Out with the Traditional Office, in with the New Sustainable Future of Work
What didn’t work in 2021? How can we do things differently in 2022? It’s time to consider new ways of working so you can build a more productive business that lasts the distance.
As one year ends and another begins, many businesses are reflecting on what worked and what didn’t.
For many, the rigidity of the 9-to-5 in-office working day (or the 8-to-8, as the case may be) was one thing that didn’t. Fixed hours have their benefits, of course. For one, your teams are coordinated: they’re in the same place at the same time. Everyone knows where they need to be and when, and there’s a steadiness in that. It provides some much-needed solidity in a constantly wavering world.
But the day-to-day realities of the last two years have also shown us that people can be productive – perhaps more so – when they work to the beat of their own drum. This is because people tend to feel more fulfilled when they work their way. They can find time for exercise, to get their admin done, or spend time with children, while also getting the job done, and done well.
We are all individuals, after all: one person may be more productive at 8am, and another at 11am; another person may have family needs to factor into the workday, while yet another may like to exercise in the mornings and work late at night. It’s easy to see how the obligation for these individuals to follow a strict schedule could lead to stress, dissatisfaction and eventually, burnout.
There’s also the added factor of commuting to and from the office: this takes time, and, if you’re stuck in traffic or navigating different trains and buses on a daily basis, it can add to the anxiety and that feeling of being subject to the daily grind.
Focus on employee wellness to build organisational strength and sustainability
Consider, then, the workplace trends on the cards for 2022 and beyond. Many of the forecasts claim that talent will be looking for companies that prioritise workplace wellness. This ranges from offering non-traditional benefits (such as family leave and childcare support), mental health support and opportunities for social connectivity (online and in-person) to financial planning assistance and education, access to fitness, and flexible working hours and locations.
Miskawaan Health Group (MHG) is one organisation that has already discovered the benefits of the flexible approach. MHG offers bespoke healthcare solutions that take a functional medicine approach, looking at root causes of illness and using natural substances such as supplements and infusions to address issues and to optimise at an individual level.
MHG decided to take a hybrid approach to how they worked, with support staff dividing their time between home and the office. The organisation has a full-service health clinic in Gaysorn Tower in Bangkok, but they needed different arrangements for support staff.
“Fixed hours would create inconveniences for those who wish to access offices for extra meetings and brainstorming sessions, [as well as adding stress for those] waiting for vendors to show up within working hours,” says CEO Varit ‘Top’ Taifayongvichit.
“Some advantages to hybrid working include increased productivity and employee satisfaction, more opportunities for continuous learning, improved collaboration and work relationships, and better outcomes for employees’ mental health. In sum, hybrid ways of working are likely to be the answers to MHG and its organisations as a growing start-up.”
MHG knew they couldn’t achieve this in a traditional office environment. “Traditional offices require longer-term commitments and allocation of costs at the beginning of renovations, continuous renovations are also needed to keep the company in ‘modern’ looks; monthly maintenance costs or overhead costs are also needed to keep up the space,” says Taifayongvichit.
Instead, he and his team decided to shift their staff to a co-working space. They looked to premium co-workspace provider The Great Room to support them in creating a set-up that would foster engagement and satisfaction. The healthcare organisation now has 33 desks at The Great Room Bangkok.
For MHG, the benefits have been manifold. The team now works in a dynamic and creative environment, says Taifayongvichit. At The Great Room, there’s a built-in focus on community, with opportunities to interact with other members at events, and also in the communal spaces over coffee or drinks. This was important for the organisation, says MHG’s CEO.
The Great Room “creates pain-free solutions of spaces for workshops and meetings. Moreover, helpful and friendly staff members from the Great Room make us feel like we’re not just tenants and landlords, but like friends and family. Services are excellent and superb,” he says.
Having flexible workspace solutions on tap is also helpful, he says; as is the ability to get extra desks, meeting rooms and event space on demand. “Office management and admin is taken care of,” he adds.
In short, “co-working space promotes the wellbeing of the company and also mental health of our members,” says Taifayongvichit. As a pioneer in the holistic healthcare space, he should know.
Make workplace wellness part of the programme at The Great Room
In 2022 and beyond, it’s going to be vital for many businesses to build wellness into what they offer their people – and this means providing talent with flexibility, opportunities to connect, and an environment that naturally supports their creativity and mental wellbeing. At The Great Room, these are all elements that underpin our very reason for being.
Supporting the mental and physical health of its members, The Great Room hosts events, workshops and talks focused on wellness and human connection. On the calendar you’ll find events such as sound baths, fitness classes with The Great Room’s partners, morning yoga sessions, tastings and more. And at The Great Room Afro-Asia, wellness is regarded as such a priority that there’s even a dedicated Wellness Room, and a Sky Garden where members can connect with nature in the heart of the city.
Get customised support for your business at The Great Room
The Great Room has seven locations across Asia’s gateway cities. All are located in prime neighbourhoods, with a range of flexible options available for businesses keen to grow but struggling to figure out how to do so. The Great Room’s expert staff are also on hand to provide advice on how to customise your workspace to suit your business needs.
Find out how we can help your business adapt to the flexible future of work.
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