PCNZ Justifying the Commute Panel: Tessa Leonard

Q: What are the benefits of being in the office?

A: Being in the office offers a range of benefits that are hard to replicate remotely. Personal interaction is key — those casual "water cooler" conversations help build connections, foster a supportive team spirit, and create a sense of collegiality.

The office environment also enhances collaboration, making it easier to help each other out, learning through osmosis, and engaging in spontaneous problem-solving. This connection helps to a build strong team culture, where people enjoy what they do and who they do it with, leading them to go the extra mile for each other.

Additionally, the office is an ideal setting for many tasks, with ergonomic furniture, dual screens, and acoustics designed for productivity. It also provides a clear separation between work and home life, offering a purpose-built space that values what others are contributing.

Q: With remote work becoming more common, how can employers entice people back to the office?

A: To entice employees back to the office, there is a responsibility on leaders and employers to focus on creating a compelling culture and offering incentives that make the office experience valuable. This could include organising team days where colleagues can collaborate in person, hosting engaging events like Pizza Fridays, workshops, or morning teas, and providing a supportive built environment tailored to employees' needs.

Having good amenities nearby the office such as gyms, daycare, end-of-trip facilities can also make the office a more attractive option. Understanding what’s important to your people and addressing those needs is key to encouraging them to spend more time in the office.

Q: What are the common failings observed after a workplace change, such as a new fit-out or changes in workspace ratios?

A: As a workplace strategist and designer, it's clear that while we can successfully guide staff through the journey of creating spaces that support their work, collaboration, and socialisation, the real challenge often begins after the fit-out is complete. Once the project is handed over, our involvement typically ends, or the project team is disbanded. But this journey should not stop.

A significant failing is the lack of practical guidelines for how to use the space effectively. Without clear instructions on which tasks should be performed in which locations, communication protocols, and meeting booking processes, the benefits of the new design can be lost. These guidelines should be continuously reinforced and included in onboarding processes to ensure they are embedded in the company's culture.

Leaders in the hybrid workplace have new responsibilities. They must lead by example, showing how to use the space effectively, and facilitate discussions within their teams to agree on how to manage hybrid working — deciding on team days, in-person meetings, and more. Additionally, leaders should plan in-person events to encourage people to come into the office.

Finally, recognising that how we work is evolving, it's crucial to continuously review and fine-tune the workspace. Not all spaces will work equally well for every team, so ongoing adjustments based on feedback are essential to ensure the workplace remains effective and supportive.

Q: Does the workplace environment impact whether people want to return to the office?

A: Absolutely. The workplace environment is a significant factor in encouraging people to return to the office. In today’s hybrid work model, where video calls and a range of in-person and remote meetings are common, the workspace needs to accommodate these dynamics. Old open-plan layouts with poor acoustics often fail to support this, making the environment less appealing and difficult to work in.

In Wellington, 74% of employees indicate that collaboration is their top reason for coming into the office, according to the Wellington Property Stocktake 2024. To support this, there is a growing emphasis on staff hubs or café-style areas, which facilitate informal meetings and foster a sense of community.

Well-being spaces are also on the rise, including parent rooms, prayer rooms, and recreational areas with amenities like PlayStations or table tennis. These spaces cater to diverse needs and provide employees with opportunities to unwind and engage in activities that support their well-being.

Additionally, digitally connected spaces are becoming essential, supporting seamless remote participation and smart booking systems for meeting rooms. These advancements ensure that the office environment is both functional and supportive of hybrid work arrangements, addressing the need for effective collaboration and flexible work options.

Beyond functionality, an aesthetically pleasing environment with good natural light, plants, and thoughtful design can greatly enhance a sense of well-being. A workspace that people take pride in and feel a sense of belonging to can be motivating and inspiring, fostering creativity and innovation. Ergonomically designed, purpose-built spaces that support both collaboration and communication are essential, as they not only align with the company’s culture but also help boost staff retention and attraction.

Q: What trends are emerging to make a workplace successful?

A: Several key trends are shaping successful workplaces:

Collaboration Spaces: Modern offices are increasingly incorporating dedicated areas for collaboration. These spaces are designed to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming, and informal interactions, helping to enhance communication and creativity among employees.

Large Kitchen Hubs: A central kitchen or café area is becoming a focal point in many offices. These hubs not only serve as spaces for meals and breaks but also act as venues for events and social gatherings, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Residential Vibe: Offices are adopting a more residential, homely aesthetic, featuring elements like plants, comfortable furniture, and cozy decor. This approach creates a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, making employees feel more at home and enhancing overall well-being.

These trends reflect a broader shift towards creating work environments that support collaboration, community, and comfort, contributing to a more engaging and productive workplace experience.

Q: How is technology reshaping the workplace?

A: Modern workplaces are designed to accommodate remote workers seamlessly. This means that all spaces, from meeting rooms to collaboration areas, are equipped with the technology necessary for remote participation, ensuring that both in-person and remote team members can work together effectively.

Technology has driven the creation of specialised rooms and areas designed specifically for video conferencing. These spaces are equipped with high-definition cameras, microphones, and screens to provide a professional and distraction-free environment for virtual meetings. To accommodate this, office acoustics have also seen major improvements, with spaces now designed with soundproofing and acoustic treatments to ensure high-quality audio for video calls and minimise disruptions.

Modern workplaces also use sophisticated room booking systems that account for both in-person and remote attendees. These systems help determine the appropriate room size and setup, ensuring that meetings run smoothly regardless of the number of participants or their locations.

Want to learn more? Connect with Tessa:

Phone: +64 21 118 0420
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Tessa Leonard