The Office Evolution: From Desks to Destinations

TL;DR: Robert Half International is the world's largest specialized recruitment for accounting, finance, financial services, technology and administrative professionals. They made the decision to evolve from five days a week in office and 1:1 assigned seating to a deliberately smaller and activity based solution. They worked with closely with their landlord Sunset Development at their lifestyle community Bishop Ranch to deliver a highly flexible solution which treats the workplace as a tool for their employees to access when/why its needed, in lieu of using the office as a forcing function.

Remember when the office was just a place to park yourself from 9 to 5?

For the most forward thinking companies, those days are fading faster than a summer tan. The truth is, the traditional office has been on shaky ground for years, thanks to tech that lets us work from... well, anywhere with decent Wi-Fi.

Then came the pandemic, our unexpected work-from-home crash course. Suddenly, we all became experts at Zoom backgrounds and mastered the art of muting barking dogs. But here's the kicker: we got good at it. Really good. So good that now, the idea of spending hours in traffic just to sit at an assigned desk feels about as appealing as dial-up internet.

Yet, according to a recent Forbes article, 79% of CEOs expect a return to office. But here's the million-dollar question: return to what exactly? If you're thinking it's back to the old grind, think again.

The same article points out that top companies are rethinking their office spaces to align with their overall strategy. It's not just about having a place to work; it's about creating an environment that embodies your company's values and drives your business forward. Talk about multitasking!

So, what's the solution? It's not about dragging everyone back to rows of cubicles. It's about creating spaces that people actually want to go to. And here's the real kicker: these spaces need to align with your company's strategy and values.

Take Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, California, for example. This isn't just another banal corporate office park. It's a vibrant community where you can grab a latte, hit the gym, and make it to your meeting - all without touching your car keys. It's the kind of place that makes you think, "Hey, maybe leaving the house isn't so bad after all."

But it's not just about location. The office itself needs a major glow-up. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all desks and fluorescent lighting that makes everyone look like they're auditioning for a zombie movie. The new workplace is all about options, baby!

Robert Half International, a long-time tenant at Bishop Ranch, gets it. They've ditched the old "everyone gets a desk" model for a more flexible approach. Their new space is smaller, sure, but it's designed to be a tool that employees can use when they need to collaborate in person. It's like a Swiss Army knife for productivity - compact, but packed with everything you need.

This shift isn't just a fad. The Forbes article highlights how companies like Spotify are redesigning their offices to foster creativity and collaboration. They're creating spaces that reflect their brand and culture, turning the office into a destination rather than an obligation.

So, what does this mean for the future of work? Well, it's looking a lot less like "Office Space" and a lot more like your favorite coffee shop - but with better Wi-Fi and fewer hipsters hogging the outlets.

The key ingredients? Autonomy, control, and choice. Want to brainstorm in a cozy nook? Go for it. Need to pace while you're on a call? There's a space for that. Craving some vitamin D with your spreadsheets? Hello, outdoor workspace!

And here's the best part: by focusing on quality over quantity, companies can create spaces that not only make employees happier but also help attract and retain top talent. Because let's be honest, given the choice between a soul-sucking cubicle farm and a dynamic, flexible workspace that aligns with your company's mission and values, which would you choose?

So, if you're considering making a change in where you have space or how much space you have, think beyond just square footage. Think about how your space can reflect and reinforce your company's strategy. Can it foster the kind of collaboration you need? Does it provide the flexibility your teams require? Does it embody your company's commitment to sustainability or work-life balance?

The office isn't dead; it's evolving. And if done right, it might just become a powerful tool in your business strategy arsenal. It's not just about where we work, but how we work. And that, my friends, is an evolution worth getting excited about.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go practice my commute to the coffee maker. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.

Thanks to Robert Half International for sharing photos of your space. Kudos to Bishop Ranch for working with a long time tenant to develop a much more agile and intentional solution to allow RHI to continue to be a vibrant component of your ecosystem, embracing their exciting new approach to in person work.

If you are ready to talk about evolving or transforming how/where you work, please reach out to us!