OPINION
TeesTalk
The lockdowns that followed the pandemic introduced homeworking like never before – with predictions of a wave of vacant offices . And yet property developers and landlords say demand for office space has hit record levels in recent months .
So is the office a thing of the past or do people now value spending their working days with colleagues more than ever ? We asked eight prominent local businesspeople …
JO DAVIES , MANAGING DIRECTOR , HR ALCHEMY I ’ m truly fed up of my own company - even the dog is bored with my conversation ! Zoom meetings just don ’ t really cut it these days and when I have a face-to-face meeting , I now leave the house with a spring in my step .
I initially enjoyed working from home but I ’ m now desperately waiting for our new office to be finally finished , so that myself and the team can return to the daily routine of easy chat and simple communication . I think hybrid working definitely has a place in the post- Covid world but I , for one , am looking forward to a sense of normality .
JOHN TAYLOR , COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR , PARKER BARRAS The demand for good quality office space is high , with the emphasis on good quality . The office environment is essential for collaboration , motivation and integrating with others , sharing ideas and a good selling point for attracting and retaining high-calibre staff .
A lot more hybrid working is now taking place . I am confident people who get noticed in the office will also stand a greater chance of promotion . New-build , Grade A office space in Middlesbrough ’ s Centre Square has attracted international companies who are conscious about staff wellbeing creating the best possible working environment .
STEVE DUFFIELD , SITE DIRECTOR , WILTON CENTRE I ’ m sure hybrid working is here to stay , as many people enjoy the flexibility of being able to work in a location that suits them throughout the working week .
However , if enquiries for office space in 2022 are anything to go by , the return to the office on a more regular basis is on the horizon . Human beings are social animals and we like to have a bit of craic with each other throughout the working day - but not over a video call !
ALISON MCGEE , DIRECTOR , DURATA It certainly doesn ’ t feel like a return to normal in London ! It ’ s so quiet down there , with lots of people still working from home . Mental health took a hit through lockdown , and being back with colleagues will certainly help .
Some companies are implementing a hybrid way of working , allowing their team to work in the office and having the option of working from home , which I can see the benefits of , if a business can facilitate this . I ’ d prefer this option , but it isn ’ t something we can implement with a team of electricians who need to be on-site !
ROSEY STUART , ENGAGEMENT MANAGER , POWER OF WOMEN I ’ ve been working from home for the last three years – partly due to the nature of my role , partly because of the pandemic .
I can honestly say that , while aspects of the flexibility and the work-life juggle are certainly made easier , it ’ s not my preference to work from home . I think that face-to-face time with colleagues is invaluable and I hope to get some more office time in the near future .
LAUREN BYWATER , MANAGER , HIGH TIDE FOUNDATION As a charity , we couldn ’ t justify renting office space throughout the pandemic when we weren ’ t sure how often we could use it . We were sceptical at moving to a homeworking model , but actually it ’ s been great ! It ’ s supported a more flexible work-life balance for the team , especially around childcare commitments and reducing unnecessary travel .
We do still value face-to-face catch-ups but choose somewhere different or even outdoors to meet .
Instead of renting a full office again , we ’ ve just secured a hot desk contract with Teesside University , which allows us to connect with other businesses using the same idea .
CLAIRE WORDSWORTH , SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS PARTNER , SABIC The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards greater flexible working , which has brought significant work-life balance benefits to many employees . Office spaces remain extremely important though – it is amazing how much alignment and productivity you can reach over the coffee machine ! It is much easier to solve problems , find creative solutions and develop ties and relationships when you are face-to-face in a physical space .
Spending working days with colleagues can increase performance through greater teamwork and emotional wellbeing . It ’ s that sharing of a joke , discussing fears or purely the stimulation that comes from talking about hobbies , holidays or our family lives .
BOB CUFFE , NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The days of five days a week in the office are over - the majority will be in a hybrid model with at least half the time in an office . I ’ ve just been to an office today with the staff buzzing - happy to be back together , sharing achievements , issues , support and humour .
The workplace is a place to learn , grow and develop - but homeworking is a permanent requirement too . A blend of the two is the long-term future of work .
126 | Tees Business