The rise of remote work and its impact on traditional office spaces |24 August 2023

In recent years, a seismic shift has occurred in the way we work. The rise of remote work, accelerated by technological advancements and global events, has not only transformed the traditional office landscape but also redefined the very nature of work itself. As remote work continues to gain momentum, its impact on traditional office spaces has become a topic of both fascination and debate.

Remote work, once a limited option primarily utilised by freelancers and a handful of progressive companies, has now become a standard practice for many organisations around the world. The Covid-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, forcing companies to adapt to remote work in order to ensure business continuity. However, the effects of this transition extend far beyond immediate operational adjustments.

Traditional office spaces, once bustling with the hum of conversations and the clacking of keyboards, now stand as reminders of a pre-pandemic era. The concept of a physical workplace has evolved, with many companies embracing hybrid models that combine remote work and in-person collaboration. As a result, the purpose of office spaces is being re-evaluated.

Firstly, this shift has prompted organisations to reconsider the layout and design of their office spaces. Once designed for maximum occupancy, offices are now being reimagined to accommodate collaborative zones and spaces for team meetings. The focus has shifted from individual cubicles to open areas that foster creativity and teamwork. This evolution reflects the understanding that when employees do come together physically, it should be for activities that truly benefit from face-to-face interaction.

Secondly, the traditional 9-to-5 workday is undergoing a transformation. Remote work has allowed employees to achieve a better work-life balance, as they gain back the time previously spent commuting. This flexibility has led to increased job satisfaction and productivity. However, it has also blurred the lines between work and personal life, creating a need for clear boundaries and self-discipline.

While remote work offers undeniable benefits, challenges persist. The absence of physical proximity can lead to feelings of isolation and reduced camaraderie among colleagues. Maintaining a sense of belonging and company culture requires deliberate effort, often involving virtual team-building activities and regular check-ins.

Furthermore, the concept of "presenteeism" is evolving. In traditional office settings, physical presence often signaled commitment and dedication. With remote work, success is increasingly measured by outcomes rather than hours spent at a desk. This shift has the potential to reshape corporate culture, placing greater emphasis on results and allowing employees to tailor their work routines to their most productive hours.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, a notable trend has emerged as employers across various industries express the desire for employees to return to the physical office environment. This call to resume in-person work has, however, sparked substantial resistance from both employees and certain segments of the workforce. While remote work gained widespread acceptance during the pandemic, providing flexibility and safety, the notion of a full return to office routines has encountered a range of concerns and pushback. These sentiments often revolve around factors such as health and safety apprehensions, the newfound appreciation for work-life balance cultivated during remote work, and the enhanced productivity some employees experienced in their home environments. As a result, the ongoing discourse surrounding the return-to-office transition reflects a dynamic interplay between the traditional structures of office work and the evolving expectations and preferences of the modern workforce.

To get an unbiased view Seychelles NATION had the chance to speak to the founder and chief executive at JOBO.sc Herve Chang-Yunn. He approached the topic with a 50/50 view, explaining that there should be a hybrid approach of working from home and in office.

“However, in terms of collaboration, discussing ideas and so forth, we have to be in person,” he stated.

He noted that despite there being video call apps such as Skype and FaceTime, it is not the same as in-person. “If we are debating on something, on a topic where something is being discussed that’s fine but if we are designing something, we need to sit at the table and ideas are thrown around and it is not something where when we send each other design, we have to take a look and then get back to the other person,” noted Mr Chang-Yunn.

In addition, Mr Chang-Yunn communicated that even with the hybrid model it all depends on the nature of the job. He explained that in regards to team work, it is paramount and better to be in person to agree and discuss and make changes once and for all. “You will never be able to beat this working from home.”

He mentioned the advantages that work from home has on the employee. In the big picture, Mr Chang-Yunn pointed out that it can help reduce traffic congestion. Furthermore, employees who live far away from their office will have the benefits of not having to wake up extremely early in the morning to try and beat the traffic and can instead relax whilst doing their tasks, thus increasing more productivity instead of being stressed.

“By the time I start working, I am focused and ready to go. I can put in some solid hours. I know that I do not have to go and buy a takeaway, I can just heat up some food and eat it which is also more cost efficient. You can definitely put in more productive hours working from home than working in an office,” added Mr Chang-Yunn.

He explained that in the future this sort of flexibility should be allowed, again depending on the nature of the job, and employers who allow this are more candid to work for.

Mr Chang-Yunn indicated that there is a vital question that should be asked in regards to whether or not Seychelles is ready for the whole “work from home” movement, and that is whether as a population we are pro-progress or anti-progress.

“Anything that is pro-progress should be considered, if someone is anti-progress they will obviously not agree with the work from home nature because they will want to continue to control you to make sure that you are here from 8am to 4pm. But what they do not realise is that from 8am to 4pm, it is possible that you are not delivering 50% of productivity,” added Mr Chang-Yunn.

He concluded by exclaiming that it is the way forward but within reason and within context.

As a side bar, when approached with the question of whether or not an employee should have the right to leave early if they finish their tasks, Mr Chang-Yunn stated that it would certainly be beneficial for the employee to be able to go home and spend time with their family whilst regaining energy for the next working day.

“At the end of the day, it is all about happiness. If the person is happy, the chances of him or her being productive is better,” he noted.

In conclusion, the rise of remote work has triggered a paradigm shift in the way we view traditional office spaces. While some organisations are embracing fully remote or hybrid models, others are reimagining their office spaces to foster collaboration and creativity. As remote work continues to shape the future of work, it is crucial for companies to strike a balance between the benefits of flexibility and the importance of maintaining a strong company culture. The concept of work is no longer confined to a physical location, but rather defined by the ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and deliver results, regardless of where one is located. The traditional office space, once the hub of professional life, must now evolve to serve the changing needs of a workforce that is increasingly dispersed yet more connected than ever before.

Sunny Esparon