As demands of the office continue to shift in the post-COVID-19 employment landscape, Rob Charlton, chief executive of Newcastle-based Space Group, stresses the importance of workplace versatility, using the example of the Spaceworks hub to highlight the mental and physical health benefits of good design.
Back in 2020, the humble office faced its biggest interrogation to date, as businesses grappled with the challenges of a global pandemic.
Nearly five years on, new disruptions have emerged, prompting business leaders across the world to ask: What does an office space in 2025 look like?
The modern office is once again at a crossroads, shaped by rapid technological advancements and evolving employee expectations.
As companies re-imagine their strategies, they are tasked with balancing the flexibility demanded by a hybrid workforce with the need to boost creativity and collaboration within shared spaces.
Hybrid and remote working have revolutionised how companies view their physical spaces.
The days of rigid desk assignments are giving way to environments designed for fluidity.
Hot-desking, private pods and collaborative zones are now staples of forward-thinking office design.
Locally, Spaceworks exemplifies this trend by offering versatile solutions that cater to diverse professional needs.
We now understand, more than ever, that workplace design has a profound impact on both mental and physical health.
From access to natural light to ergonomic furniture, every detail contributes to employee wellbeing.
Offices that prioritise these elements notice reduced stress and increased productivity, creating environments of comfort and support in the spaces where we spend much of our lives.
Innovations such as biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into workspaces, and the inclusion of wellness amenities further underscore this growing focus on health and harmony in the workplace.
Spaceworks, in Gosforth, incorporates these principles, promoting environments that enhance both wellbeing and a work/life balance.
As environmental consciousness grows, so does the demand for more sustainable workspaces.
Energy-efficient buildings, resource-conscious designs and waste reduction are now standard expectations.
As a certified B Corporation®, Spaceworks’ commitment to sustainability reflects this movement, blending environmental responsibility with business practicality.
Most recently, artificial intelligence, automation and smart technologies have been adding to the workplace’s evolution.
From intuitive meeting room set-ups to office digital twin technology, these innovations enrich operational efficiency and employee engagement.
Spaceworks exemplifies this progression by seamlessly integrating these cutting-edge advancements, ensuring its workspaces stay ahead in a dynamic landscape.
To stay ahead, businesses must critically assess their workspace needs and invest in environments that reflect modern priorities.
Locally, solutions like those offered by Spaceworks provide a bridge between flexibility and functionality, setting a benchmark for the future of work.
The question isn’t whether offices will change – they already have.
The challenge lies in ensuring these changes benefit both employees and businesses, crafting spaces where creativity thrives and connections grow.
Spaceworks
Based in Gosforth, Newcastle, Spaceworks provides flexible workspace solutions. For more information about its approach to redefining workspaces, visit – www.spaceworks.info
LinkedIn: Space Group | Spaceworks
January 7, 2025