Successful collaboration has many faces

The pandemic has prompted extensive shifts in the global work patterns. We’ve gained understanding of new behaviors, embraced new technologies, and adjusted to new ways of working. We’ve also come to a deeper understanding of the elementary role of place in how we work, by and large how we work jointly. Organizations around the world are rethinking the future of workplace based on experiences and learnings, with a particular focus on collaboration/ connectivity and well being of their teams as the physical office continues to play a central role in creating more connected, equitable experiences.  

At Space Matrix, we have tracked workplace needs and behaviors for over 21 years. The need to connect has been a big reason for people choosing to come to the office, making collaboration spaces the key elements of any workplace. In-person, face-to-face collaboration is an important part of building an organization’s culture, and a competitive advantage and a balanced design that supports both collaboration and focus can expand an organziation’s capabilities and competitive advantage leading to greater innovation and growth. 

Now is the time to reframe the office as a destination and accommodate more settings as a part of the mix. 

 

Different collaborative settings and their purpose - superchargers of work experience

As nature of work evolves, collaboration is becoming more multi-dimensional. There is a renewed focus on different spaces that bring people together - creating a range of flexible settings that allow people to collaborate and aiding them with tools to get their work done efficiently. This calls for a workplace design that strikes the perfect balance between private and open office so people can choose a spot that matches their working needs.

Tremendous planning and rumination goes into striking this perfect balance. While industries can have subjective opinions when it comes to collaborative space designing; these workplace design strategies are commonly taken into account when developing these spaces. 

Designing spaces for all kinds of work

With collaboration becoming an important part of the work culture for many companies, office design evolves to cater to this shift. A formal boardroom or two are no longer enough — offices today need to make space for spontaneous interactions and water-cooler conversations too.

BrowserStack’s Mumbai office does this very successfully, with six different kinds of collaboration spaces. The smallest of all are the single-person phone booths. Equipped with comfy seats and tables, these snug spaces are ideal for private calls and phone conferences. For casual face-to-face conversations, there are informal meeting booths done up in bright colours, soft lighting and comfy cushions. Then there is the much larger step seating area, located at the heart of the office. This functions as a chic alternative space to work from — so it brings together people from different teams, who may ordinarily never have interacted. As workplace designs continue to play a central role in creating more connected, equitable and office interiors, organisations around the world are rethinking the future of the modern working spaces based on experiences and learnings, with a particular focus on collaboration, connectivity and team well-being. It has become important to reframe the modern office interior design to cater to the advanced needs of the employees in the office interior. For planned meetings, the office has brainstorm zones and informal meeting spaces where entire teams can gather for longer discussions. And of course, there are formal conference rooms too, which are designed for management meetings, client discussions and confidential conversations regarding sales and company goals.

Bringing hospitality into design

This trend is effectively translated in Hilton’s office space in Singapore. Employees here can choose to sit in the work café, have a brainstorming session on the step seating area or work on a presentation while enjoying a 180-degree view of the Singapore skyline. When they get hungry, they can grab some fruits and juices from the healthy snack bar or head to the buffet station for a hot meal. There is a barista always at hand to whip up a frothy cappuccino or serve up a cold brew. With luxurious surprises at every turn, this office design concept turns a regular workday into an experience worthy of sparking conversations, team building, and informal chats that lead to big ideas and solutions. 

Encouraging culture and collaboration through workplace strategy

Prudential in Singapore undertook a revamp of its office interior space in order to provide an environment that is open and promotes collaboration on-the-go. The open design concept encourages trust and accountability, as shared spaces are meant to be kept clean and immaculate. To create tranquil settings for employees to carry out discussions, a Zen garden and other nature-inspired office interior elements were also introduced.

Innovation is key here. Unique elements of the modern working space include a large video wall where events can be live-streamed and a  cocoon-like structure consisting of four massive timber domes that house a barista and various collaboration spaces. There is a water-feature tunnel that creates a calm ambiance and adds to the biophilic appeal of the space.

Creating spaces for work and relaxation

WGS, Singapore is a truly unique space. Its members can work and network, whilst enjoying a private members’ lounge that includes a bar and pantry.

This hybrid workplace design concept where work and relaxation co-exist has been made possible with a work area that can be converted into an events space. Most of the furniture – chairs, desks and bar tables can be moved around easily. The special feature of a bar countertop, combined with the deep brown leather wall behind the bar further adds to the luxurious look. Carpet-lined floors also give the space a wide-open feel.

Collaborating with associates goes way beyond working on a project or assigned goal. It leads to sharing perspectives, getting new outlooks, enhancing self-knowledge, learning teamwork, building other skills and expanding the horizons of every individual, thereby resulting in comprehensive development. It opens up new channels for communication, fosters comradeship and lowers employee hostility. 

Collaboration plays a part in, collectively solving problems and sharing knowledge. Collaborative work practices help reduce burnout of employees as no one person is loaded with work, but the task is distributed evenly. This results in the Workplace serving as a source of inspiration where innovation thrives. The employee experience is refined, resulting in remarkable work outcomes. 

Lastly, as it is widely said, productivity is not accidental. Let’s talk about achieving this through effective strategies for a loyal, united and determined team of employees!