How the right decor can improve office space
How the right decor can improve office space The visual aspect of an office comes with a range of benefits
What are the implications for the physical office space in the professional services sector?
Some believe the office is now obsolete. But they should give serious thought to the cultural implications of all-remote working.
Progressive professional services firms are already redefining how to empower employees to do their best work while reimagining real estate strategies for the future, reviewing how much of it is needed and how best to optimise it.
“I can see a future where some law firms may question the need to have such extensive and expensive offices, leading to even greater agile working.”
Yet however their C-Suite views evolve, it’s clear that organisations dismiss shifting workforce demands at their peril. Businesses that resist new ways of working are already losing valued colleagues to their competitors.
As the war for talent accelerates, professional services firms must lean into new, culture-defining space typologies that enhance employee experience.
In recent years, office spaces have often been redesigned to create vibrant and adaptive working environments. Hot desks have blended with collaborative interaction areas, and spaces for formal and informal meetings. While online meetings are convenient, in-person exchange will always strengthen longer-term relationship building.
The trend for more collaborative workspaces will continue.
“Longer term, increasingly we might have to partition meeting spaces to split them into smaller video pods, to avoid getting distracted by people talking. Plus, of course, there are confidentiality issues, which are very important.”
As firms hone hybrid working, private offices look increasingly extravagant and outdated. Ambitious professional services firms are rethinking enclosed spaces and shifting from ‘individual’ to ‘collective’ mindsets. Single-size offices are now giving way to rooms designed with collaboration in mind.
Flexibility is now key to professional services firms’ real estate strategies. In August 2020, global law firm Freshfields made headlines when it introduced its “office release system,” leading to a 20% space saving13. Partners were invited to allow juniors to use their offices when they themselves worked remotely. Private office booking systems now work the same way as for conference rooms.
“Zoom et al have proved effective ways of maintaining that knowledge sharing. Working remotely doesn’t quite have the same level of spontaneity however so you might lose the ability to overhear a colleague and be able to input by adding something they or their client might find helpful.”
Any business migrating to hybrid working should first revisit its core commercial objectives. From there it should analyse the social dynamics required for optimal organisational collaboration. Only then can workspace re-design successfully support the culture to deliver enhanced commercial results.
Behavioural shifts of any kind are contingent on effective leadership role-modelling. This is how culture transforms. For collaboration to enter the mainstream ‘the way we do things around here’ mindset, business leaders need to show, not tell.
While office redesign can go a long way towards upgrading and enhancing workplace culture, specifics such decentralised executive seating and leadership accessibility are key to successful shifts towards collaborative coworking.
Have you enjoyed this article?
Download our Free white paper that explores the wider topic of
what the future holds for the professional services sector.
what the future holds for the professional services sector.
*Source: PwC and ULI, Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2022
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/library/covid-19/us-remote-work-survey.html
Advice Centre Topics
What is the future of the professional services firm?
Download our Free white paper that provides an overview of the shifts, undercurrents and key predictions shaping work’s perpetually evolving future within the professional services sectors.
Content that may interest you
Is open plan the best plan? Employees are less productive with manager in the room, research suggests
Research gives an insight into the impact a manager’s position in the office has on employee productivity
Boost Company Branding and Culture with Interior Design
Top tips on how lighting, décor, furniture and technology can all help employees succeed in the workplace.
Guide to office design and layout
Interior design is now considered a vital and integral part of creating a successful office space, whether it’s a brand new fit out or an update of your existing environment.
Do you have an office fit-out project you would like to discuss?
Contact us for a no obligation discussion
