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Reflecting on the evolution of the modern office over coffee with Michael Rose & Baylis director, Adonis Michael

Words by Adonis MICHAEL

Picture the scene, an oxblood chesterfield armchair sits behind a green leather top desk surrounded by dark panel wood furniture. A silver-haired exec in a wide pinstripe suit calls his secretary in to dictate a letter for him while an exhausted, petrified, junior lawyer working an 80-hour week sits attentively at his side for instructions on the next task. Outside there are 15 more desks of tired and stressed individuals tapping away frantically. And there you have it: The classic office. Luckily, those days are already over, or at the very least, they’re dying out. But as we move forward to the next generation of office spaces, what are we likely to find?

Traditionally, the focus has always been on the Gordon Gekko type character as the focal point of a corporation. A Wall Street-esque figure at the helm, orchestrating and ruthlessly driving things forward. Of late, however, we’re seeing a move towards the idea of teams working together in a happy, engaging environment where high achievers produce great things. And for this to be effective, it is the wellbeing and happiness of employees within any organisation that become paramount.

The facts speak for themselves – a happier workforce is a more productive one. There is a direct correlation between the two, and the big corporations already realise this. What makes people happy? Well, Plants do. So does natural light. Small steps, but studies have shown that, time and again, natural light and greenery reduce stress whilst boosting positivity, creativity and performance. 

‘…studies have shown that, time and again, natural light and greenery reduce stress whilst boosting positivity, creativity and performance.’

This will bring to our offices of tomorrow more outdoor spaces, more roof and indoor gardens and, perhaps, more glass. Offices 10 years from now will be environments where individuals are happy to spend most of their day, a place where people can interact, or detach themselves if they so choose. Offices will provide different environments for different phases of work and to suit different people. 

Naturally, there may always be traditional desk spaces, but the same offices will also be furnished with bean bags or giant balls for seats with people using VR headsets. There will be break out rooms or sensory deprivation cocoons to help you clear your mind and step back. There will be open-plan, social, co-working spaces that encourage collaboration. The choice will be yours. Providing you are hitting your all-important OKRs (Objectives and Key Results).

We only need to take a glimpse at what Google and Apple are doing to get an idea of what the future holds. Of course, not every company can create something like ‘Apple Park’, but I expect there to be a trickle down, and we will see versions of this on our doorsteps very soon. I foresee more integrated services such as childcare facilities, dry cleaning services, hairdressing, banks, yoga classes and gyms. I also hope to see more regulation in the workplace, a bigger emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing: lighting, screen hours and comfort will all be monitored as will people’s personal stress levels.

I expect the next few years will finally spell the end of the nine-to-five. Death to the traditional working day will come with the widespread implementation of ‘agile working’, which won’t just mean the ability to work from home but also more flexible working arrangements, the ability to work in other locations and purchase additional leave. 

I’ll leave you with this: I think the biggest message for companies to take on board for the next five to ten years is to invest in your people, and you know what? Buying a few plants for the office can’t hurt either. AM