Modern Office Configurations

Traditional office spaces are undergoing a radical transformation, replaced by workspaces that are innovative, flexible, and cater to the needs of the modern-day worker. This means creating modern and efficient spaces that help to foster productivity, support workers’ wellbeing, and seek to integrate a strong work-life balance.

From serviced offices that accommodate businesses of all sizes to tech and innovation campuses located across major cities and their suburbs, Bruntwood SciTech is at the forefront of creating modern office spaces across the UK.

What has driven this? The fact that employee wellbeing has become a pivotal feature of the office space. This means spaces in which employees can thrive in their personal and professional lives are more important than ever for businesses to capitalise on, incorporating features such as ergonomic and biophilic design. This is in addition to providing a multitude of office facilities, such as meeting rooms, coworking areas, and breakout spaces, allowing workers to adapt to and work from the places in which they are most productive and comfortable. Modern office interior design is therefore a key element to creating incredible spaces that help to attract and retain top talent.

After-work Drinks Are Out, Wellbeing Spaces Are In

Wellbeing at work is essential for happy, healthy, and thriving employees. Since 2020, there has been a marked rise of economically inactive adults, suggesting an increase in problems such as burnout and mental health. Workplaces therefore need to rethink their approach to employees and cater to their changing needs, ensuring that they are providing staff with a space that helps to nurture and support their lifestyles. These needs are varied, ranging from personal preferences through to requiring quieter work areas, which is why Bruntwood SciTech has taken a ‘do it all’ approach. Many of our buildings, campuses and other sites, including Alderley Park and Booths Park, are surrounded by nature, allowing employees to benefit from the greenery with park runs and walks to enhance their wellbeing. At our Bloc site, we offer a sleep pod in the basement and a relaxation room with chromotherapy. Above all, we aim to offer a wide range of amenities across our campuses, including quiet rooms and gyms, so that employees can tailor their work schedules and environments to suit their own personal preferences, allowing them to work and live at their best.

Plus, with the majority of workers spending a third of their lives at work, or the equivalent of 90,000 hours, creating a dynamic space that discourages burnout is imperative to workers who work well and efficiently. This ties in directly with the fact that workers are three times more likely to experience better wellbeing if they work for a ‘fun’ employer - but the days of addressing this need through the medium of alcohol are long gone.

With Gen Z drinking, on average, 20% less than millennials, the old-school approach to “team bonding” that consisted of a free office bar and alcohol-fuelled nights out has become passé. Inclusive, community-centric events and more creative team socials are the way forward, and this is reflected in the way modern offices are being set up.

Re-Imagining Modern Office Spaces

The old-fashioned office environment of rigid desks and strict 9-5 schedules is becoming obsolete. Instead, dedicated property management companies have addressed the gap between workers and businesses. Companies have recognised and provided solutions for the need to provide flexible and advanced office spaces where both parties mutually flourish, introducing amenities such as hot desking to support workers of the future.

Bruntwood SciTech addresses this by offering flexible, advanced office spaces with amenities such as hot desking, natural light, and eco-friendly commuting options, in excellent locations.

As such, businesses have re-envisioned in-office wellbeing in several key ways, including:

• An emphasis on biophilic design and natural light

• On-site bike racks, ensuring eco-friendly and sustainable methods of commuting for visitors

• Bright, open-plan layouts

• Selecting spaces in excellent, accessible locations, meaning workers can easily commute

• Hosting a multitude of events that encourage community and collaboration

One key example of a site with an array of these features is Manchester Science Park. Host to a community with an abundance of science-led businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators, the campus also benefits from outstanding transport links, community events, on-site amenities and modern and accessible office spaces, including Base. From its roof terrace through to health and wellbeing programmes, the site supports professional growth and personal welfare simultaneously.

The Rise of Inclusive Offices

Studies have demonstrated that diverse teams are 87% better at making decisions, in addition to being 35% more likely to outperform competitors. As a result of this, it’s integral to a company's success that they adopt policies that help to nurture and support their workers. However, businesses can also go the extra step in renting or purchasing office space that contributes to inclusivity.

A key feature of inclusive office spaces is ensuring cultural diversity. This is achieved through offering employees space to collaborate and interact within their own workplace ecosystem in addition to networking with other businesses and brands. Bruntwood SciTech promotes cultural diversity and collaboration through event spaces and networking opportunities, fostering a ‘culture of kindness’ within office communities. Our centrally located, accessible event spaces are budget-friendly and facilitate organic staff collaboration.

Building Community With Shared Spaces

Shared, modern office configurations play a pivotal role in helping businesses to foster community while supporting the wellbeing of employees. The shared facilities in Bruntwood SciTech can be used for a multitude of purposes, including work, collaborative projects, and social interaction, meaning employees feel an enhanced sense of ‘belonging’ while gaining an opportunity to work to their best potential.

From communal kitchens with premium refreshments, to roof terraces and virtual fitness studios, our spaces are specifically designed to support the needs of all workers, allowing individuals to find their optimal setting for enhanced productivity. This is achieved in tandem with hosting regular workshops, seminars, and social events across Bruntwood SciTech’s city centre hubs, science parks and regional sites, aiding networking and personal development.

Helping to create a thriving work environment, modern office configurations help to offer an engaging and adaptive setting which centralises employee happiness. By providing forward-thinking and inclusive settings, Bruntwood SciTech is paving the way to support professional and personal wellbeing of workers, in addition to cultivating a space in which connectivity and communication thrive.