With the rapid evolution of the workplace over the last two years, catalysed greatly by the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have been forced to innovate or risk being left by the wayside. Where once the workplace was a static environment, it has now become a dynamic hub of activity, a place for social interaction as much as work. For the many start-ups that formed during the pandemic, this is likely the first office they have ever had, and represents an opportunity for them to build their brands persona in a way that up to now had been only a dream.
A challenge that employers have faced has been drawing their talent back to the office. Having become accustomed to working in the comfort of their own homes, whether it be on the sofa or at a desk, employees have been hesitant to return to the more formal settings of their offices. Innovative leaders have seen this as an opportunity to not only revamp their workspaces, but the culture surrounding them as well. Breakout areas have expanded from small corners to sprawling oases with a medley of couches, high tables, and soft seating. New lines of products have been introduced to facilitate a more socially balanced working environment, while still maintaining the ethic that is necessary in an office. Products such as the Arena allow for large scale, Ad Hoc meetings and cross collaboration as well as quiet, comfortable moments of work, depending on the need of the moment.
While these breakout areas provide a wonderful respite from the daily routine in an office, they cannot fully replace the traditional work set up. To balance these needs, furniture manufacturers have had to come up with innovative methods to utilize the space available. Our workstations are being made more agile to serve a variety of needs, often doubling as meeting tables and conference tables with simple, user-friendly adjustments. By integrating technology and design, we have forged products that facilitate an optimized use of space. Products such as our Nomad, a movable screen and whiteboard, allows for meetings and teleconferences to be held anywhere, without requiring a dedicated space that can now go better utilized. Integrated technology like hot desking systems allow for a more controllable and efficient workspace.
In the world of startups the scenario differs only in terms of scale. While studies show a significant growth in uptake of office spaces post COVID, they highlight the increased growth of the smaller office. During the pandemic period, India saw a boom in startups as founders saw a variety of new world opportunities to navigate, while also having the time to now do so. These startups, some now full-fledged companies, are creating their own offices, designed around their own ethos. These spaces need to be a wonderful mix of workspace, social hub, and experience center. An intricate ecosystem that requires agility for all involved and efficiency in terms of product. Creating this hub can be a complex process involving a lot of moving parts and changing dynamics in the workplace.
What seemed an essential physical meeting before COVID can now be taken care of over Zoom, rendering large meeting spaces less necessary. The concept of telephone booths does not mean to remind you of the old yellow STD booths but are actually a modern design feature in offices where background noise while on a call can be of immense annoyance. Televisions and computer monitors need not be stuck in place as they once were, instead creating a sense of dynamism and variability in the office and allowing for creative uses as needed. And all of this must be done in a sustainable method, both in terms of cost and the more traditional environmental connotations. Keeping these factors in mind, Featherlite has curated a variety of products for startups that allow for splashes of life in the office while not overtaking the space entirely.
The challenges faced by company leaders are vast, from ensuring their vision is being followed to retaining talent and creating a platform for sustainable growth. Designing workspaces that keep these factors in mind is crucial. At Featherlite, we are excited to become partners that help in the process of helping you work better and live better.
Interview Attributes:
Dhiren Gopal Director Featherlite