This is probably one of the most asked questions in the past few weeks. I have also thought about it quite a lot as well. And I will say yes, we still need an office. Reasons being that the workplace nowadays is not just a confined space to get work done. It has evolved into an important tool in our lives for personal and career development, for fulfilling desires and goals, and to nurture our passions.

Social Animals

Humans are social animals, there is no doubt about that. The workplace provides the opportunity for social connectivity and for building a community. It is where we can feel a sense of belonging and find like-minded comrades who may become part of our support system for years to come. Even during this quarantine period, we are all longing for human interactions and looking for ways to stay connected, whether that’s through video calls or Animal Crossing. When the situation gets better and safe enough for us to return to the office, some of us will. Maybe not for the full work-week, but we will be there to work and to connect. So, ten points for the workplace!

Collaboration

Throughout the years, humans have learned to work together and complete tasks that cannot be done by a lone soldier. The concepts of there is strength in numbers or two brains are better than one remain true and valuable in all work teams and industries. The workplace exists to facilitate team collaboration under a safe environment. Even though we are all managing and adjusting well to this WFH situation, there will still be times when productivity and innovation bloom during in-person, face-to-face collaborations. Physically getting in a room together, jotting notes down on actual whiteboards, categorizing sticky notes on the wall will still be the useful parts of a brainstorming process. Another ten points for the workplace!

Storyteller

The workplace is also one of the biggest advocates for the organization’s brand and values. It’s an approval stamp that says we don’t just talk the talk, we walk the talk. From the layouts of the furniture to the ambiance of the different neighborhoods, workplaces are designed to coherently represent your brand. Regardless of the square footage and location, the space narrates the organization’s story. Without the workplace, it is much harder to convey that message to the team and to the clients and guests.

I am truly hoping that many others think the same way because there are endless possibilities for workplace design and workplace experience in the future despite the outbreak.

And with this, let me introduce the Future Workplace Blog Series. There will be several posts following this one that take a more detailed look into some of the opportunities in the workplace after COVID. Stay tuned!