Over the past few years, the way that offices work and function has changed drastically. Remember when an open plan office was the best idea you had heard? Or when your employees were excited about using a new email interface? Well, the experience that employees are having at work is having a huge revamp.
Employers are now focusing on creating a social and digital environment for their employees and colleagues to use and enjoy during their working hours and, as we draw closer to the end of the year, we can look at the impact this is having on the future of the workplace as we know it.
Collaboration
Over the last 20 years, the employee experience has been hugely focused on collaboration. With fast-paced technology and open plan offices bringing teams and employees together, we are now seeing a slight shift away from employee collaboration and are moving towards more focus on personalisation and productivity. Employees now want to get rid of noise and distractions, they want to focus and work smarter.
With new apps focusing on bringing together documents and data together in real-time, employees no longer need to be sat in cold and dull cubicles just metres away from one another. They can spread out and enjoy their own working environment whilst still working together as a team. There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to productivity, so finding the best way that your office works is essential.
Personal Productivity
Again, the open office plan has had an impact on the way that modern offices function and work. Whilst there are huge benefits that come with an open-floor office, such as more communication and collaboration, there are also a few downsides. The environment offers a lot of distraction and is ill-suited for concentration and focus.
Leading employers are now introducing quiet spaces and booths for employees to escape and focus when needed. Many are also letting employees work from remote locations for when they just need to escape and focus.
As the employee experience is leaning towards productivity, many organisations are trying to provide flexible working environments to better benefit their employees whilst also keeping the morale and work speed up.
Creating A Compelling Environment
Another trend which many employers are investing in is creating a compelling environment for their employees. A lot of offices that have employees aged 20-30 are working towards creating more exciting workspaces. Whether they choose to have a work “Happy Hour” with prosecco on tap, welcoming dogs into the office or providing unlimited holiday days, the wellbeing and happiness of employees is becoming paramount for new and growing businesses.
Human Resources has had a huge overhaul, too. With roles such as “Head Of Employee Experience” and “Head Of Happiness” being rolled out in many offices, the wellbeing of employees is proving to be a huge focus for many companies who are looking to embed their working cultures and values into everything they do.
As the talent-pool for job roles is increasing and becoming more competitive, it is becoming more difficult for employers to attract and engage potential employees. By investing in providing a good working environment and company culture, making the workplace into an experience is vital for many employers. Improved workspaces, more training and frequent rewards is sure to attract more dedicated employees and many employment solicitors and services, such as Gorvins and Citizens Advice, are seeing cases and queries declining as employees are becoming happier overall.
A Better Future Is Coming
Whilst the employee experience is undoubtedly growing in working environments, an even better future is coming. As software is set to become mobile and more personalised, workspaces are more likely to focus on employee collaboration and concentration. Companies that will thrive in the future are those that are looking at investing in employee-focused initiatives.
