Page 50 - Spaces Magazine Volume 1

· 50 · Vol 0ne ® Smart Spaces 3. The future of the workspace landscape i. Balancing privacy and collaboration in open workspaces Insight #1 The evolving workspace highlights the need to balance privacy and collaboration effectively. This entails providing spaces for deep work, video conferences, and confidential conversations, alongside areas for open collaboration and socialisation to cater for diverse work tasks and styles. Insight #2 The future workspace landscape is characterised by increasing demand for flexibility, higher quality and shorter leases, accompanied by a reduction in size requirements and a more efficient space use per employee. Companies seek co-working spaces and real estate offering shared solutions like lobby services and versatile meeting spaces to meet evolving needs. Insight #3 Workspace strategies are shifting towards offering a dynamic mix of spaces to accommodate various work requirements and preferences. This includes providing environments for teamwork, focus work, and one-on-one interactions, allowing occupiers freedom to choose their ideal work setting throughout the day. Smart design and flexibility in space utilisation are crucial for achieving this balance. ii. Augmenting flex office strategies with iii. Impact of employee expectations and Tenant experience on workspace quiet spaces design/utilisation Insight #1 Flexibility is becoming integral to workspace strategies, with owner/ operators incorporating co-working and flex spaces within their facilities. This model not only offers spill-over spaces for occupiers but also serves as a service and amenity that enhances the overall workspace experience, catering to the unpredictable needs of expanding, contracting, or merging businesses. Insight #2 The demand for quiet and focused workspaces is increasing, particularly as employees find the office environment more distracting than working from home. Designated quiet zones or enclosed areas within the office layout are essential to enable deep work and concentration, especially when tasks require minimal interruptions. Providing options for employees to choose their preferred work environment, whether collaborative or solitary, contributes to overall productivity and well-being. Insight #3 The future workspace landscape necessitates diverse types of formats to accommodate different work styles and preferences. From quiet zones to collaborative areas, there is a growing recognition of the need for adaptable spaces that support hybrid work and diverse workforce needs. Data analysis plays a crucial role in shaping the workspace, allowing companies to optimise space allocation and enhance productivity while fostering connection and collaboration. Insight #1 Meeting employee expectations and user experiences includes investment in flexible design elements and amenities such as technology-enabled meeting spaces and soundproof phone booths. Quiet spaces not only cater to current tenants but also enhance the attractiveness of properties in a competitive market, as they are consistently requested by clients during viewings and needs analysis. Insight #2 The modern office must deliver real value to employees by empowering new working methods, supporting flexibility and fostering collaboration. This entails reducing the number of desks and allocating more space for collaboration, as cross-departmental chance encounters cannot be replicated virtually. Meeting rooms and phone booths equipped with intuitive technology and tools are essential assets, meeting the high-end expectations of the modern-day employee. The evolving workspace landscape emphasises the importance of adapting space to new ways of working.