In the past year, the traditional workplace has been transformed and the workplace of the future has accelerated. Despite the fact that adapting to remote working has not come without its challenges, workplaces have had the opportunity to evaluate how a digital workplace can offer opportunities for growth. Here are some of the working trends of 2021, and beyond:

Remote and hybrid working is here to stay

In the new era of work, nearly three quarters of employees said that they want a hybrid workplace in which the flexibility of home and office working is offered [1]. In order to implement hybrid working, remote workers need to be supported alongside the delivery of innovative workplace technology to enhance the employee experience.

Digital transformation in the workplace will be accelerated

The past year has enhanced the need for technical cohesion and therefore, a digital transformation in the workplace. This transformation needs to take place from the bottom up to ensure that business communications are consistent and to help your employees to be engaged. Network solutions should be upgraded as high-speed communications increase and audio visual equipment such as Zoom Rooms and wireless presentation displays should be implemented to create better connectivity throughout your business.

Mental health needs will be at the forefront of a company’s culture

In 2021 workplaces will need to adapt their business culture and technology to meet the mental health needs of employees. When remote working, presenteeism has increased in which employees work when they are fatigued, unwell or stay online wherever possible. A routine and regular breaks should be offered to employees and the remote workforce will need to be included through inclusive technology. Workplace intelligence technology can help manage the productivity of your workforce through non-invasive, smart office software to ensure that employee needs and future workplace requirements are met. 

Workplaces will be focused on enhancing collaboration

More than ever, the need for employees to stay connected is crucial therefore, instant business messaging platforms such as Slack are needed to quickly communicate and allocate requests. Collaboration tools and project management systems such as Wrike should be at the forefront of all business tactics. Additionally, physical collaboration spaces will be needed as they will be used as an ambient, social environment, as and when they are needed.

Office spaces will be driven by activity based working

In the omnichannel workplace, physical spaces will be used purposefully for different tasks. During the pandemic, employees have become used to working in quiet spaces at home yet miss the hustle and bustle of the office. A combination of remote and physical workspaces will be the new normal with the need of a simple and easy booking system as employees rotate their working days and share desks as well as other rooms and resources to achieve the tasks required for their role. 

Working 9 to 5 will change

To help facilitate working from home, the previous nine to five working days will change to help employees create a better work-life balance. Employees have become used to the flexibility that working from home offers and have experienced how this can increase their productivity and save time by not having to commute to the office. With smart office sensors and intelligence software, workplaces can measure the number of employees in various locations and can ensure that social distancing requirements are met. 

To learn more about how advancements in your remote and physical workspaces can enhance your workplace this year, please contact: sales@twistedpair.co.uk

[1] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/slack-remote-employee-index-myths/

 

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