Afsha
Evolution is an essential process that fosters growth and development. While change is inevitable, evolution, on the other hand, is elective.
A couple decades ago, the corporate workspace would consist of people behind their assigned desks working on their dedicated tasks before leaving for the day. As technology grew by leaps and bounds, the cultural corporate norms changed management practices altered, and the concept of office spaces as we knew them also transformed.
The Transition to Flexible Workspaces
Over the last few years, the dynamics of the office have shifted drastically. With the majority of people working remotely, businesses are adapting to the changing workplace landscape by incorporating innovative workspaces that cater to the demands of the present workforce.
With an increase in these innovative workspaces, better known as ‘flex’ workspaces or flexible workspaces, employees get to enjoy the freedom to decide where, when, and how they want to work. This, in turn, has led to an increase in modern commercial spaces that, in addition to offering all amenities, give employees the liberty to choose a workspace that suits them the most.
Nonetheless, these flexible workspaces wouldn’t be here today if not for their past. In this blog, we’ll look at the evolution of the workspace with information about its past, present, and future!
The Past
It’s history time!
One of the first accounts of an office building dates back to the 18th century. In 1729, East India House was built in London to accommodate their large workforce, and this building was one of the first of its kind.
Despite the fact that the concept of the corporate office was born two centuries earlier, it was only in the 1930s that these workspaces exploded in popularity and remained the status quo for decades to come.
However, these early workspaces were undeveloped, raw, and not particularly employee-friendly, consisting mainly of wide, open floor spaces filled with as many desks as possible.
The work environments here were designed to maximize efficiency and accommodate employees under the same roof without paying much attention to their comfort, design, or working conditions.
Later, these workspaces went on to integrate strategic design, a touch of modernity, and newer technologies, but they were still far from the workspaces we know of today.
The Present
Beginning with the global pandemic, the 2020s witnessed a dramatic change in the way businesses and companies operated. With office spaces no longer available to many, working from home became the sole solution. And the rest was history; remote working turned out to be a huge success, and as people got used to it, they also got accustomed to their new workspace, i.e., their own room!
And as things slowly returned to normal and people returned to the office, the evolution of workspaces to be more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative became apparent. Now the idea of a workspace has become more fluid and flexible than ever before, as it continues to be reimagined beyond the confines of the conventional office building.
With further design and innovation, the present office spaces were restructured to become more productive. And the inculcation of biophilic designs and ergonomics made the workspaces more relaxed and comfortable.
Given below are a few aspects of present-day workspaces that stand out the most in comparison to the workspaces of the past.
Layout
The layout of a workspace can change how employees perceive it, and having a defined workspace makes it much easier to concentrate and get on with the tasks at hand. The managed flexible workspaces of the present incorporate various types of work settings, ranging from collaborative spaces for brainstorming sessions and group activities to individual work zones for employees in need of solitude and better concentration.
With an open layout along with multiple work setting options such as hot desks, private cabins, meeting rooms, conference rooms, and more, Stylework’s flexible workspaces offer the ideal arrangement that fosters collaboration and allows members to interact with each other, allowing them to grow their professional network, gain new insights, share ideas, and be a part of a vibrant coworking community.
With Stylework’s coworking membership plans and day pass options, you can get access to these inspiring and creative coworking spaces across the country at economical prices, which means you will always have a place to work no matter where you are!
Interior Designs
Having the right interior design is essential since it has a direct effect on the mood and morale of employees. Therefore, having interior designs that break the monotony of a regular office space becomes necessary.
The interior design of a workspace should be like a captivating artwork itself, so employees get opportunities to just sit back and admire their surroundings and feel inspired at the same time.
Stylework offers top-of-the-line flexible workspaces ranging from coworking spaces to managed workspaces, designed to cater to the workforce of today. The workspaces offer a sophisticated yet casual vibe that promotes a fun and warm atmosphere.
The sleek and contemporary interior designs put the employees at ease while also encouraging them to do their best. Comprising natural elements such as sunlight, greenery, and plants, these workspaces offer a soothing working environment that boosts the productivity and efficiency of the employees.
Furnishings
The present workspaces put great emphasis on the furnishings, so the employees can work comfortably without having to put any physical strain on their bodies.
The desk spaces are integral parts of the work environment, along with being crucial players in imbuing team spirit, promoting productivity, and enhancing efficiency.
Therefore, owing to their innovative designs and numerous health benefits, the use of ergonomic furnishings and furniture like sit-stand desks is on the rise. These furnishings not only provide comfort but also aid in sitting with the correct posture and the ideal alignment of the back, head, and shoulder.
Technology
With the advent of the digital age, modern workplaces are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, automation, and data analytics aimed at increasing productivity and improving the overall work experience. Also, with remote working becoming more common, having access to modern technology is imperative for them to be just as or even more efficient than they would be at their office.
Stylework offers best-in-class managed workspaces and co-working spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology so that your business functions seamlessly. With access to uninterrupted and high-speed internet connectivity, you can always rest assured and focus on your work without any hindrance.
Also, with Stylework’s Flexboard, you can manage your membership plans conveniently and streamline all your business operations, so your business and employees function more efficiently.
The Future
As far as the future of the workspace goes, it’d be similar to the workspaces of the present but more amplified. Here are some things that can be expected in a workspace, probably a decade from now.
Increased Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is taking the world by storm, and its importance in the coming years is only going to increase.
With its adaptive learning, data handling, perception, and many other features, AI is expected to play an integral role in flexible workspace solutions by allowing people to complete mundane and repetitive tasks without any manpower, thereby allowing them to focus more on the task at hand, i.e., their jobs.
Access to More Flexible Schedules
It goes without saying that flexibility will definitely become a crucial aspect of a working individual’s work life.
With access to advanced technology, working professionals would have even more freedom to work from anywhere, anytime, and however they choose, thereby being able to enjoy more flexible schedules.
Hybrid and Remote Work Options Become the Norm
Though not all over yet, businesses across the world are getting ready to manage a workforce that is majorly remote or hybrid and works out of their homes, or flex spaces like co-working spaces, managed workspaces, or even cafes!
A More Inclusive and Healthier Work Environment
Considering the diversity in managed flexible workspaces and coworking spaces, the workspaces of the future would foster an inclusive and diverse environment, in addition to a healthier and more productive work environment that nurtures the members while also motivating them to do their best and think outside the box.
Wrapping Up!
There are numerous predictions for the future of workspaces, and with advancing technology and the constantly changing demands of the workforce, who knows what the landscape of workspaces will look like down the line?
However, there’s nothing for you to worry about, because we at Stylework understand the ever-changing needs of the present-day workforce and ensure that you always get a workspace that fulfills all your needs and is also light on your pockets.
The differences between the present workspaces and those of their past counterparts are not surprising; nevertheless, the contrast between today’s workspaces and those from a decade ago is shocking, to say the least.
The workspaces will continue to evolve in front of our eyes, and during all these changes, we at Stylework will constantly strive to provide the best co-working experience to all.
So, are you in for the ride of finding your ideal workspace?