Is it the death of the Office?

We firmly believe that this isn't and shouldn't be the end of the office. It is a time to realise the importance of the workplace to teams and firms. 

There is a lot of noise surrounding the return to work and if this marks the death of the office. 

In light of the last few months, the majority of firms have realised the potential of remote working with reported increases in productivity and improved work life balance.

With over half of the UK's workforce working from home, it has led to employers considering if they require their current office space. This time has potentially highlighted the potential for different working practises and cost savings. 

Whilst we believe it isn't the end of the office, we do envisage it as a watershed moment for firms in how they adapt working practices and focus attention on the purpose of office space. 

WHY IS THE OFFICE IMPORTANT TO BUSINESSES?

An office is more than a space that your team work in, it is much more than desks and chairs.

The working environment of a firm is integral to creating and cultivating a culture. It is a space where your team come together as individuals and professionals, a space that brings to life the vision and values of a brand.

We spoke to Andy Minifie, Chairman of accountancy and advisory firm Fortus, about his stance on the future of the office and how it plays a pivotol role in nurturing culture.

“While all the discussion I have heard about returning to offices has centred on efficiency and how people are getting more done working remotely, I am more concerned about how people feel engaged with a business. Within our business culture is really important, it’s what defines Fortus as a brand and it’s what makes us strong. 

While it is often thought that generation z are happier with remote working that is at odds with the integration of work and life that we have been talking about over the last few years, many of these people rely on work relationships for a social life. 

There is something in the DNA of people that makes them want to “belong” and while relationships can be maintained over Zoom can they actually be formed and developed as easily as they can face to face? 

We have successfully started several new team members during lock down, they are up and working and we have done the best to induct them into our culture. But only time will tell if we have been successful…….” 

Building relationships within teams and across the organisation help to add value to clients, solve problems and share knowledge. The office is the catalyst for knowledge sharing and communication. Without these spaces, relationships may be harder to build remotely which can be detrimental to your teams.

All of these points come back creating an engaging space for your firm to operate whilst helping to retain and attract the very best professionals.

WHY IS THE OFFICE IMPORTANCE TO EMPLOYEES?

As we have had to adapt to the changing world of work in recent months, teams have been able to work remotely, conducting client and internal meetings virtually.

This has been vital for firms to continue operating and servicing clients but what has this meant for teams moral and social interactions?

The office creates a sense of belonging for professionals, a space to work, grow and develop amongst colleagues. This helps both personally and professionally, enabling individuals to immerse and experience a firms’ culture.

Without a place of work, you do not have the exposure to Partners and Senior members of staff. Limiting this access may have a knock on in regard to career progression, the informal conversations around the office, staff picking up pieces of knowledge.

Also, it is sometimes underestimated the number of opportunities that the office and going to office presents. If you are working in the same spaces as other teams and service lines, it easy to ask questions or for an opinion on a client matter. This may ultimately result into potential opportunities to work on a client or partner with a team.

If you aren’t going into the office, then this reduces the opportunity to bump into clients and contacts when you may be going for a coffee, in between meetings or popping out for lunch. You never know where this may lead.

In our opinion, the office is far from dead. It may be a time to recalibrate how and why an office space is used and to make changes with working practices but it is far from the end of life for the office.