Workplaces set to evolve in 2022
Do you prefer working from home or the office?
The pandemic has changed the way we do many things. Some have been for the better, whilst others have been more challenging.
One of the things that has been a contentious topic is working from home. While some South Africans have flourished while working from home, others miss the structure and order of working from the office.
In June this year, it was revealed that an estimated 50% of workers in South Africa were working from home on a full time basis. Prior to the introduction of the Omicron variant, many workplaces were adjusting to back to the office routines, with workers splitting their work week between home and the office.
As we approach another year with COVID-19, the ecosystem of offices has evolved. It will now be a place of connection and innovation.
According to Business Tech, "offices will no longer be a single location, but an ecosystem of offices, homes and third places such as cafes and coworking spaces to support flexibility, functionality and employee well-being."
Rather than being a place where employees automatically report every day, offices will become corporate centres specifically meant to spur innovation and connection while developing team spirit.
Hybrid work arrangements may be the future and does have benefits. As many South Africans have shown that this mix and mathc way of working is a more preferred approach. However, there may be damaging effects of working from home in the long run.
Team-building, networking and the cross-pollination of ideas that come with in-person interaction will also be impacted after the pandemic. It could also deal a blow to progress made in diversity and inclusion efforts. The hybrid workforce will be defined by flexible schedules and shared spaces so the offices of 2022 could be smaller.
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