As the pandemic continues to evolve towards a more positive outlook, your workplace remains firmly in the spotlight. With an average of over 90,000 hours of our life being spent in the workplace, this is one of the environments that has had to adapt the most.
Coinadrink Limited, the vending machine company, dissects a report from NFS Technology, which takes a look at the modern workplace and where it could be heading next. This will help CEO’s and leaders understand how they can transform their workplace for the benefit of their team.
The definition of a modern workplace is an operational setup which has been professionally designed to meet both the physical and technological needs of both your business and its employees.
And those needs have drastically changed over the course of the last 12 months. Now we’re heading towards Covid-safe normality, how has the pandemic forced change in the modern workplace?
It’s firstly a good idea to explore the challenges the modern workplace faces.
1. Overcoming employees’ safety concerns.
2. Identifying what your team want from your workplace.
3. Planning for home and flexible working. Implementing workplace wellness initiatives.
4. Building a productive team.
5. Handling visitors effectively.
Now let’s take a look at the key areas of how the modern workplace will change.
THE REDUCTION OF WORKSPACE.
One of the most noticeable statistics from the report is surrounding workspace.
Whilst a lot of companies will remain in their existing environment due to lease commitments and the like, many will be forced into downsizing. To be specific, 34% of companies are looking to reduce space, most by over 25%.
This could be for lots of reasons.
Reducing costs is undoubtedly one of the biggest factors, but the rise in home working is another cause. Many employees may have preferred home working in the last 12 months and businesses are recognising that it does have its benefits. The workplace may simply become a “hub” for brand value and collaboration, which means companies don’t require as much space as before.
What does this mean for me?
As the return-to-work speeds up and you’re looking to adapt your workplace to suit, there are a few options you have.
You may have looked into serviced offices or may own a serviced office and are looking to enhance it to make it appealing to potential clients. We produced a recent article explaining how our refreshment services can help provide a meaningful employee benefit.
Our services can work for a multitude of locations so even if you are looking to downsize, they can still work for you. A contactless coffee machine or water dispenser is a great way to help raise morale in total peace of mind.
FLEXIBLE WORKING.
Despite the fact that home working is set to stay for many, it could simply be in the form of flexible working.
Many employees will switch their time between the home and their natural working environment, as a way to keep in touch with their colleagues and make themselves available for face-to-face team meetings.
In fact, 55% of those surveyed said flexible working would be a key attribute in 2021. As touched on, so many employees believe they can work more effectively at home, but still want to feel connected to their workplace.
What does this mean for me?
It may be that you want to implement shift patterns, so you restrict the number of staff on site at any one time moving forward.
The whole point of flexible working is so your team can still interact with colleagues, but that doesn’t mean that everyone needs to be in the office and at home at the same time. It could be that certain days and times work better for different people.
As you’d expect, then, transforming your workplace into a flexible environment will be important. Coinadrink can implement high-quality refreshment services into your workplace, so your team can grab a hot drink or bite to eat whenever they’re in.
If you have previously been using a canteen, you might now find our Micro Market to be more beneficial, for example. Unlike a canteen, the self-serve, unmanned market is open and available 24 hours a day and is arguably the most hygienic on-site refreshment solution.
THE RISE IN TECHNOLOGY.
Technology has been progressively changing our lives for decades. It now has a big part to play in the modern workplace, to promote comfort, safety and convenience.
We mentioned earlier that flexible working will be a key driver across 2021, but technological advancements will record similar growth throughout the year. 57% of those from the report suggested just that.
It’s now longer a catalyst in the workplace, it’s instead foundational. And it’s not just going to be used in ways you might expect, such as through colleague connection with video calls.
Technology can deliver a safer workplace and it’s only when you dive deeper do you truly appreciate just how so.
What does this mean for me?
Just how can technology enhance – or overhaul – your working environment?
Coinadrink has been helping to drive a positive company culture since 1962 and we have recognised the role technology can play. Moving forward, you need to make your team feel safe and comfortable in their workplace. This means implementing meaningful employee benefits that deliver a positive environment.
You could start taking advantage of the progression nature of vending, just like so many other companies have. For years our refreshment solutions have provided all the refreshments you may need from fresh bean coffee to filtered water to fresh food. And now technology has taken it even further, with contactless equipment and contactless payments becoming standard.
All you need for a happy workplace and a productive workforce.
SUMMARISING THE MODERN WORKPLACE.
The modern workplace will never be the same again. They will be used and viewed in different ways.
Workplace leaders who need a happy and productive team need to respond and adapt their workplace as soon as possible. Examine the changes you need to make and improve the culture of your workplace for the benefit of your team.
If you want to contact us about our high-quality and hygienic refreshment services, you can do so on 01922 640777 or at sales@coinadrink.co.uk
