Workspaces double as social spaces

August 18, 2018 02:43 pm | Updated 02:43 pm IST

 People are engaged in yoga practice after office hours, at a park in Washington DC.  Photo: PTI

People are engaged in yoga practice after office hours, at a park in Washington DC. Photo: PTI

As part of its ‘Global Wealth Management Study’, UBS Investment Bank has released a list of cities with the highest average annual work hours.

Mumbai tops the list with 3,315 average annual work hours — in other words, 12.8 hours a day for a five-day week.

Delhi too is among the top ten. As time spent in office is on the rise, and a generational shift is taking place in the workforce, are we thinking enough about how workspace strategies must evolve? The demands of a younger workforce are extremely different from those of the rest of the workforce.

A younger workforce expects greater freedom, autonomy and flexibility. It’s clear the boundary between work and personal life is disappearing.

New determinants

Surveys show that canteens, coffee bars, rest areas, wellness facilities and green spaces are among determinants for millennials while looking for a company. They also expect onsite retail convenience and healthy food, exercise facilities and work-life integration services such as child daycare centres, showers and dry cleaning and concierge services.

Most companies realise that these dynamics will completely transform the way people work over the next 5 to 10 years, but we rarely think of such changes and challenges in the context of leadership, business development and talent acquisition.

In truth, each of these dynamics impacts the look, feel and purpose of workspaces. In the Indian context, given the environmental pollution levels, workforce wellness and wellbeing become even more important.

Work-related stress drains a company financially owing to manhours lost to sick leave. Work-life balance of employees can be a source of competitive advantage.

Wellness redefined

Wellness is understood more broadly now. Companies investing in the mental and emotional health of their employees incorporate swimming pools, aerobics and therapies for deep relaxation at the workplace.

Nutritionists, chiropractors, fitness trainers and ergonomics coaches are made available onsite.

The experience is more rounded and casual. With more dual-career couples in this generation, workspaces are going to have to be more sensitive to family and parental responsibilities of the workforce.

Spaces are dedicated for all-round relaxation and cultural needs of employees through curated performances, classes, talks and exhibitions for art and cultural experiences.

Environmental footprints

The significance of social capital and relationships as drivers of business success is increasing.

Organisations and their people’s behaviours and role in society are under intense scrutiny. Like employees, consumers too are more demanding and able to voice concerns directly on social media. Brands can go up or down based on the perceived ethical, social and environmental footprints of corporates.

Social conscience

As companies look to developing a strong social conscience and sense of environmental responsibility, the workplace must reflect this, both in terms of corporate culture as well as physical spaces.

The office space becomes a symbol and proof of what the company stands for. If a life science company is likely to prefer a transparent office, a media office may go for open, flat and democratic spaces.

The workplace is evolving to be more than just a place of work. It’s where the workforce also relaxes and socialises. Naturally, it is going to look and feel very different. Most companies recognise this is the future of the workplace and many have started preparing for it.

( Sahil Vachani is the managing director of Max Ventures and Industries Ltd .)

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