Why are private offices turning into shared spaces in the workplace?

The latest change to the modern workplace is fast taking shape. As 60% of firms continue to redesign their working environments, it seems that private offices are falling victim. Coinadrink Limited, the vending machine company, explores why shared spaces are now taking priority.

Why private offices are no longer wanted.

Private offices were usually reserved for leaders and managers. They could also double up as meeting rooms when required. In this post-Covid world, however, there simply isn’t as much demand for them anymore.

Of course, like all aspects of the workplace that have been forced to change, this is largely due to home and hybrid working. In August 2021, a global survey found that 72% of people said they preferred hybrid working in particular.

When probed on the matter, most said it was because they were simply more productive away from the office.

There is no doubt that its appeal is lower than ever. For arguably the first time ever, it is suddenly competing against other working environments. Not just the home, but coffee shops, cafes, and other public spaces.

Indeed, a study found that 80% of businesses have downsized their available working space to 149 square feet or less to allow for reduced staff numbers.

Despite this, the workplace isn’t dead yet. It still has a crucial role to play for collaboration, such as meetings and meaningful catchups. Employers are playing on this to ensure their environment still holds a certain level of appeal.

Demolishing private offices for shared spaces is a good way to bring teams closer together. It also provides more opportunity for more effective employee perks.

This leads us to something called the “employee experience.”

How the employee experience is driving the death of private offices.

The employee experience explores how you can make sure the needs of your employees always come first in any reshape or redesign of the workplace. It very much connects to company culture.

As businesses try to lure staff back to work, it is the employee experience that will make or break any efforts. Covid-19 placed a spotlight on both mental and physical wellness at work, so businesses are making a more conscious effort to make sure their teams are cared for.

And considering employee wellness has a direct impact on productivity, it certainly makes sense.

As mentioned earlier, employee perks are a necessary channel to explore. A quick look around shows that is exactly what companies are doing, ranging from cheap and cheerful to undeniably impressive.

CBRE found that 58% of companies have developed auditoriums, 31% have committed to better outdoor spaces, whilst 69% have introduced break out areas and coffee shops.

Such facilities take up space. Collaboration is one of the few remaining strengths of the workplace, so it makes sense to offer these kinds of shared facilities at the expense of private offices, which are generally earmarked for single use.

According to reports, that is exactly what more and more businesses are doing.

Make use of your space with vending machine and refreshment services.

We have long pushed the importance of high-end coffee facilities and breakout areas for staff. They’re a great way to improve mental health, strengthen relationships and stay productive.

After all, who doesn’t enjoy hot drinks at work?

In many ways here, it is refreshing to see the modern workplace continue to develop through their team members. Meaningful services and facilities are far more important than private offices, which have long been outdated.

If you’re looking to overhaul your environment with valuable benefits for your team, contact Coinadrink Limited today and see how our refreshment services can be the incentive you need.

Coinadrink Ltd

10-11, Maple Leaf Industrial Estate, Bloxwich Ln, Walsall WS2 8TF
01922 640777