Why the Traditional Office Still Matters in Today’s Virtual World

There’s no denying the fact that we live in an increasingly digital, virtual world, and this is having a huge impact on the way in which many of us work. According to an analysis of government figures by the Trades Union Congress, more than four million people in the UK regularly worked from home last year. This represented an upsurge of nearly a million compared with 2005.   Being able to plug in and complete tasks remotely is allowing a rising number of us to shun the twice-daily commute and, in theory at least, achieve a better work-life balance. So, given the trend towards greater home working, what role does the traditional office now play? Is this familiar fixture of working life soon to be a thing of the past or will it continue to serve an essential purpose even as technology continues to advance?   Here, we take a look at a few of the reasons why the office as we know it still matters to workers and employers alike - and examine how these areas can be given a 21st century update to ensure they remain relevant and useful now and in years to come.   Fulfilling a social need   Especially to those in busy, crowded offices, the prospect of being able to work from home undisturbed by noisy colleagues can seem inviting. However, while some people do thrive in this relative isolation, others quickly find being away from their co-workers to be a lonely experience. This fact is reflected in the growing number of shared workspaces that have been set up around the world. In fact, according to a prediction by DeskMag, more than 10,000 new co-working spaces will be opened around the world this year alone.   These offices allow freelancers and entrepreneurs to come together in a shared environment. As well as providing people with desk space, they give users a chance to break their solitude and enjoy a more sociable working experience. Some might just want to have the occasional conversation around the water cooler, while others use these places to network, give and seek advice and share ideas.   The popularity of co-working spaces in towns and cities across the globe suggests that for those who prefer to be in the company of others, there will always be a place for shared offices.   Enabling better communication   It’s true that emails, phone calls, video-conferencing chats and cloud-based shared documents and systems mean it’s now easier than ever for remote workers to communicate with their colleagues. However, sometimes there’s no substitute for face-to-face discussions - and offices provide by far the most convenient setting for these interactions. From formal meetings to impromptu chats, these traditional working environments enable colleagues to exchange ideas in person.   By facilitating the easy flow of information in this way, offices can spur creativity, reduce the risk of misunderstandings between individuals and departments and generally help to ensure that processes run smoothly. All of this is beneficial for personnel and employers alike.   Creating a sense of team spirit   Being together in a building with their colleagues can also help to increase the sense of team spirit that people experience within a company. After all, co-workers tend to feel closer and more connected if they see and speak to each other on a regular basis. Also, when people are together in offices, they can get involved in a range of activities that enhance this feeling of camaraderie and belonging. From fancy dress fundraising days to bake sales, there are a range of things colleagues can do in offices that simply wouldn’t happen if everyone worked from home. Even seemingly insignificant gestures, like people bringing in cakes to share out when it’s their birthdays, can help to foster a sense of shared purpose and collectivism. As well helping to increase job satisfaction, strong team spirit can encourage people to pull together and work more effectively, which is of course good news for companies’ bottom lines.   Creating a flexible workspace for the 21st century   For the reasons listed above, and potentially for many more besides, offices remain essential for lots of workers and organisations. However, that’s not to say that these environments aren’t changing dramatically in line with technological and social trends. So, if you’re keen to create a workspace that’s befitting of the 21st century, it’s important to be savvy when it comes to design.   For example, if you want to provide your personnel with flexible working options - so that those who want to work remotely from time to time can do so - why not introduce a hot desking policy to ensure you’re making the most efficient use of space? Also, you may want to join the rising number of employers that are switching onto the benefits of creating different zones with their offices. From breakout areas with comfy, informal furnishings that provide the perfect setting for discussions between colleagues to quiet spaces where people can concentrate on their tasks without being disturbed, you could include a number of different sections in your workspace.   You might also want to inject some fun into your office by incorporating a games area or quirky design elements like a staff art wall where employees can display photos or drawings. People are increasingly put off by stuffy, formal offices and many now expect a more light-hearted space to work in. By creating an engaging, entertaining and vibrant office, you may be able to increase morale and boost creativity among your staff members.   Of course, it’s still essential to get the basics right when you’re planning your work area. For instance, comfy and supportive seating is a must, along with spacious desks and plenty of storage. Getting these fundamental elements of your environment right will help to keep your employees healthy and happy.   As long as offices continue to reflect the needs and preferences of employees, it seems likely that these spaces will remain a staple of our working lives for the foreseeable future - even in the face of increasing digitalisation.