RETURNING TO THE OFFICE LATER THIS YEAR? START PLANNING NOW

When you consider the supply chain strain and the reality of design and build timelines, now is the right time to plan your return to the office. Whether you’re returning in few weeks or even if your target return date is later this year. If the supply chain issues are stressing you out, you can read about our solution to those problems here.

LET’S RESET

Here we are, almost two full years into the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we write this from our beautiful Infinity Group studio (see photo below) we are feeling optimistic about the future of the office and in-person collaboration.

THE RETURN TO OFFICES IS HAPPENING

Big companies, who have been conservative about returning to in person collaboration, have set their dates for return. It feels like it’s really happening this time as the pandemic wanes. Of course we’ve also learned that things can change quickly. So let’s see, and let’s plan for the future at the same time.

THE RETURN IS FLEXIBLE

While many of us have really gotten used to remote work, the practice and concept of flexibility may be what truly sticks in a post pandemic work. If you’re hoping to keep good employees during what’s been dubbed as “The Great Resignation” you’ll want to understand what flexibility means to your people.

FLEXIBILITY MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE

The first definition of flexibility to pop up in a quick google search is:

• the quality of bending easily without breaking.

While that definition certainly makes sense when describing the flexibility of the workforce and some of the systems that have been under pressure during the pandemic, the second two flexibility definitions that come up seem to fit even better when it comes to the kind of flexibility workers are asking from employers in 2022.

• the ability to be easily modified.
• willingness to change or compromise.

HOW CAN WE BUILD AN OFFICE THAT’S FLEXIBLE?

It’s simple, but it’s not easy. It’s simple because the fundamentals are straightforward. Infinity Group’s expert Workplace Strategy team can help you discover what you really and what you can live without in a built space. Then we will design and build the physical space and we incorporate convertible design and multi-use spaces to accommodate for growth and physical separation of people if needed. We also created a Flexible Office Design Checklist for you.

STARTING TODAY IS WISE

But that doesn’t mean you need to get all your planning done immediately and sign with an architect or general contractor this week. Starting today means beginning to ask the right questions of your team. If we could have it our way (and you can) what would we want our in-person collaboration areas to look like? How would it feel when you spend time in these spaces? Who needs space in the office? Who could stay remote and only come into the shared spaces for big meetings? Start today because here’s the truth. The office of your dreams is going to take you a little longer than you expect. There are long lead times on materials and furniture, and they’re not going to resolve overnight.

Contact Infinity Group’s return to office specialists and we can get you started on the right path back to your dream office.