Flexibility rules the workforce, home office set ups are commonplace and AI is now a trusted colleague – today’s workspaces are almost unrecognisable from the traditional grey cubicles we once knew. Remote working has continued to rise in prevalence and popularity since 2020 and no one is blind to the invaluable benefits it has awarded to people’s work-life balance and productivity. While many of us have established solid routines at home, businesses and employees are still figuring out how to best approach our time spent in the office to maximise in-person collaboration and optimise our in-office days. As a result, many business leaders have been attempting to navigate a partial or full return-to-office with varying success levels.
Amy Connaughton, COO of Iconic Offices, has observed this return herself. “We’ve noticed a shift in recent company trends regarding office space. Many new clients are now seeking a stronger office presence than what we’ve typically seen in the past few years. This increased demand reflects a renewed focus on collaboration and in-person connections as companies adapt to new ways of working.”
Recent data collected by Dublin Chamber in 2024 showed that 56 per cent of employees are now working three or more days a week in the office, a big increase from the 36 per cent recorded in the final quarter of 2022, but this return has not been without push back. Many employers are concerned that a return to office could result in the loss of top talent. However, businesses can successfully draw their staff back to the office by enhancing the elements of in-office life that are often missing when working remotely.
Community
Community is an integral part of any individual’s life and for those working five office days a week, it is essential that there is a sense of community in their workplace. With remote working prevailing, an app for everything, and technology replacing human interaction at every corner, our lives have the potential to become increasingly more isolated each year. There have been several attempts to correct this trajectory over the last few years with social clubs and in-person events increasing in popularity, but one key place people are turning to for their social fulfilment is their workplace. With the rise of flexible workspaces and their inherent focus on community, many companies are choosing to work from shared spaces to take advantage of the social benefits they provide.
The shift back to a more social work environment can also be seen in the increasing desire for social events in the workplace. An Iconic Offices recent survey found that members interest in community events rose by 130 per cent from 2023 to 2024. Events that focus on networking, socialising, and community building are becoming a central part of workplace culture, as employees seek more meaningful connections and collaborative opportunities outside of their usual work routines. Paul McClatchie, CEO of Engage People Recruitment and Iconic Offices member, recognises the change in employee priorities, particularly in the younger generations. When interviewing Gen Z employees, he notes that “the most frequent questions relate to workplace flexibility, social gatherings and outings.” Employers looking to increase employees’ time spent at the office should look at their events calendar and strategically enhance it with events that are directly aligned with the interests and needs of their workforce or take advantage of a flexible workspace provider such as Iconic Offices, who host regular community events.
ESG and sustainability
When the office is optional, employers must ensure that it is a favourable option. For a workspace to be enticing, it must offer something that a home office cannot. Business leaders are seeing the effect that premium, quality workspaces can have on staff retention and acquisition and are using this as a tool in their return-to-office strategies. This doesn’t just include on-site amenities; it also includes the physical quality of the workspace and the impact it has on their health and wellbeing. When Iconic Offices asked its members, “How important was selecting an ESG or sustainability-focused provider in your decision when choosing office space?”, they saw a 79 per cent increase in those who deemed it important from 2023 to 2024. Workspaces that value ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) offer members peace of mind knowing that their office space is working to support their health, wellbeing, and the planet, as well as having the operational means to implement initiatives that they can’t access in their own homes. Eoin Joy, Chief Property Officer and Head of ESG at Iconic Offices states, “Achieving certifications like WELL is a key part of our commitment to sustainability and the wellbeing of our members and staff at Iconic. Our more recent commitment to WELL at scale not only helps us meet our ESG goals but also ensures that our workspaces are fitted to the highest standard, fostering a healthy and productive environment for all who use them.”
While remote working has given workers with busy home lives the opportunity to spend more time at home, it can also impact an individual’s ability to focus. With many distractions at home and a blurred line between home life and work life, remote working can’t provide the dedicated space to work that an office can. As a result, productivity may suffer, and the sense of work-life balance can become increasingly difficult to maintain. Employers should leverage the structured environment of an office as an essential tool for employees looking to find a clear separation between professional and personal responsibilities.
Collaboration
One aspect of in-person work that cannot be perfectly replicated in a remote work environment is effective collaboration. While there are many tools out there that can help facilitate virtual interactions, there’s no doubt that in-person collaboration is invaluable to many business practices. Business leaders looking to maximise employees’ time spent in-office should utilise workspaces that offer ample breakout space and meeting room facilities. Flexible workspaces that offer dedicated areas to support and enhance collaboration play a crucial role in encouraging more time spent in the office. Additionally, these environments foster spontaneous interactions and creative exchanges that are often missing in remote settings. By encouraging face-to-face communication and offering spaces that support and nurture teamwork, companies can create a vibrant workplace culture that employees want to be a part of.
Ultimately, a successful return-to-office hinges on recognising that each team has unique needs, preferences and interests. As McClatchie noted: “Rather than putting people in a box, we think looking at outputs is smart. You must look at the job and what it involves.” By leveraging the aspects of office life that cannot be directly replicated at home, companies can create a workplace environment that not only attracts talent but also keeps them engaged and fulfilled.
Interested in learning more about flexible office space? Find out more about Iconic Offices’ brand-new workspace No. 81 Merrion Square here
