Working from home could be here to stay – as part of a blended working environment that will put the needs of our people first.
That’s the conclusion from a survey of the Box Architects team during the COVID-19 lockdown, when our offices in Leeds and London were closed.
Asked about their experiences of working remotely, our team said they valued the flexibility, the reduced commuting time, and fewer distractions.
All team members also highlighted some benefits to their physical and the positive impact on the environment – good news for Box’s commitment to Healthy Practice. However, there were concerns that working from home could reduce team support, social interaction and direct feedback to work.
“We’ve paid particular attention to these concerns in our team meetings and in our one-to-one working sessions,” said Box CEO Graham Place.
“As we start to move back to the office environment, there are many things to take into account but we expect to see a blended work style going forward, with some flexibility for working patterns and working from home as something that will be a part of our future strategies.
“We can see our studio function changing to be more of a touch-down, meeting and collaboration space.”
Graham added: “The survey also showed that our team are already thinking about more focused attention on supporting students and newly qualified architects, and creating strategies for a supportive working environment in the ‘new normal’.”
Welcoming the possibility of a more flexible working patterns, one of the respondents highlighted benefits for clients too. “Fundamentally, we work as individuals, and then regroup for review and collaboration. Home working has shown me this is still possible, contact with clients is more immediate, and I feel part of a working collective.”
“As we start to move back to the office environment, there are many things to take into account but we expect to see a blended work style going forward, with some flexibility for working patterns and working from home as something that will be a part of our future strategies.”
Graham Place, CEO, Box Architects