Around 2021, video meeting tools became essential assets for various organizations, and a massive surge in adoption in India occurred during the pandemic. This highlights the critical role video conferencing tools played in facilitating remote communication, becoming integral for both professionals and students across the nation.
During the pandemic, this sudden shift to remote work rewired people’s expectations of their work environments, leading to a substantial increase in remote work powered by video conferencing tools. While this transition was essential, it significantly diminished the in-person human connection that was once fundamental to the traditional office setting.
After the pandemic period, when people returned to offices, the contemporary look and feel of office spaces now lacked the warmth and comfort for employees who had grown accustomed to working from home. The pandemic led workers to reassess their ideal work environments, creating a disconnect between the comfort of remote work and the traditional office setting, which initially affected productivity and prompted a reevaluation of office design.
In this changing landscape, the concept of Office Peacocking has emerged as a transformative approach. This trend aims to bring employees back to physical offices and this phenomenon has gained significant traction especially when companies consider the complexities of hybrid work models.
Evolution of Office Space Design
According to a PMI (Project Management Institute) report, 44% of Indian organizations have adopted a hybrid work model, while only 10% work entirely remotely. Hybrid work approaches have increased from 20% in 2020 to 31% in 2023, offering flexibility without compromising project execution and performance
Most companies and flexible workspaces are creating a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere where employees want to return to work from the office. The sterile, single-use corporate office no longer meets home environments’ warmth, variety, and comfort. This has encouraged companies to rethink the layout of the workspace, functionality, and appearance of the office, focusing on hospitality, flexibility, and communal work areas that encompass the elevated casual look in a professional setting. Integrating several key design principles plays a significant role in enhancing the collaborative spaces in the office.
Enhancing Collaborative Spaces through resimercial environments and color psychology
The concept of ‘Resimercial’ design helps bring the elements of residential comfort into a commercial setting which brings the balance that enhances employee wellbeing and engagement. Creating homelike environments where employees truly enjoy spending time is one way to invite employees to the office. The traditional line between commercial and residential design is disappearing, with resimercial environments blending these elements to help reduce stress and promote productivity.
Collaborative spaces are being transformed by organizations to boost productivity and teamwork. Most organizations use the principle of Color Psychology to use colours that will positively influence the mood and productivity of the employees. For instance, blue is often used in office environments such as meeting rooms or individual workstations. This color usually helps to soothe the mind, encourage clear thoughts, and reduce mental strain, making it ideal for tasks that require a lot of mental effort.
Attention to detail such as adding a simple rattan partition between nook seats or picking a more curated palette for collaborative space can make a workspace more design-oriented and productive. Incorporating elements like standing desks, soft seating areas, bright and colorful accents, and biophilic design touches like natural lights with nature-themed fabrics help employees’ participation in office activities.
Ergonomics is also being increasingly preferred in collaborative and functional work points, replacing loose and less functional furniture with well-designed ergonomic solutions to ensure that the workspace remains practical and visually appealing. This trend is set to drive the concept of office peacocking, reflecting a commitment to both comfort and aesthetics in the workspace.
Workplace Design for All
A new trend in Return-To-Office (RTO) policy in some organizations aimed at attracting employees involves ‘Office Peacocking,’ which features enhancing the workplace with fancy decor and upscale amenities. Creating a supportive workplace environment exceeds conventional office design, prioritizing employees’ mental health and well-being. This approach involves incorporating amenities such as private and comfortable mothers’ rooms, dedicated wellness spaces, recreational and gaming areas, and offering healthy food options. These facilities not only cater to physical needs but also foster a sense of inclusivity and support within the organization. Ultimately, creating an inviting and comfortable work environment cultivates a sense of belonging and satisfaction among employees, enhancing retention rates and productivity.
Moreover, office peacocking recognizes the importance of flexibility in work arrangements, as many employees now prefer a hybrid model that balances remote and in-office work. This shift not only addresses the isolation experienced during remote work but also aligns with the evolving expectations of a workforce that values well-being and connection. Ultimately, creating an inviting and comfortable work environment enhances retention rates and productivity, positioning organizations as attractive employers in a competitive job market.