Page 48 - Designing Ways 246

AT THE
OFFICE

he Future of the Workplace has it is where employees are. Companies are
created a lot of discussion about
At the Office Twhat the workplace will look like figuring out how to balance what appears
to be a lasting shift toward remote work
in the future. Many are still approaching with the value of the physical workplace.
by Stienie Greyling the workplace seeking a standardised The pandemic has forced us to work
solution. differently and use technology in new ways.
There is no turning back. The Fortunately, technology has advanced a
workspace is no longer just in the office – great deal in recent years and has enabled
us to individually customise the smallest
details and services in our lives.
The past year has proved that we
can work from anywhere, and that the
workplace is no longer just a place where
one shows up to work. As the vaccine
is distributed and we look forward to a
safer future, there are more options and
possible combinations for the workplace
than we have ever had before.
The workplace is about business. We
must remain focused on the real reason it
exists and that it is the purpose, leadership,
people and all the great things that come
together to create the unique success of an
organistion.
Many companies have moved beyond
low-cost open plan designs and cramped
seating. Their new approach strikes a
balance between openness and privacy,
incorporating design elements that
enable social interactions of many types
– from a quick chat at the corner of an
open stairway to low-voice gossip by the
kitchen counter or the coffee or water
machine.

48 Issue 246 • dw