The New Normal of Work: How the Role of the Office is Evolving

Work today looks different than before the pandemic, or even in earlier stages of it.  

With widespread vaccination, upgraded health and safety routines and protocols, we’re now more able to collaborate in person than at any other point in the past 24 months. 

“Hybrid” is the new normal, with many workplaces enabling office workers to find the right balance of in-person and remote work. But before employees fall on either side of that choice, they should know how offices have evolved during the pandemic. 

At the Toronto Region Board of Trade and alongside our partners, we are working hard to deliver an outstanding office experience that reflects employee needs and values. 

More control for employees

The return to office is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Engaging employees to inform what a return to office looks like, empowers them to be a part of the transition. “As COVID-19 conditions improve, we’re welcoming more of our people back to the office, with their health and well-being our top priority. We’ve continued to enhance our Toronto office with new collaboration technologies and tools that give our teams what we call an ‘omni-connected’ work experience—ensuring they can participate completely in work no matter where they are, onsite or off, and that everyone feels connected, included and that they belong,” says Piyush Bhatnagar, office managing director at Accenture in Toronto. 

Better team building and collaboration 

While research has highlighted some positives of remote work (such as no commutes and fewer distractions), other factors have taken a hit – including collaboration, team unity and “spontaneous brainstorming” at the water cooler or coffee machine. “Being in the office with other employees working together to discuss projects and campaigns boosts my ability to think creatively and enhances collaboration during moments that matter,” says Colin Shaw, Senior Marketing Manager at RBC.  

Valuable time with leadership 

In many downtown offices, senior leadership teams are among the first to return – both setting an example for their staff and demonstrating the safety of commuting and in-person work. “Staff are looking forward to working in the office because of the invaluable benefits of face-to-face interactions, relationship building and increased accessibility to guidance from leadership staff,” says Kim Bui, Small Business Advisor at Scotiabank. 

Employees can benefit from a change in environment

For many, working remotely has blurred the lines between work and home – causing people to work longer hours. Returning to the office can help delineate the separation of work and personal time, especially for those living in smaller spaces who can’t ever “leave” their home office. Lana Hall, Communications Manager at Toronto Financial District BIA shared that she and her employees feel less ‘virtual fatigue’ when collaborative work tasks are performed at the office. “Face-to-face conversations with co-workers boost morale, and makes you feel like part of a team,” Hall said, supporting that we feel more connected to our work when we bond and collaborate with co-workers. 

Employee engagement and downtown’s vibrancy 

Some employers are rewarding staff who choose to come in, including complimentary meals and drinks, tickets to downtown events or passes to exercise and other personal care venues. “Nothing is more universally loved than food. We have seen an increased number of businesses, both small and large, incentivizing a return to office with food benefits. Satisfying the entire team's dietary choices and preferences with a single solution is a great way to boost employee engagement and productivity,” says Jen Kelly, Head of Global Sales at Ritual.