Commercial real estate has gone through turbulent times in the recent years, and the implementation of remote and hybrid work has often left companies questioning whether physical workspace is needed at all. When most of your workforce can accomplish their tasks at home, it often seems that in-office work is obsolete. However, employers may want to tap the brakes on eliminating their in-person workspace as workplace loneliness, a byproduct of remote work schedules, is on the rise.
Loneliness occurs when social connections fail to meet individual needs, and workplace loneliness can stem from a feeling of disconnect from coworkers, lack of engagement in collaborative projects, a poor sense of belonging or simply feeling invisible at work. Workplace loneliness predates the pandemic, but the implementation of virtual communication highlighted how quickly it could develop when face-to-face communication was no longer feasible.
Four years later, pandemic-era workplace loneliness is still present in companies where building relationships with employees is not a priority. While virtual and hybrid work models have their strengths, they may lack the valuable face-to-face interactions that build and sustain employee relationships. Remote work can create a sense of isolation from coworkers and lead to elevated feelings of stress and anxiety, inconsistent productivity levels, and an inability to merge well with company culture.
Designated spaces for in-office employee collaboration can unite a workforce and underline a sense of belonging within a company’s culture.
The best way to alleviate workplace loneliness might just be returning to the workplace. Being physically present within an office environment offers opportunities to network, develop professionally, and a dedicated environment for employees to collaborate and gather. But if coworkers no longer have the means or physical space to interact and build meaningful connections with each other, companies can unknowingly foster a sense of social isolation within their workforce.
Including “third space” style areas, such as outdoor lounges with plenty of green elements, offer employees a space outside of their desk area to work independently or within a group.
Companies can take inspiration on how to incorporate gathering space within the office through the concept of “third places,” or social areas that exist outside the confines of home or an office desk. When employees have control over their workspaces, they often choose to spend the workday in locations that offer autonomy and comfort. Implementing specialty areas such as wellness rooms, phone rooms and lounges into the office can offer employees a change of scenery when collaborating on projects and spots where they can meet informally. Additionally, companies can look outside their four walls and expand into the natural environment around them, creating designated outdoor areas that offer a green escape for employees breaks.
Break rooms with kitchenettes create a functional area for in-office events, lunches and celebrations.
Once gathering spaces have been constructed, companies can promote coworker connections through team-building activities, mentorship programs, and through in-office events that champion individuals like birthday lunches, workplace anniversary celebrations, and holiday parties. It may seem obvious, but holding in-office events provides a foundation of company culture and creates moments that bring people together.
HagerSmith designers meticulously assess a company’s current square footage, partnering with owners to optimize functionality and cultivate an environment that reflects the organization’s distinct culture. To see our most recent in-office designs, click here.