Designing a Post-Pandemic Corporate Space

It was early 2020 when workplaces and schools were forced into a mass “work from home” experiment. Employees were suddenly responsible for creating their own workspace at home. For some a home office was established, for others, this meant the kitchen table was their new destination. But they made it functional. They figured out what worked, what distracted them, what increased productivity, and so forth. Surprisingly, a majority found themselves happier and more productive than expected.

Although some employers have responded to this with a permanent work-from-home workforce, that’s not at all been the majority. Most employers are bringing them back to the office, whether that’s gradually or all at once. Will their employees comply?

Adapting Your Workspace

Employees returning to the office will know now what worked for them at home. For team members not keen on the move back to your workspace, they’ll need the assurance that they’re working in a safe and motivating environment. Workspaces are no longer about making the most of your space, it’s about safety and collaboration. One way this is happening: greenery is no longer non-essential to an office.

Designing an Office for a Hybrid Work Model

From full time in the office to zero time in the office, the economic and social pendulum is settling into a practical middle. A hybrid model is emerging, with workspaces optimized for collaborative teamwork that’s so difficult to replicate remotely. Studies show that spending a few days a week with the team and the other portion at home produces maximum efficiency. Not to mention it delivers the best results for employee satisfaction. Those who prefer to be home have their time at home, those who prefer the alternative have their part as well.

According to Morning Consult, 47 percent of those working remotely say their ideal arrangement would be to continue working from home one to four days a week.

But none of these methods attempt to capture the health benefits and increased time spent outdoors enjoyed by the majority of people working at home and integrate them into the traditional workplace.

Employers want to bring their team back in order to increase collaboration. But in order to keep their employees safe in uncertain times, many will expect them to maintain masks and barriers between team members. So where does the collaboration come into play with a plastic wall between you?

The Benefit of Plants in Corporate Spaces

Hotels, restaurants, spas, and more all use plants and floral arrangements to welcome their guests for a reason. Why? Plants are welcoming. Hand sanitizer and an unbranded box of tissues, are not.

Your employees are leaving the comfortable homes that they’ve chosen, decorated, and love in order to return to the shared workspace. If it feels cold, the collaboration you’re seeking is going to be nowhere to be found.

Offices and corporate spaces across the nation are fighting this by picking up on what the hospitality industry has known for years: incorporate natural elements. In a perfect world, you welcome your team back to a space with high ceilings, ample natural light, and plentiful fresh air. Realistically, this is not everyone’s reality. You don’t necessarily have the structure to supply this or the means to move offices. So what’s the best move? Create an indoor office that mimics an outdoor space. The air will be cleaner, and your team will feel healthier & happier.

Affordable Plants & Florals for Offices

Many have already stopped reading this article because they don’t feel they have room in the budget for office plants. The reality? The cost to maintain standard office plants for an entire month is less than buying your office lunch just once. Plant services range so drastically for offices since there are so many moving parts. The cost of services depends on the size of the space, how elaborate of decor they want, frequency of maintenance visits, and more. It's best to set up a consultation with the professionals to get an accurate idea of costs. Since 1991, Hoffman Design Group continues to bring nature and creativity into the corporate spaces of Philadelphia, Suburban Pennsylvania, South Jersey, Delaware, and beyond.  Contact us today for a free consultation.