Building Flexible Workspaces: Use of Art & Diversity
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed offices as we know them and driven businesses to adopt new methods of working. There is a desire for flexible workplaces that allow people and businesses to adapt to shifting demands, needs, and workforce numbers. Pre-pandemic cubicle layouts may be a thing of the past, making way for places of collaboration, innovation, and community-building.
Office spaces are a comprehensive way of creating a perception and impression of working culture. Premium office space creates an impact with its look and service standard and gives a welcoming feel. A strong focus on inclusion and openness undoubtedly contributes to the organization's success. Manish Khedia, The Executive Centre shared his secret of success saying, “Our spaces are designed to foster collaboration. Collaboration is key to innovation and creativity that makes co-working space so relevant in the market”.
Swaviman Das, Space Matrix highlighted the changing trends in designing workspaces. He said that building workspaces is no simpler than it used to be. He further said, “Value drivers have become intangible with time fuelling up the frictionless journey in these spaces with micro-destinations with different identities taking aesthetics as the centre stage”. Cultivating an open and healthy environment improves productivity, creativity, and work culture. Businesses are making elevated spaces a perfect mix of their comfort zone without losing the space's vibe. F&B (Food and Beverages) is the major aspect of enriching the social quotient of co-working spaces.
A pleasant setting promotes wellness, and happiness, and has positive social and psychological effects. Art is the secret sauce to making a delightful space. Prosenjit, COWRKS laid the importance of Art taking spaces to the next level. He said, “Art allows us to have a much deeper social dialogue at the centre. Social sustainability is being followed through art”.
A brand is the personal association of any service that helps people identify themselves. It establishes a community that unites people. Different cultures, aspirations, and experiences translate into different space designs. Aparna Khemani, Gensler talked about private businesses in making their brand identity. “Individual businesses have their own brand and identity and want the freedom to express who they are, where they belong reflecting on the co-working spaces”, she added.
Technology looks promising in the field of Flexi spaces. The usage of AI in making more sense of furniture is seen in designing products. Tech-based products at flex spaces will give a break from monotonous desks. Nitin Mukund, Featherlite highlighted the inclusion of technology like AI, IoT, Gen AI, etc. creating individual spaces in social places. He said, “Integrating furniture with technology will bring new opportunities for people working together in spaces”.
The Future of Work Survey, 2022 suggests that the period from 2022 to 2025 will represent a crucial window of opportunity for organizations to redefine their workplace strategies and to create flexible, tech-enabled, future-proof real estate portfolios. Data will bring positive change in the future making places technologically enabled. AI and IoT in the office are helping workspaces to become future-ready motivating them to become more inclusive and productive.
