Why the Traditional 8-Hour Desk Job Is Becoming Obsolete

The world of work is an ever-evolving landscape, and businesses who want to attract and retain the best talent today need to think creatively and sustainably about their workspaces.

With numerous companies aiming to bring staff members back into physical offices, which current tendencies should management adopt to develop excellent work environments for their personnel?

Given my experience as a company handling many of Ireland’s largest and finest office renovations, I've observed shifts in workplace behaviors—and the difficulties accompanying these changes.

There was a significant change in how companies view their office spaces following the pandemic. New trends arose as employees began working remotely, and these trends still influence modern work environments.

Individuals developed preferences for specific aspects of their living spaces, leading these characteristics to be incorporated into work areas. This trend is referred to as 'resimercial' within the field, denoting a blend of residential and business decor styles commonly applied in offices, hotels, and various public settings aimed at fostering a homier ambiance.

As wellness and inclusivity lead the priorities in workplace design, leaders must consider this question: How can we craft an inviting atmosphere that encourages teamwork and camaraderie while also making employees look forward to being at their jobs?

Incorporating residential features into commercial areas to foster a cozier, more inviting atmosphere is definitely a key aspect of this shift in priorities.

Previously, businesses seeking new or upgraded office spaces focused primarily on maximizing occupancy and enhancing employee productivity. This approach has now changed.

The traditional model of having employees sit at a desk for eight-hour shifts with a uniform method for boosting efficiency has become outdated, and now emphasizing the quality of people’s experiences in their work environment is what matters most.

However, this presents difficulties since business proprietors may not be ready to hear out their employees, nor do they often adopt a practical stance regarding timelines. When bosses fail to heed their team’s input and impose rigid deadlines, they leave insufficient room for workforce engagement. This can adversely affect employee well-being, retention, and recruitment efforts.

The most effective method for designing an office places human needs at the center of the creation process. Since we dedicate 70% of our lives to work, it’s crucial to take into account what individuals desire.

An additional factor to take into account is neurodiversity, as studies by ZenBusiness show that currently 53% of Gen-Z employees self-identify as neurodivergent.

As millennials and Generation Z currently constitute 38% of the worldwide workforce — a figure projected to increase to 58% by 2030 based on PwC reports — it becomes clear that accommodating the requirements of neurodiverse employees positively impacts everybody involved. There aren’t any downsides to addressing people's needs.

Therefore, what should firms emphasize during an office refurbishment? In our view, establishing a pleasant and inviting workspace is essential for all facets of the business and will influence operations for many years ahead. If employees feel valued and appreciate their surroundings, this can lead to a strong corporate culture, ultimately resulting in business success.