Reinventing our way of working
Although today's workers spend less time at their desks, they also need places to work together. Hence the need to redesign spaces. Let's take a look at the latest trends.
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SIT-STAND DESKS: OPTING FOR VARIETY
This practice, which is already in vogue in many countries, has also spread to France. Various studies have shown that working all day in a seated position causes back pain, muscle tension and obesity. The idea is actually to alternate between the two positions. This is why sit-stand desks and height-adjustable chairs have been designed. They prevent scoliosis, but also a "desk derriere"!2
HOW TO IMPLEMENT DESK SHARING?
As work habits change, most companies want to rationalise the use of space. In addition to the renewed interest in open-space offices, some are going a step further and opt for desk sharing. This involves creating work zones by putting together several desks, choosing chairs with wheels to make them easy to move around and multiplying drawer units and other low storage furniture, preferably with a design look, to free up visual space, optimise storage and, at the same time, take care of decoration. The fact remains that this avant-garde practice, which encounters numerous cultural obstacles, still mainly concerns certain sectors and young workers. For it to be successful, it also requires solid preparation (in-depth analysis of working habits), new rules for living together, the creation of new specific jobs, a reorganisation of the management and, above all, a profound change in mentality.3
In accordance with the principle of collaborative production, it is strongly recommended to involve the teams in the choice of the layout: there is nothing better than being at the base of the design of a workspace to make it your own.
NEW COLLABORATIVE SPACES: MEETINGS, BREAKS, ETC.
There are now many options for furnishing spaces, the most important being that they are adapted/adaptable to the different needs during a working day. Flexibility is therefore one of the key factors for success. The space freed up by the open space office is transformed into collaborative spaces: meeting rooms of various capacities, convivial relaxation areas, places for formal and informal exchanges... But these new ways of working should not make us forget that sometimes it is necessary to isolate oneself: to concentrate, to make a phone call or to have a confidential conversation. This must be taken into account.In accordance with the principle of collaborative production, it is strongly recommended to involve the teams in the choice of the layout: there is nothing better than being at the base of the design of a workspace to make it your own.