The adjustments made to the workplace environment in reaction to the pandemic, including work-from-home and hybrid work setups, have workers and company management realising they no longer need to be at the office to do their jobs. 

The country’s relatively older population coupled with access to high-speed Internet have accelerated the adoption of hybrid work. Singapore employees can just be as productive working at home where they can be in a more relaxing environment.

This has created new challenges for business owners to lure employees back to the office without sacrificing employee satisfaction and, in the process, hurting productivity. This challenge is being addressed through well-designed office spaces aimed at prioritising the needs of employees.

What Should Future Office Space Design Look Like?

The traditional office design characterised by wall-to-wall cubicles, narrow hallways, dimly lit pantries and isolated meeting rooms is part of a bygone era. Those designs put company interests first and employee interests second, if they even took them into consideration at all. They were designed to maximise the employee count for every available square metre of leased space.

However, since the pandemic, the adoption of work-from-home policies by many companies has unleashed the productive potential of workers beyond the traditional office setup. As a result, 9 out of every 10 employees want some form of remote work, with 6 out of 10 choosing remote work as the most important aspect of their jobs¹. 

Because of this, many organisations have been re-tuning their workplace environment into a hybrid model that combines home, office, and a third space where employees can be in a more relaxing setting that still fosters sharing of ideas and creativity². 

These new office designs need to consider several key factors that are essential to the new workplace, which begins with taking into account the individuals’ needs, whether they be leaders or rank and file employees. Not all people can focus on their work in a noisy environment, while others are more creative when they are able to discuss matters in an open space. Access to nearby gyms, yoga classes, and even childcare are being incorporated to the new workplace as well.

Second, design must harmonise with the nature and style of the work people do at the office. Companies that rely on shared creativity, like advertising firms and product design, must create an environment where people are encouraged to collaborate and connect. The use of social spaces like cafes, bars, and lounges help boost social interaction within the new office setup.

Third, they must reflect the company’s culture and values. A private-equity firm that focuses on ESG-driven start-ups would have an environmentally friendly approach to office buildout, with attention to the materials used throughout the workplace. To make the office setup more inclusive, there must be use of features that make it easier for physically impaired people to move around.

Lastly, the new office design needs to consider the company’s purpose and goals. Those looking to increase worker participation in regular company meetings are building specialised spaces that are less formal and intimidating. These areas become more like events or exhibition spaces instead of a rigid meeting room.

Impact of Modern Office Design on Business Productivity

Utilising modern office designs at the workplace is at the core of improving employee productivity. More open spaces, better lighting, good acoustics, and ergonomic furniture are key features of today’s modern office geared towards the employees. Indeed, it has the potential to increase overall productivity by 12%³ .

Offices that also take into account their employees' wellness through facilities including gyms, salad bars, and private counselling can increase employee performance by 25%⁴.  They also help increase employee satisfaction and retention.

Designs that integrate nature into the workplace environment are becoming commonplace. These designs allow employees to reconnect with natural elements and create healthier work environments.

In a small country like Singapore where residents spend most of their time indoors, a significant portion of this time is spent in the workplace.⁵  Thus, employees in Singapore prefer working for companies that consider their needs for a better work-life balance important. To keep employees satisfied and productive, modern office designs that allow employees to enter a relaxing work environment are becoming an important feature in Singapore’s private sector.

By embracing innovative designs and sustainable office solutions, and prioritising employee-centric environments, businesses can create dynamic workplaces that inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and drive productivity.  

¹ https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/remote-work-statistics/

²https://www.pwc.com.au/future-of-work-design-for-the-future/designing-a-hybrid-office.html

³https://officeprinciples.com/insights/importance-health-wellbeing-interior-office-designs

⁴https://zipdo.co/statistics/workplace-design/

⁵https://www.initial.com/sg/blog/air-care/singapore-iaq-regulations-guide-for-facility-managers#:~:text=According to a study conducted,air quality a major concern.