What is the future for face-to-face work and offices?

Flex Office
June 21, 2022
Published by
Vianney

The traditional office is changing. We no longer have a single model for how work gets done. Instead, we are now on a hybrid model, with some people working face-to-face within the company and others working remotely from home.

What does this mean for the future of face-to-face work? And what are the implications for offices?

The rise of remote work

Recent years have seen a spectacular increase in the number of remote workers. According to INSEEby 2021, no less than 22% of French employees will be working at remote work .

Thanks to advances in digital technology, it is now possible for many office workers to perform their duties from anywhere in the world, with the same results. Let's take a look at what this means.

The benefits of remote work

For employers, remote work can lead to increased productivity in certain areas and reduced overheads in the future. For employees, remote work enables them to achieve a better work-life balance, manage their time better and work in a location that is often more comfortable and convenient. In addition, remote work can help reduce traffic congestion and pollution levels.

It's clear that remote work is the future for many forms of organization. And as digital technology improves, the benefits of remote work become ever more apparent.

The challenges of remote work

While there are many benefits to working from home, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.

Paradoxically, one of the biggest challenges is maintaining a work-life balance. It can be difficult to set boundaries between work and personal time when employees are always in the same place. This can lead to feelings of burnout and even depression.

Another challenge for employees is staying motivated when they are not in an office environment. It can be easy to get distracted by household chores or other activities, and it can be difficult to stay focused on work tasks.

Finally, remote workers do not always enjoy the social aspects of working in an office. It can be frustrating to work alone all day, and they may lack opportunities to interact with colleagues on a daily basis.

Despite these difficulties, remote working is becoming increasingly popular and, with careful organization, can be an effective method of working with successful results.

The future of face-to-face work

In a post-pandemic and increasingly digital world, it's easy to imagine that face-to-face work has no future. After all, why meet in person when you can get the same results via email or video conference?

Yet, there are still many advantages to physical meetings, and some types of jobs cannot be done remotely. Therefore, face-to-face work is likely to continue in the future in many sectors.

In fact, some experts believe that the traditional office will make a comeback in the corporate world. On the other hand, pre-pandemic organizations are well and truly a thing of the past, and new forms of service are being demanded by employees with valuable skills.

The flex office

The organization of work within the company is undergoing a revolution. More and more companies are abandoning the cubicle rows of the past in favor ofa more flexible and collaborativework environment.

This new model, often referred toas the "flex office," is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, while providing the privacy and focus needed for the expected job outcomes. The flex office typically includes:

  • a variety of open spaces
  • private meeting rooms
  • break areas
  • technologies that allow employees to work remotely

This forward-looking trend is driven by a number of factors, including the growing popularity of remote work, the rise of the "gig economy," and the need for companies to attract and retain top talent.

How to switch to flex office in your company?

Many companies in different sectors are therefore increasingly opting for a flexible office. This allows employees to have more control over their schedule and location. Here are some tips on how to make this change in your company:

The right tools

The key to a successful flexible office is proper development. Make sure you have the right tools and technology in place so employees can easily work from anywhere. This includes laptops, a good internet connection and the right software.

Good communication

Be sure to communicate the benefits of working in a flex office to all employees based on their skills. Explain how it will benefit them in the future, both professionally and personally. Provide briefings and training on how to use the new tools and technologies.

Adapted spaces

Finally, design your flex office to meet the needs and skills of your employees. This includes making sure there is enough workspace, comfortable furniture and adequate lighting. 

You should also make sure there are plenty of places to socialize and relax, such as a kitchen or break room.