“As a manager of a technology team, I never supported the notion of working remotely.” That, according to Richard Casamento, former global program manager for the Intel Corporation. “I assumed people were about half as productive when they weren’t here.” Mr. Casamento isn’t alone in his sentiments. Prior to COVID, it was a challenge to get senior managers to embrace the idea that employees could be as, or more productive from home. But as COVID has taught us, workplaces are constantly evolving spaces. Their design and build is influenced by the changing needs of businesses, productivity trends and yes, occasionally far reaching pandemic type events from the outside world. In 2021, Successful office designs will reflect the new awareness in the industry, that virtual work is possible and can be managed effectively. Every company will agonize over the balance between remote employee productivity, the desire to save money on office space, and the intangible lifestyle, creativity and productivity improvements that are possible when people are interacting face to face in a positive environment. In the rethink of company environments post 2020, the focus must become the creation of productivity powerhouses rather than just a space to rest your computer. So, how will office design change in a post-COVID world? What will these spaces look like and how will they be used? Here are some insights into the different trends shaping the design and implementation of the post-COVID office from the experts at BE Builds. Why We Still Need Offices For many employees, working remotely from home comes with it’s own, significant challenges. There’s no space for a proper workstation or desk, there’s less time and energy to focus on work because the hustle and bustle of family life is going on around you (especially if you have kids!), and chores can become a troublesome distraction from work tasks. Ironically, working from home can make it even more difficult to create that all-important work-life balance that we’re all after, as there is no escape from your environment, no change of scenery, and more limited interaction with coworkers. Studies have shown that prolonged working from home is directly linked to depression in many people1 Even the most advanced teaming technology we have is simply not powerful enough to substitute for physical, face-to-face interaction. That’s where the magic happens – it’s the catalyst for innovation, creativity and engaged problem-solving. It’s how real relationships between employees are built and how people go from being coworkers to genuine friends. And of course it remains the place where company resources and equipment are most easily available. For most industries, the company workplace needs to remain the primary focus of efforts to enhance employee productivity. But we should not unlearn what COVID-19 has taught us. Our approach to office design and construction has to change, balancing the need for the energy and innovation of a shared space with the need for effective hygiene protocols and a more flexible working environment. What to Consider When Choosing or Designing a Post-COVID Office Space
Looking for Office Construction Services in NJ? Let’s Get to Work Redesigning your office space for a post-COVID world is complex, but can be rewarding and cost effective when you have a good partner. At BE Builds, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional office fit-outs on time and on budget. Whatever your office design challenges are, we’ll handle it all. Visit us at https://bebuilds.com/ for more information. https://thriveglobal.com/stories/why-working-from-home-might-make-you-depressed-during-and-even-after-covid-19/ Originally posted at https://bebuilds.com/redesigning-your-office-in-post-covid-world/
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Are you ready to design an office space that meets all of your business needs? If you suspect that this is a complicated process, well you’re right. As a long time consultant and contractor for many office environments over the last 20 years, the team at BE has some good advice for company leaders who may be charged with this kind of project. Below are a few essential things you must consider before you start the office buildout process. These essential strategies will help this process go as smoothly as possible, while also saving time and unplanned expenses.
#1 – Determine Your Budget and Timeline Start by developing answers to two of the most fundamental questions – how much are you willing to pay, and when would you like to move in. These questions will shape almost every aspect of your office buildout moving forward, from whether you are looking for a new site or not, to the size of the space and the kind of furnishings you want. If you are leasing a space, it is important to speak to the landlord to negotiate the lease and see if they are to cover certain upgrades or not. If so, ensure you are compliant with the rules set in place for improvement projects, and discuss what will be considered as the property of the business. #2 – Figure Out Your Spatial Needs How much space do you really need? To answer this question, you need to determine what your office will be used for. This has changed significantly due to the on-going health crisis, where employers have had to adapt to remote working conditions. As a result, it is now more important than ever to determine the use of your space. Will you need to accommodate a higher volume of people because they are essential workers that need a bigger space to ensure social distancing and meet capacity restrictions? Will you keep most of your employees working flexibly from home but need a smaller space for limited face-to-face collaborative meetings and brainstorming sessions? One good rule of thumb to use in the new normal? Plan for about 50 square feet per employee. While there are many factors that contribute here, this is a good starting point that also includes factors for bathrooms, hallways, teaming areas and such. If you have less than 10 employees you can potentially use smaller numbers, contact the team at BE Builds for more detailed information on office buildout guidelines. #3 – Look at Ways to Save Money and Other Resources Utility costs are a significant monthly expenditure, but with a considered approach to your office design, you can reduce these costs and access long-term savings. Saving electricity, water and other resources can be expensive if you are looking at solar installations or high-efficiency HVAC units, but there are plenty of budget-friendly ideas too. For example, using glass dividers to enclose different sections of the office space allows you to create private, naturally-lit areas that reduce reliance on fluorescent lighting. Similarly, installing LED lighting creates significant savings compared to halogen or fluorescent lighting. Installing a smart thermostat can help maximize savings from heating and cooling, while also making the office a more comfortable space. #4 – Incorporate Strong Hygiene and Wellness Protocols into the Planning Process A healthy office is a productive office! In recent years, businesses have started realizing the benefits of prioritizing wellness in the workplace1, from increased productivity and engagement to reduced absenteeism. There are numerous ways to incorporate wellness concepts into your office space, including the use of ergonomic chairs and desks, maximizing natural lighting, introducing plants and outdoor spaces, strategic furniture placement for social distancing, air purification, sanitizing stations, and much more. #5 – Consider The Future of Your Business The question of, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” isn’t always an easy one to answer, especially in today’s business environment. The ongoing health crisis has affected and accelerated dramatic changes in all industries and workplaces, forcing businesses to adapt and become agile in a high-pressure environment. This has created changes in how we work, where we work, and even what we offer in terms of products and services. As a result, work and office spaces need to reflect these changes. They need to align with long-term goals, be flexible in the short term, and help support productivity and engagement to play a strong role in the success of your business during and after COVID-19. Contact BE Builds for Expert Advice on your Office Buildout in New Jersey At BE Builds, we’re looking at designing and creating the offices of the future. Spaces that are uniquely suited to your business, as well as the external environment in which it operates. Backed by decades of experience in office fit-outs and office construction services, we’re ready to make your new office space a reality. Visit us today at https://bebuilds.com/ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/347207 Originally posted at https://bebuilds.com/things-to-know-before-doing-an-office-buildout/ |
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