“The modern office space is a far cry from the conventional grey cubicle ridden work environment of the past. Today’s workplaces passionately embrace flexibility and homely set-ups, with Artificial Intelligence becoming a standard feature. The increasing trend of remote working since 2020 has undisputedly changed how we view our work-life equilibrium and productivity. However, finding an effective balance of in-house collaboration and structuring the working hours of in-office employees persists as a challenge for businesses and their staff. As they grapple with the decision of a partial or total transition back to the office, business leaders’ success rates vary.
Amy Connaughton, the Chief Operating Officer of Iconic Offices, is one of the observers of this corporate change. She said, “We’ve noticed a significant change in recent trends in corporate office preferences. Nowadays, we are getting more new clients who desire a more tangible office footprint than we have seen in recent years. This surge in demand signifies a resurgence of emphasis on collaboration and in-person interactions as companies adjust to the changing norms of work.”
The 2024 Dublin Chamber’s recent data explained this trend, mentioning that 56% of the working population now work in the office for at least three days a week, a marked upgrade from the 36% in the last quarter of 2022. But this transition is not without resistance. Fears of high-performing employees quitting due to the insistence on returning to office work prevail. However, businesses can entice their workforce back to the physical office by augmenting aspects of office life which are often absent in the remote working model.
Community is vital in any person’s life and becomes even more necessary for those spending the bulk of their week in the office. Given the increasing risk of isolation due to technology substituting human interaction and predominance of remote working, there is an urgent need for a sense of community in the workplace. Various efforts have been made in recent years to reverse this isolation trend via social clubs and in-person events because people are seeking social connections primarily from their workplaces. Consequently, many firms are opting for flexible workspaces with a robust focus on community, allowing them to leverage the social advantages that shared spaces offer.”
An increasing preference for a more communal work atmosphere is evident in the growing demand for workplace social events. In a recent survey conducted by Iconic Offices, it was discovered that between 2023 and 2024, there was a remarkable rise of 130% in the interest towards community-focused events by its members. Contemporary workplace culture sees a shift towards events centred around networking, community building and social interaction, as employees look to establish deeper connections and explore opportunities collaboration beyond their standard work engagements. Paul McClatchie, the CEO of Engage People Recruitment and a member of Iconic Offices, notes an evolving trend in employee preferences, especially among the younger cohorts. He observes that questions about flexible working conditions, social encounters and office outings are frequently brought up during interviews with Gen Z workforce. Employers seeking to extend the duration employees spend at work should consider revamping their event schedule with activities tailored to their workforce’s preferences and requirements or engage flexible workspace providers like Iconic Offices, who organise frequent community events.
ESG and Sustainability
Making the office a preferable choice when working from home is an option obligates employers to make it an attractive proposition. A workspace needs to offer something which can’t be replicated in a home office environment to lure employees. Company heads understand the influence a superior, quality workspace can have on employee retention and recruitment and are utilizing this to craft their strategies for office return. This isn’t solely about onsite benefits; it includes the physical quality of the workspace and its impact on employee health and well-being. Iconic Offices saw a 79% surge from 2023 to 2024 in members who considered choosing an ESG or sustainability-focused provider essential while selecting their office space. An ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) focused workspace provides its members with the reassurance that their workplace is not only beneficial to their health, wellness and planet, but also has the operational capacity to introduce initiatives they wouldn’t have in their homes. Iconic Offices’ Chief Property Officer and Head of ESG, Eoin Joy states, “Our recent decision to pursue WELL on a larger scale, in addition to WELL certifications, forms an integral part of our pledge towards the wellbeing and sustainability of our staff and members at Iconic. This also ensures that our workspaces are constructed to the highest standards, promoting a healthy and fruitful environment for all those who utilize them.
Remote working, despite providing an avenue for employees with busy home schedules to spend more time at home, can affect their level of concentration. Disturbances in the home and the lack of solid demarcation between work and home affairs mean that remote work may be unable to offer the focused workspace that an office does. This can potentially inhibit productivity and complicate the attainment of a work-life balance. It is imperative therefore, that businesses utilise the organised environment of an office as a necessary resource for staff who aim to distinctly divide their professional and personal tasks.
Collaboration is one element of traditional working that can’t be flawlessly duplicated in a remote work setup. While a myriad of tools are available to stimulate virtual collaboration, there is no denying that face-to-face interaction is a vital part of many corporate exercises. Corporate leaders keen to optimise the use of their office should feature workspaces with ample areas for breakouts and meetings. Flexible workplaces that offer exclusive areas to boost and improve collaboration are pivotal in enticing more office usage. Also, these atmospheres encourage unplanned interactions and artistic exchanges that are typically absent in remote settings. By promoting in-person communication and providing spaces that back and nurture teamwork, firms can establish a lively office culture that employees desire to be part of.
In the grand scheme, a successful transition back to the office depends on understanding that each team possesses its distinct set of needs, inclinations, and passions. As McClatchie pointed out, “Rather than categorising people, we think evaluating outputs is clever. It’s important to examine the job and its requirements.” By capitalising on the facets of office life that can’t be accurately mimicked at home, companies can create a work environment that not only lures talent but also keeps them involved and satisfied.