"The idea of one desk per person is dead"

Wednesday 04 August 2021

The expectation of one desk per person at work is changing, with one firm reporting an increased emphasis on more "collaborative" working environments.

Happy people are 31% more productive and many businesses are focusing on the person, not the job, in an office-space focused on mental health and wellbeing, according to the Chief Development Officer at POS Interiors.

Express spoke to John Hibbs following an investigation into flexible working, to understand how the office itself has changed. He said the day of the desk is over and firms are far more focused on utilising space efficiently.

"If you have 100 desks for 100 people in an office, only 60 of those desks are in constant use," he said. "The idea of one desk per person is dead."

"Sometimes you're collaborating and contemplating - you don't need to sit at a desk to do this.

"Furthermore, if you think about how much it costs to supply everyone with a desk, and how much space that takes up - you can use that space and money to create other more productive areas in an office," he said.

Pictured: "An office space can shape how you feel, and how you feel shapes how you think," said Mr Hibbs.

Mr Hibbs said he has seen an increased emphasis on supporting the mental wellbeing of staff.

"The forward thinking companies are definitely embracing this way of work. People are starting to realise, if you have an office that emphasises mental health and collaboration, you will attract better staff," he said.

He breaks down the office worker into four groups; the anchor, who is desk bound; the connector, who moves around the office; the gatherer, who leaves the office; and the navigator, consultants who rarely sit in your office. Understanding the types of workers you have reduces the need for desk space and promotes collaborative spaces and quiet solitary work space.

"We are inundated with work - people are coming in and saying 'I want to inspire my staff'. It's all about human beings."

Pictured top: Jumpman Gaming Office, designed and built by POS.