When you speak to employees, it’s common to hear that they welcome and embrace hybrid working, with opportunities to spend more time at home and freedom to structure their days to create a healthier work-life balance. Whilst more flexibility is certainly a positive new development for employees, a growing number of employers want to see people back in the office more frequently. Christian Hohenthal, CEO of Sponda, one of Finland’s leading real estate asset management companies, believes that rather than enforcing rules and restrictions, companies should be investing in their employees by creating office spaces that inspire and engage.
“The utilisation rates for attractive and functional offices in central locations are significantly higher compared to outdated spaces in the outskirts of the city. Being in the same physical space helps to foster connections and collaboration as well as attract the best people, which is why it is so important businesses are based in the locations and buildings their employees actually want to come into work for” Hohenthal mentions.
What is the value of working in an office that can’t be achieved remotely?
A supportive organisational culture affects how a business performs, positively impacting productivity, revenue growth and retention. Creating a supportive culture is easier when all employees, from trainee to CEO, spend time together in person. Spontaneous conversations over a cup of coffee can provide employees fresh perspective and deliver valuable insights. Comparatively, working from home for an extended period can pose serious challenges to leadership, innovation and organisational development.
"Personal conversations are integral for offering support when needed and for bringing people together."
“Of course, we hope that all companies value their employees and the contributions they make, whether they are at the office or not. Nevertheless, it is only human to pay more attention to what’s happening in front of us and easier to read emotions face to face rather than over a screen. Personal conversations are integral for offering support when needed and for bringing people together”, Hohenthal says.
What are companies looking for in an office?
“Many of our clients and their employees particularly value centrally located spaces that support cooperation and innovation. A mere workstation alone is not enough to attract employees to the office; they instead value well designed spaces with amenities, excellent transport connections, electric vehicle charging points, bike and scooter parking, a wide selection of services and cultural experiences as well as a broad offering of cafes and restaurants within walking distance. These are the fundamental factors that make for an appealing office location,” Hohenthal says.
Today, companies prioritize sustainability and actively seek buildings with strong sustainability credentials. They also desire highly functional office spaces that foster collaboration, idea sharing, wellbeing, focused work, and provide suitable areas for hosting both internal and external events. A well-designed office serves as a catalyst for company culture and should embody its values. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in retaining and attracting talent.
“Most companies understand that the return to the office shouldn’t be viewed as a short term challenge. Investing in functional and inspiring spaces that attract employees is a long-term investment. Company culture cannot happen without putting people first, with teamwork and innovation being the most crucial drivers for the success of a business,” Hohenthal sums up.
