The era of old and boring offices is fast disappearing. The pandemic acted as a turning point for many companies. It brought in a wave of changes to workspace design, transforming routine cubicles to airy, holistic spaces that promised comfort and facilitated collaboration. And since Gen Z has also started stepping into the workforce, an inspirational workspace that emits an aura of creativity has become necessary to accommodate this new-gen talent.
(Artistic rendition of the Food Court at Max Square)
With Covid restriction being relaxed across the world, offices are trying to make the return to office easier for employees by offering rotational shifts or the option of working from home a few days of the week. This trend seems to be catching on. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, many companies are seriously considering a shift to the hybrid working model, letting employees work one to four days per week from the office. Some are even calling hybrid models the future of work.
While more and more employees are taking to the hybrid model with great gusto, focus on employee productivity, emotional wellbeing, and job satisfaction has also become supremely important. Companies are now evaluating varied elements when looking to invest in an office design of tomorrow.
Up-to-date Technology
In the new era, businesses are becoming more tech savvy. As we progress, machines are getting smaller, smarter, and easier to handle, matching the fast paced lives of their users. Technology is making new advancements every day to make employees’ lives easier. One such example is AI.
Artificial Intelligence is one of the most prominent trends in the tech world. And its integration with security systems has taken safety to a new level. An AI-based surveillance system can help streamline the process without having to compromise the efficiency of the system. Security can be further fortified with an AI-based thermal detection system, which ensures that employees are healthy and safe.
Apart from AI, companies can also use other technologies to make the workplace more convenient and safe. Max Towers uses tech-enabled processes to make operations smoother. The WorkWell application at Max Towers allows users to access information about air quality in one click. Max Towers has partnered with experts and leaders in various fields, such as Clairco for air purification and monitoring and Hitachi for high-speed destination-controlled elevators. As a result, offering touchless entry and exit and the highest levels of sanitation during the pandemic was an organic and seamless process, allowing their tenants to be safe.
Max Towers has also deployed Smart Joules software, which is an AI tool for energy conservation. Using this, the team at Max Towers has increased the chiller plant efficiency by approximately 15% and from Aug 2021 to Oct 2022, they have been able to save 47,000 kwh of electricity, which is equivalent to 51 tonnes of CO2.
Thoughtful Workspaces
An innovative and inspiring office is the key to a happy workforce. Employees want an office that boosts their performance and enables them to WorkWell. Companies can use the stress-reducing effects of biophilia and ergonomics to help aid them in this process.
A workspace that utilizes natural light efficiently and incorporates greenery in its design is essential to keep employees more engaged. In the report The Economics of Biophilia, it was stated that 10% of employee absence could be due to the office design not being connected to nature in any way.
(Indoor plant and natural light at Max Towers)
Ergonomics also plays a huge role in making the office a productive place to work. Ambient temperature, controlled with the outside weather in mind, could provide the perfect atmosphere for creative work. In the new collaborative work environment, acoustics are also very important. While some people might be discussing and exchanging innovative ideas, some might want to focus on their work in solitude. For these situations, including quiet zones, brainstorming areas and private meeting rooms in the floor plan can be extremely helpful.
Apart from greenery and comfort, there are other elements that can make the office motivating and appealing, let’s take art for example. Art has the unique ability to not just blend in with work, but also actively participate in it, inspiring and guiding all that we do. Art at Max Estates goes a step further, giving their tenants a sense of belonging with a space they can fall in love with. It’s also a manifestation of their ethos and philosophy – enabling interactions, blending work and happiness, and building communities and bonds beyond work. It’s why Max Towers has been envisioned and built around the idea of “WorkWell” – a lifestyle where all the physical amenities of a modern workspace come together with human-centric design. The result is enhanced and enriched experiences for both work and life, with both converging to become greater than the sum of their parts.
(Art at Max Towers)
Employee Convenience
A good work-life balance is a must for employees in the future of work. According to the Global Talent Trends report by LinkedIn, job seekers choose a healthy work-life balance over better compensation and benefits. A workspace that provides various ways to complete errands in the work week helps employees spend quality time at home, rather than spending time stressing over chores.
One way to do this is to have plenty of grocery shops and retail outlets in close proximity to the office, so that employees can complete their household shopping with ease. Providing easy parking solutions, helping employees achieve their personal goals with an in-house gym and giving them a lot of choices for relaxation, like cafes and break out lounges, are other ways in which life can be made more convenient for the employees.
At The Hub at Max Towers, convenience meets the workplace, with an in-house gymnasium with qualified trainers, a flower kiosk, high end salon Geetanjali, restaurants like Carnatic Café, Diva Casa, Chaayos and more, allowing employees to travel home stress free.
Positive Work Culture
Organizations need a strong work culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing and forging strong connections. An environment where the team can’t work together is not good for the office. It will not only diminish productivity but also cause employees to switch jobs. So, it’s important to ensure that the team is comfortable with their peers and working in a healthy environment.
A good way to ensure optimal teamwork is to have healthy competition. A lighthearted game, like a carrom tournament or a badminton match, can relieve work stress and help employees relax and have fun. Playing team sports like cricket can also promote inclusivity and improve teamwork. Workspaces of the future go beyond just cubicles to incorporate amenities like sports, meditation, yoga etc., to allow employees to engage with each other, bond, and destress.
(Table tennis match at Max Towers)
Another good method to improve work culture is conduct frequent development programs. Employees feel satisfied working at an office that promotes learning. It gives employees a chance to learn not only from the experts, but also from each other. Peer to peer learning allows employees to understand each other’s skill sets, and builds trust among the members.
The Perfect Example
At Max Estates, offices are made with flexibility at their core. We know companies might want to adapt to the changing environment and needs; that’s why our establishments provide the ability to customize your office. Apart from the workspace, Max Towers and Max House provide state of the art security systems and a variety of amenities like gyms, green spaces and retail outlets so employees can feel safe and WorkWell.
(WorkWell suites at Max House)
The inclusion of Gen Z into the office marks a turning point for workspaces. In the new age, companies are shifting from traditional cubicles to collaborative and innovative spaces to accommodate the next-gen talent. Offices need to be more inspirational to boost the new generation’s creative ideas. Looking at offices as an ecosystem of amenities and workspaces beyond conventional design is the first step towards building offices of the future.
