The Future of Office Fit-Out in a Post-Pandemic World

|
June 7, 2023

Two years since COVID-19 pandemic, CGA has drastically changed the way it operates as a business and it's likely that many of the changes we've implemented will continue to shape the future of our work. Here, we will explore some of the trends we're seeing in working environments in a post-pandemic era and how we can help improve offices and working surroundings to accommodate these changes.

Three Fundamental Trends to Consider

Remote Work is Here to Stay

We have identified the pandemic has forced many companies to embrace remote work, and it’s clear that this trend will remain. According to a study by Gartner, 82% of company leaders plan to allow employees to work remotely at least part of the time. Additionally, a survey by FlexJobs found that 65% of employees want to continue working remotely full-time post-pandemic.

Open plan offices with plenty of options for hot desks are increasing in popularity. This is from GSK Brentford Project fitted out by CGA

As a result, offices will need to be redesigned to accommodate employees who come in for meetings or collaborative work, rather than individual appointed workstation. This means more meeting rooms, flexible workspaces, and technology to support virtual collaboration.

A Move Hybrid Work Models

Another trend we're seeing and CGA is the rise of hybrid work models, where employees split their time between working from home and coming into the office. A study by Microsoft found that 73% of workers want flexible remote work options, and 67% want more in-person collaboration.

Areas in which people can come together to collaborate on projects are increasingly important in the modern-day office environment.

To accommodate this trend, we have created various models that offer flexibility. One model, for example is hot-desking areas where employees can choose their workspace for the day or designing workspaces that can easily be reconfigured for different uses.

Project appointed and completed for our client GSK, complete strip out, open plan, hot desks, hubs and meeting areas.

A Health & Wellness Focus

The pandemic has also heightened awareness of health and wellness in the workplace. Employees are more concerned than ever about their health and safety, and they want to work in environments that support their well-being. Therefore, CGA is proud to announce we have appointed its first mental health officer for the well-being of our staff and clients.

Offices will need to be designed with the support of our experts in health and wellness, ensuring that key elements are incorporated with features such as air filtration systems, natural lighting, and ergonomic furniture. Companies may also need to invest in mental health resources and support services to help employees manage the stress and anxiety.

A project we completed recently at the QMUL Innovation Centre in Whitechapel, a full strip out and a complete refurb with modern ergonomic furniture.

How CGA Can Shape Office Fit-Out to Better Suit the Modern Day Working Environment.

As a result, all working environment have undergone significant transformations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many old office buildings are no longer set up to facilitate the agile nature of how we work in the year 2023.

Firmenich in Bedfordshire is a science park which CGA fitted out. It's a beautiful space with offices, meeting and conferencing facilities and a laboratory space.

Consequently, there is a need to prioritise flexibility, health, and well-being when designing office spaces, considering the growing number of workers who divide their time between their homes and the workplace.

CGA have been praised for putting this at the forefront of their thinking in office fit out projects which we have recently completed. We are here to help embrace these emerging trends which allow our clients establish improved offices and working environments that effectively cater to the evolving requirements of the present-day workforce.