Why the traditional workspace is very much still alive

You may be forgiven for thinking that the traditional workplace is no more. Through advancements in technology and an increased popularity for flexible working, it’s no surprise that a common perception of today’s office would comprise of an open-plan warehouse with a ping pong table and swinging chairs to lounge on.

The traditional workplace may also seem to be fading from the working world with so many organisations not seeing the need to work in a physical office. Setting up a business at home or using a virtual office can help save costs which is extremely effective for SMEs and start-up businesses.

While you’d think that the majority of workers are either working in funky offices, in chic coffee shops or from home the reality is that the majority are confined to working in a traditional office.

Having said that, 75% of workers actually prefer to work at a desk in a conventional working environment with fellow colleagues. In this blog we will look at why the traditional workspace will always be at the heart of a business and why we shouldn’t convert to a virtual working world just yet.

Productivity

If your employees physically come into the office and work for eight hours a day, they are 100% accountable for all of their work. Sitting at a desk alongside your colleagues in a working environment will do wonders for overall productivity.

Employees can chat and communicate freely as well as react and adapt to changing circumstances. Being able to communicate in a working environment will not only boost efficiency throughout the working day but can help promote an exchange of ideas between employees and spark new, innovative ideas.

It’s also easier for management to motivate their team if all individuals are in one place. We’re all culprits for having those days where motivation is lacking and by being able to have team meetings or breakout sessions employees are more inclined to light fire in each other’s bellies and spur one another on throughout the day.

Professionalism and security

While some workers thrive off their businesses being based in their home, for some prospective customers or clients this may cause problems.

There is an added element of security if an organisation has a physical address listed on their website. When purchasing products, especially if at a high cost, customers may be put off using the services of a business that isn’t based in an office.

And what about client meetings? Yes, arranging a face-to-face meeting with a prospective or current client in a coffee shop are common in practice, sometimes these aren’t ideal. Public spaces are noisy and you are more likely to be disturbed. If a topic is to be discussed confidentially having an office with a designated meeting is much more appropriate.

When working from home on a personal computer you are more exposed to potential cyber-attacks which could not only lead to a loss of confidential data, but could also damage your business’s entire reputation.

Building relations

Staff engagement and employee well-being is crucial for the survival of a happy workplace. And with the location of an office becoming increasingly fragmented with an increased popularity of hot-desking and working from home etc. how are workplace relationships supposed to flourish? Management is aware that relationships within the workplace are not only good for well-being, but key for productivity.

If all staff members work together in the same environment not only will productivity be enhanced, but an individual’s career development can be also improved. Mentoring and training of less experienced employees by those more experienced can occur more easily when in the same office.

And you?

So while the idea of not having to rise to the sound of a 6.30am alarm and force your way to work whatever the weather is appealing, the reality is that the traditional workplace is still very much alive. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts by getting in touch via our contact page or check out our Facebook and Twitter page!