The evolving nature of the workplace, and a heightened focus on employee wellbeing, demands new approaches that prioritise wellbeing and comfort, in addition to satisfaction and productivity. The emphasis at the office now lies in creating flexible and comfortable environments.
There is a rising demand for enhanced employee experiences through more considered workspace design. The recognition that employees engage in diverse tasks daily, advocates for varied workspaces to accommodate different activities, emphasising the importance of adaptable office architecture for the future of work. It is now acknowledged that individuals work differently, with preferences for varying levels of privacy and collaboration.
According to the Gensler Workplace Survey (2023), over 80% of office workers with a positive workplace experience can freely choose their workspace. Diverse spaces significantly enhance workplace effectiveness. In the UK, areas promoting rest, quiet individual work, and creative group activities have the greatest impact.
To meet the diverse needs of office workers, Mute—a pioneer of innovative office solutions, has launched OmniRoom in 2023, a game-changing modular room-in-room system for shaping flexible, construction-free, future-ready offices. This multi-award-winning modular office system, represented by obo in the UK, provides adaptable, construction-free workspaces that supports the following key principles:
“Fit the Task”
In the contemporary workplace, more than a one-size-fits-all approach is needed. The new additions to OmniRoom include multifunctional hubs serving various office functions. Employers can create diverse work environments tailored to different tasks, encompassing focused work, collaboration, brainstorming, and video calls. Adaptable workspaces that accommodate both tasks and personal work styles enhance employee success and wellbeing, offering support and control over a broader spectrum of work tasks.
Employee Empowerment
Optimal results require individuals to work in environments that suit them personally. Office design should prioritise personalisation, empowering employees to manage their workspaces. This allows them to choose where, when, and how they work based on tasks, preferences, and work demands. Employee empowerment is increasingly crucial for retention and productivity, fostering a sense of ownership, responsibility, and trust.
Wellbeing
In today’s work environment, balancing wellbeing is paramount. A Deloitte and Workplace Intelligence report from 2023 underscores the need for employers to prioritise employee wellbeing for talent retention and organisational success. The report reveals significant percentages—60% of employees, 64% of managers, and 75% of the C-suite—consider leaving for a job that better supports wellbeing. ABW encourages reimagining the office as a space where wellbeing and productivity coexist. Workspaces fostering physical and mental comfort contribute to the longevity and productivity of organisations.
