What do your perfect workspaces look like?
As we think about what 'returning to work' looks like, we need to redesign physical spaces to enable us to work together better.
This thought exercise is about visualising the things in your workspace that are important to you - not just physical objects, but those things which help you be you - people, light, sounds, experiences.
What things do you need, want and would love to have in your post-covid workspaces, to help you work well.
Replies6
- Hi,I have been working for more than twenty years and witnessed the blooming of shared spaces. I appreciate silence more than anything, in order to be both focused and efficient.In my experience there open working spaces were initially a good idea, based on shared ethos, contagious creativity, etc. However I have seen these become a control weapon for management and forcing people to bond in non organic way. If as a manager or CEO you feel like you need to constantly keep an eye on your team in order to keep their performance up, my guess is that you hired the wrong people in the first place.This might be a controversial opinion, but I rather go back to a cubicle with a closed door, where people have the space to work at their own path and professional and personal connections happen based on truthful affinity.Hope this helps!
- I would want a lot of organised things around me, space to draw and everything at hand like pens, paper, tape, staples, plenty of natural light, a space that was filled with inspiring images, plants, comfy office chair, computer set up along side my craft stuff. I like to listen to music or audio books so a speaker or headphones are a must. My lists (for that day) need to be in an obvious place with my targets required for that week and month pinned up.
- A quiet Cafe / Coffee shop with a socket to plug your laptop in and a table big enough with the right surface to use a wireless mouse. That preferably has decent lunch food.
- Natural light, big windows for fresh air to flow and lush greenery all bringing a sense of calm and connect with the outside world. Desks should be large with room to spread out and at least two screens, to allow for organised mess and room to get creative.I also prefer that desks are spaced out well so you feel that you can have your own little bubble, but without barriers between desks that cut you off from collegues. It's really important to be able to bounce ideas off work mates easily, to help work collaboratively, and removing any barriers to this is key - a communal hangout space within the office also helps with this, as somewhere different to work, have lunch, chat or have impromptu meetings.Oh yeah and comfy chair...And dog friendly office, 100%.
- @Kit Swing oh my, that sounds lovely.
- A special little area or 'nook' that has a den-like feel. Clear & uncluttered, yeat still filled with colourful & strong inspirational visuals such as pictures, objects, plants & a speaker for music/podcasts. A place on the wall to pin inspirational quotes & spider diagrams of step by step action plans & priorities. And, of course, a comfortable chair!
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