulting in dysfunctional working climates and economic consequences such as increased interest rates and decreased general retail revenue. As an employee, the benefits of working from home are seemingly abundant with flexibility; however, remote work is decreasing work productivity, heightening the risk of overworking, and resulting in isolation with the loss of close coworker relationships. 

The workplace can serve as a social melting pot and provide healthy competition between coworkers. The screen barrier thwarts purposeful work engagement and a support structure to reduce stress and burnout rates. Building strong relationships in the workplace invites creativity and collaboration, boosts productivity and morale, and increases employee retention. Having a strong support system in your professional and personal life can enhance physical health, while social isolation is typically associated with a higher risk of developing long-term health issues. The most valued office amenity may be the coworker. 

So, how can your office space compete with the commute? Minneapolis/St. Paul local commercial real estate leader Jim Damiani sees the post-pandemic office market as a refreshed place for collaboration and business growth. Your company can effortlessly transition back to the office by learning from businesses that have already made the switch. One of these companies that serves as the gold standard is US Bank. They demonstrated that they value in-person and human-centric workplaces, and your company can do the same! Try starting with a strategic space based on behavioral design that aids office relationships, collaboration, and effortless processes. Try creating a destination workplace by providing a variety of workspaces (i.e., formal offices, outdoor spaces, project rooms, and lounge-based areas) to provide comfort and maximize productivity. Shifting from fully remote back to completely in-person can pose challenges; however, effectively communicating your company’s hybrid framework and incentivizing (rather than mandating) employees to come into the office routinely can significantly improve economic success for your company and the community at large. 

Spectrum Interiors can stimulate your company’s return to the office. Spectrum Interiors is a one-stop shop for office space design and construction needs by providing design, workplace strategy, construction, and furnishing services. Whether providing guidance or accommodating design plans, Spectrum Interiors is devoted to creating spaces that help our clients reach business goals and accurately reflect company culture.