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In the bustling heart of Central Scotland, like the rest of the world, the dynamics of office spaces are undergoing a profound transformation. As businesses adapt to new modes of operation and employee preferences shift, the traditional concept of office space continues to be redefined – Yes even four years after the dreaded C word!
In this conversation with Laura Melville, Director of Property and Operations and Vicky Murphy, Director of HR and Organisational Development at STEP, we explore the evolving landscape of office environments and the need for businesses to provide spaces that foster collaboration, flexibility and innovation, especially in todays diluted market conditions.
Jenn: Let’s start with a broad question: how have you observed the nature of office space evolving in recent years, particularly in light of changing work patterns?
Laura: Over the years, we’ve witnessed a significant shift in how businesses perceive office space. It’s no longer merely a place to work; it’s become a reflection of a company’s culture and values. With the rise of remote working and flexible schedules, employees now view the office as a destination (positively or negatively) – an environment that inspires creativity, collaboration and community. This in turn has led to businesses looking for something different when enquiring about their office space needs. The times of businesses just looking at the price per square foot have definitely gone – not that that isn’t still a consideration.
Vicky: We’ve seen a fundamental change in the way employees interact with their work environment. With remote work becoming more prevalent, employees are seeking spaces that offer something beyond a desk and a computer. They want environments that encourage teamwork, innovation and personal growth. As such, businesses are under pressure to reimagine their office spaces to meet these evolving needs. Employers are having to think outside of the box as to how they can make the spaces more appealing and often entice their teams out of their home environment.
Jenn: It’s fascinating to hear how perceptions have shifted. Laura, could you elaborate on how businesses are adapting their office spaces to align with these expectations?
Laura: Certainly, one key aspect is the emphasis on flexibility. Businesses are moving away from rigid, cubicle-filled layouts towards more adaptable office spaces that can accommodate different work styles and activities. This includes open-plan areas for collaboration, private spaces for focused work and communal areas for socialising. A shift we have seen is businesses looking for flexible leases so that they can flex up or down size of space depending on their unique circumstances – something that we pride ourselves at STEP as being able to offer at no additional cost. A great part of our job is that it can be one big chess game moving tenants around into the right space for them.
Vicky: I couldn’t agree more, flexibility is paramount. Another important consideration is the integration of technology. With remote work becoming the norm for many, offices need to be equipped with the latest tools and software to facilitate seamless collaboration between in-person and remote teams. From video conferencing facilities to cloud-based productivity platforms, technology plays a crucial role in keeping teams connected and productive.
Jenn: It’s clear that the modern office is about much more than just providing a place to work. Vicky, from your perspective in HR and organisational development, how does the design of office spaces impact employee engagement and wellbeing?
Vicky: Employee engagement and wellbeing are intrinsically linked to the physical environment in which people work. A well-designed office space can have a profound impact on morale, productivity and overall job satisfaction. For example, natural light, greenery and ergonomic furniture can enhance comfort and reduce stress levels. Likewise, spaces that encourage movement and interaction promote a sense of belonging and camaraderie among colleagues.
Laura: It’s interesting to add that there has been a rise in businesses looking for additional amenities such as onsite gyms, nurseries, wellness rooms, parking and more, linking directly to creating spaces people WANT to work in.
Jenn: It’s evident that office design plays a crucial role in shaping company culture and employee experiences. As we look to the future, what do you see as the next frontier in office space innovation?
Laura: I believe the next step for office space lies in creating truly immersive and experiential environments that inspire creativity and innovation. This could involve incorporating elements of nature in design, virtual reality simulations, or interactive art installations to stimulate the senses and spark imagination. Another key area as I already mentioned is flexibility, I can see future office spaces being able to change at the slide of a wall the movement of floor, even the push of a ceiling maybe! Sustainability is also something that will be a priority. As businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprint and operate more responsibly, we’ll see a greater emphasis on eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction strategies. Sustainable office spaces not only benefit the environment but also contribute to a positive brand image and employee morale.
Vicky: Businesses may explore partnerships with meeting space providers (like STEP) to access meeting facilities on a flexible basis. This allows companies to scale their meeting space requirements according to their needs without the burden of maintaining dedicated meeting rooms that may go unused for large periods.
Jenn: On that note one more aspect I’d like to explore is the increased use of meeting spaces, particularly as businesses transition to remote work. Have you noticed any trends in this regard?
Laura: Absolutely, with the rise of remote work, many businesses have realised the importance of face-to-face interactions for fostering collaboration and maintaining team cohesion. As a result, we’ve seen a significant uptake in the demand for meeting spaces within office buildings. Reacting to this demand we have investing our offer significantly in this area, making meeting spaces adaptable and more attractive.
Vicky: Even for companies that have totally embraced remote work, there’s still a need for physical gatherings from time to time. Whether it’s for brainstorming sessions, team-building activities, or client meetings, having access to well-equipped meeting spaces is essential for facilitating productive discussions and driving innovation.
It’s clear that the evolution of office space is not just a matter of aesthetics but a fundamental shift in how we work, collaborate and thrive. As businesses continue to adapt to these changes, the role of property and HR professionals will be more crucial than ever in shaping the workplaces of tomorrow.
