Functional and flexible offices: The must-have for effective functioning

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, organizations have been pushed to reassess their very own ways of functioning. In particular, flexible ways of working have started to become the norm, forcing companies to rethink the role of offices within their strategy, as well as pressing employees to reinvent their daily routines.

At JuiceUP, we believe that offices are the necessary foundation of business structures. This is because a business’ workspace should materialize an organization’s strategy, culture, and needs. Imperatively, the work environment should serve as a supporting pillar for the changes induced to these elements. 

Our data shows that most people want to work from the office at least three days a week, yet this new trend is leaving those involved overwhelmed. For example, managers  are tasked with defining new internal processes and strategies, which they must harmonize with their employees’ unprecedented needs and expectations. Having a happy and engaged workforce has never been more challenging…

Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this post-covid conundrum - functional and flexible offices. 

Functional offices 

A functional office is one of the tools that managers may turn to when it comes to solving this post-covid conundrum. More specifically, functional offices are environments that provide a tailored balance between the number, size, and type of enclosed and open spaces for both work and non-work activities. These are derived from a thorough understanding of how different teams work and their basic needs.

So, if your teams mainly work remotely, you might need fewer workstations, potentially more hot desks, and more meeting spots for on-site employees. Similarly, if your people are on-site but on calls most of the day, and you feel that meeting rooms are always booked, look at how many people are sitting in the space for 4-6 people…1? 2? You might need a greater ratio of single phone booths or other call areas rather than meeting rooms.

In addition, functional offices allow for a digital yet humanized work experience. So, if you wish to thrive in the flexible era, a well set-up software for booking hot desks and meeting rooms, along with relevant (and working!) technological support for videoconferencing, are must-haves.

Flexible offices

To support flexible work, offices must become flexible as well. We often hear that people want to work from the office because they need to focus, collaborate, or catch up with colleagues. The office should satisfy these new needs by offering an array of zones for different work and non-work activities. The variety of office zones defines office flexibility. 

When it comes to the flexibility work zones specifically, offices should provide areas for different types of work. For instance, you may implement focus zones - or so-called libraries - for individual work. These allow employees to dedicate their attention to a specific task in a quiet, enclosed space. Similarly, you may consider creating workshop and team rooms for collaborative work. These often contain a large circular desk, whiteboards, or other tools to support group activities.

Flexibility should also be reflected in your non-work zones where most communication occurs. These areas are often referred to as social hubs or hives. Hives often contain open non-formal seating spaces that allow employees to chat with colleagues around a cup of coffee, have lunch with the team, or lead a non-formal on-to-one discussion. However, hives may also contain a lounge or a relaxation space for individual contemplation. These are often equipped with non-standard seating, such as large cushions or sofas.

Overall, offices should support business functioning and materialize your corporate identity. By creating a functional and flexible workplace, your people will perform better, making corporate goals more easily achieved.

So… what is your workplace strategy?