To say the last few years have changed the way the workplace works is most certainly an understatement. What was once an ingrained ‘9 to 5’ ‘to-and-fro’ timetable has been adapted into a fluid and changeable world that embraces cloud-based collaboration.
However, after a year out in the workplace wilderness, employees are starting to remember the good times of a shared working environment. Take this interview recently posted on bbc.co.uk:
“It creeped up on me how much I liked being in the office,” Bryan says. “In the mornings, I’d be looking forward to seeing my colleagues and having a nice chat… That social interaction and feel of being part of a collective is something I think people forget when they’ve not had it for ages.”
So, we think it’s beneficial to remember exactly how important to creativity, communication and general well-being an inspiring office space like Fenham Hall Studios actually is.
Collaboration –
Whilst it’s been proven that we can work remotely, a key feature of business and creative practice that has suffered as a result is the fine art of collaboration.
A survey by wework.com has discovered that “the ability to meet and brainstorm has dropped an average of 11 per cent” as a result of working from home, clearly showing that it’s been difficult to develop remote practices that spur the same kind of serendipitous ‘eureka’ moments that we experience during face-face brainstorming.
Good collaboration is born out of social relationships forged from day-to-day interaction. Spending time together in an inspiring environment such as Fenham Hall Studios promotes a bonding that allows for confident communication of ideas and constructive feedback.
Cooperation –
Another prime issue that has arisen from the ‘age of remote’ is the quality of cooperation. More specifically, the hugely important resource born from it, trust. Time spent together at the workplace, both professionally and socially, creates working relationships with a more solid bond than anything that can be achieved online.
“Trust is built by spending time together, not necessarily around work-related tasks,” says Scott Schieman, chair of the department of sociology at the University of Toronto’s St George campus. “We form and sustain social bonds this way, expressing verbal and nonverbal communication in ways that convey understanding, empathy and shared concern. There’s no way endless Zoom calls can replace the depth and quality of in-person human interaction.”
Learning –
In almost all aspects of the business world, professional development operates around something referred to as the 70:20:10 model for learning. In other words, 10% of our learning is born from formal education and 20% from direct training whilst working with others. However, 70% of what forms us into the ‘finished article’, is via osmosis learning. Experiences we gain by being surrounded by other professionals: the exposure to working practices, conversations and habits of the workplace.
None of which can be simulated in a virtual world. In other words, just turning up at the office and working with others contributes to almost three quarters of your professional development.
A Real Social Network –
Overall, it’s clear to see that despite the apparent effectiveness of remote tech solutions, they are no substitute for the overall experience and benefit of a real world office. This is why in a recent survey carried out by resumebuilder.com it was learned that:
- 66% of employers currently require employees to work from office
- 90% of companies will require employees to return to office in 2023
- 88% of companies are offering incentives to get employees to return, including catered meals, commuter benefits, and higher pay
The aforementioned wework.com survey also discovered that “the vast majority (90 per cent) of people want to return to the office” in some shape or form.
Studio E (1,031 sq ft.) is available now. A contemporary office space for businesses with up to 12 employees, benefiting from stunning views of Fenham Hall to help inspire the mind. Including a kitchen and separate tea prep area help fuel that essential social interaction. Also comes with reserved and visitor parking. Currently qualifies for 100% business rates relief.
For further details see – https://www.fenhamhallstudios.com/offices-to-let/studio-e/
