Challenges associated with remote working are encouraging employees to return to the office, but the office as we know has changed or at least should change. This is one of the conclusions drawn from a webinar with expert panelists organized by Mindspace titled “Workplace Revolution.”

“The hybrid work model always worked, especially well for companies leasing flex space, but today it is also popular among businesses that preferred traditional offices up till now,” said Efrat Fenigson, VP Marketing at Mindspace, opening the debate. “Not only does a hybrid work model offer a choice of where, when, and how you work, but it also helps to attract new talent to an organization and retain existing employees who value flexibility.

The panelists predict that hybrid work will stay with us for a long time, and it will lead to new models of work and leadership. Anna Jarzębska said that: “recently soft skills (such as empathy and the ability to listen to each other) have become more and more important, and hybrid work requires even greater involvement of line managers towards their employees.” This is one of the reasons why, as Ula Zając-Pałdynasaid, “before companies make a decision to return to the office, they must follow a properly planned communication strategy in this respect. The success of any organization depends on its employees, hence their needs and preferences are of great significance.”

The panelists unanimously agreed the role of offices is constantly evolving. Where once (not so long ago) they were a ‘place you go to for performing professional tasks’, today they have to serve so many other purposes. Above all, a modern workspace should be a place of interaction and inspiration that fosters creativity and helps establish relationships with both clients and the team. In addition, the office can be used as a tool to help build and maintain the corporate culture of companies.

(WBJ)