Returning to the office: Reimaging the work environment

A woman working at a desk

Following the pandemic, employers are having to adapt to new ways of working. With 37% of employees coming in full time, an increase of 4%, work environments and the role of offices have to be reimagined to create safe, productive, and enjoyable spaces for employees.

Across industries, this post-pandemic era has prompted companies to use lessons from the widely implemented remote work practice to rethink office culture in creative and bold ways.

Working from home has reshaped what employees now want from the office – from new guidelines and policies to improved technology to keep teams connected and amenities that better prioritize health.

This transition back to office urges the consideration of how to effectively plan, communicate, and attract employees to return, while mending the challenge of welcoming new team members and reorienting existing employees.

A new work culture

Creating a better workplace experience in a post-pandemic world can take many forms. Designing a workspace that best supports an organization and its employees entails strategic flexibility. As employers are the primary proprietors responsible for this space, it’s highly beneficial to understand the various practices utilized to enhance a reimagined workspace.

Understand different office models

With an adjustment to square footage needs in mind, companies must find a balance between remote working and relying on the office to create an engaged and collaborative workforce. Some companies have chosen to return to their previous workplace strategy. However, others are evaluating the changing needs of workers to understand new workplace planning strategies that optimize productivity, and satisfaction.

Unification of employers and employees

Encouraging a connection between leadership teams and employees is vital to creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment. Finding the perfect balance between in-office and remote workspaces requires open conversations with employees for their wants to be voiced and actively considered. By giving employees a sense of control, it will foster deeper trust in a company’s capabilities and intentions.

Transparency and clear expectations

Transparency encourages employee engagement by building on honesty and openness in the workplace. It forms the basis for employee recognition and satisfaction that sets your employees up for success upon their return. Once a clear return strategy has been determined, ensure there is transparency when communicating it with employees, outlining its benefits and expectations.

A new and improved workspace with digital signage

A reimagined office means new ways of engaging and communicating with employees. In a busy and everchanging world with information overload, it’s not uncommon for important information to get lost. Traditional notice boards, company bulletins, and even email have decreased in effectiveness.

The right workplace technology is critical for facilitating a dynamic workforce – enter digital signage.

This interactive medium of communication can be an incredibly powerful communication channel with high visibility. Done right, it can:

  • Boost interactivity and attentiveness, capturing 400% more views than static displays. With digital signage, successfully relaying messages to employees is significantly improved
  • Instantly connect with team members, displaying important announcements in real-time
  • Drive engagement and collaboration in ways that creates a better company culture
  • Display data-driven content like real-time travel updates, news feeds, and weather forecasts for a consistently informed workforce

Take action The work of optimizing and maintaining a workplace strategy is never complete.

Digital signage aids in adapting to new workplace practices to accommodate the evolving expectations of employees. The outcome of this reinvention will provide a safe environment that supports the well-being of employees, improving collaboration and productivity, favouring the company’s objectives