The hybrid model is gaining popularity and companies are faced with the challenge of maintaining effective collaboration between employees. Even though they are a necessity, remote communication tools are often not good enough at substituting direct, human interaction. This is why designing office spaces not only should promote focused work, but also the free exchange of ideas. This means that alongside traditional workstations, a major boost would be to create informal meeting zones where employees can gather for a spontaneous exchange of ideas or a quick brainstorm. Find out how small changes to the work environment can bring big benefits to team dynamics and overall employee wellbeing.

Make the office a space for socialising and networking

Consciously designing and managing the workplace in a way that helps develop organic human connections provides many benefits to companies. Employees feel much happier and are more productive when they can easily interact with colleagues. The Gensler 2020 Work From Home Survey found that people missed face-to-face contact the most when working remotely. This resulted in up to 37% reduction in time spent on collaboration [1].

This downward trend in in-person interactions affects innovation and highlights the importance of the office as a place to meet, socialise and work as a team in a hybrid model. Addressing these challenges should involve the creation of spaces that naturally encourage face-to-face interaction.

Social contacts make commuting to the office worthwhile

Social relationships have an important function in creating the added value that office work offers. Unlike the hybrid model, which can significantly limit opportunities for socialising, working in the office provides a unique opportunity for the development of direct interpersonal relationships. This quality constitutes a major reason why employees should return to their in-person workplace.

By focusing on a proper office space plan and strategic acoustic improvement measures, organisations can make the office an attractive place to work. This approach makes it possible to fully reap the benefits of direct collaboration. The presence of employees in the office ensures more productive project meetings and training sessions, as it encourages spontaneous conversations around the hushSpot coworking bench, which often lead to innovative ideas.

By supporting socialising in the workplace, companies are able to increase employee engagement and satisfaction.

How do you provide hybrid employees with a space for spontaneous meetings?

In order to provide hybrid employees with a place to meet spontaneously in the office, companies can undertake a range of creative and engaging initiatives. Improving the kitchenette by adding advanced coffee machines and catering healthy snacks will create a space that encourages short breaks and informal conversations. Arranging the lobby in such a way that it becomes an attractive meeting place is the next step. The use of plants, teamwork whiteboards and soft seating make it the perfect place for relaxed conversations. If you have limited space or noise issue, consider multi-person acoustic work and meet pods like hushFree.L which you can arrange as relaxation or breakout rooms.

Celebrating both big and small successes through positive feedback and recognising achievements in a variety of ways fosters a sense of belonging among employees. The introduction of a series of group discussions focusing on a variety of issues each month further promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Small acoustic rooms or pods: places where to share ideas

Small meeting rooms or Hushoffice acoustic office pods accommodate formal meetings for several people. Their excellent soundproofing properties make them the perfect place for effective collaboration and private conversations. These spaces offer privacy for discussions on sensitive topics, innovative concepts, product launches or confidential information.

Office pods like hushFree.M offer a flexible alternative to traditional meeting spaces. These enclosed spaces are perfect for a few close team members to get together to agree on an action plan and solve problems encountered, without the need to occupy a large conference room. The pod can be fitted out with any furniture to support teamwork, informal meetings, a moment of relaxation or video chats with employees who are away from the office.

Dedicated spaces for socialising and relaxing

In order to create a working environment that encourages spontaneous interactions, it is important that the office include spaces that encourage relaxation and provide a sense of privacy and comfort. The introduction of such dedicated spaces emphasises the understanding of employees’ needs and fosters strong interpersonal bonds. The design of furniture should ensure maximum comfort when chatting, relaxing with a cup of coffee during a break and other leisure activities like console gaming or table football. This allows employees to enjoy a moment of rest away from ongoing projects and get to know their team mates on a more informal level, which undoubtedly contributes to better understanding and cooperation within the team.

[1] https://www.gensler.com/workplace-surveys/us-work-from-home-survey/2020

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