In an era of constant disruption, modern companies understand that being open to change is fundamental for success. Last month, the Locateam had attended WORKTECH21 London to find out what this has meant for different organizations around the world. Below, you’ll find some of our biggest takeaways from the 2-day event!

Traditional companies are hopping on real estate trends

In recent years, offices have become more flexible and collaborative. This change has happened mainly in startups, tech companies, and smaller businesses. Big financial institutions and law practices have generally stuck to the traditional office layouts, with closed offices and assigned seating. This may, however, be changing. The way companies operate has changed since the pandemic. We’re seeing fintech and legal offices follow suit by adding hybrid work environments for their employees. 

Your company’s identity should be obvious

Having a brand identity is crucial. And, It’s not just the logo that counts. Your office spaces must be in harmony with the image you’re trying to convey. For example, the reception area should serve as an area for welcoming people. Hence, it must feel warm and inviting. High desks with staff hidden are doing the opposite. This is the first step of a guest’s journey into the office space. It cannot be overlooked.

Employees are seeking inspiration 

The number of people leaving their jobs is on the rise. And, it isn’t necessarily because they found a better job. Instead, we’re finding that employees are simply unhappy with their jobs and that there is a large workforce seeking inspiration. Talent acquisition is a problem in recent times, so companies are reacting. Increasing employee satisfaction has become a top priority in CRE. Some companies have added collaborative and flexible spaces to solve this issue. All businesses are vying for the best talent, so they need to offer the best services.

Professional vs. personal lives

The professional work environment has become increasingly casual over the years. With employees working from home, this trend was accelerated by the pandemic. Muting Zoom calls for barking dogs and blurring the kitchen background became the norm. The line between professional and personal lives has become increasingly blurred. In turn, employees are expecting employers to provide the same level of transparency. ‘Behind the scenes is the new scene’. 

Conclusion

The workplace has changed. With staff members logging in from their at-home offices, companies are becoming more flexible. The divide between personal and professional lives has faded, and businesses must cater to the needs of their employees to hold onto talent. The movement towards agile work environments was initially only seen in modern companies, but now, even legal offices are hopping on board. Overall, companies must portray the brand identity they strive for at every point of business.

To learn more about the different ways modern companies are adjusting to keep up with the times, listen to The Workplace Leader podcast.