As part of HGA’s continued research-driven practice, we interviewed several Bay Area tech companies to understand how they have adjusted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how they are planning on returning to the office.
Read on for what we heard, and key insights from our conversations.
1. Connection Fuels Culture
One of the biggest challenges companies have experienced working remotely has been building organizational culture. There is an overall lack of connectivity among employees—teams are working more in silos and people miss opportunities for spontaneous, casual conversation.
2. Down to the Essentials
As summer 2021 blends into fall, many companies continue to have only minimum basic operations working in the office. For example, most companies have allowed individuals from departments such as IT, facilities and maintenance, and office assistance to work in the office to support those working remotely.
3. Growing Pains
Many companies are continuing to grow and hire remote employees, but new hire onboarding and integration are major challenges organizations are still trying to resolve. In addition, for regional hires, organizations may not have the seats per headcount to accommodate the company’s growth over the course of the pandemic.
4. Intentionally In-Person
While companies envision people returning to the office for specific purposes—it won’t be every day for every person. Employees will return for amenities, social gatherings, and specific collaborative meetings.
5. Design for Change
Those planning to return to office are anticipating changes in office layout and programming, including more hoteling desks and collaborative spaces, changes in the number of seats, and incorporating more flexible furniture.
6. Perks that Work
As far as perks for working remote? Companies noted schedule flexibility and fewer distractions as the biggest benefits. Along with no commute, these are the main drivers influencing employees’ desire to work remotely at some capacity in the future.
7. IRL Benefits for a WFH Workplace
Human resources departments are planning to roll out new remote work benefits, including stipends for food, technology, and Internet for home offices, daycare, and so on.
8. Bespoke Solutions
Overall, companies are still figuring out how to handle remote or hybrid work moving forward—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
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As we move forward, our ongoing conversations with clients will help us envision the office of the future.
A key component of our research-driven process is to remain nimble and respond with strategic workplace design that supports flexibility, creates connectively between team members, elevates corporate culture, and allows our clients to exceed expectations. The dialogue continues.
For more information, visit our latest research and insights on the Workplace of the Future.