The world has changed dramatically during recent months. Unsurprisingly, this has affected our views on the workplace.

The Savills Office FiT survey, which looks at the needs and wants of office-based workers before and after the Covid-19 lockdown, shows the importance of the office as a hub for community and belonging. The survey found that 89% of respondents believe the office will remain a necessity.

While demand for office space remains strong, the way we use those offices is changing. Employees can find a desk and a coffee machine in their kitchens at home: city centre offices need to offer something more. The future success of the workplace depends on providing an adaptable, multi-disciplinary environment for a dynamic and forward-thinking workforce. Although we all like to put those ‘light bulb moments’ and meetings of minds down to serendipity, many forward-thinking companies are now working towards creating more ‘intentional’ opportunities for collisions by rethinking their office design.

Many organisations, such as the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development, share concerns that prolonged time away from the office has had a negative impact on employees’ mental health, on company culture, and on professional development. Far more than simply a space to work, offices must become a public amenity offering amazing amenities and building communities of like-minded individuals. Measures such as high-quality break-out areas, better access to daylight and good air quality will become non-negotiable, particularly given that they have been shown to reduce absenteeism and improve staff retention.

Flexibility and community

One of the key growth sectors in Yorkshire is tech. As the region’s reputation as a digital hub grows, more and more tech companies are choosing to settle down in Leeds. This means more jobs, more innovation and more opportunities for collaboration.

Our analysis shows Yorkshire has seen a huge 48% increase in digital tech jobs over the past three years. A sense of community is a vital part of the tech scene. As Tom Almas, Managing Director of co-working space Wizu said, “no business survives in solitude, and being in a community-centric workspace is key to collaboration and innovation.”

Post-Covid, there is a degree of concern around performance of flexible workspace. However, long term, we see this sector set to perform well. As we see vaccines rolled out through 2021 and social distancing measures ease, occupiers will be attracted to flexible leases and fully fitted out space.

Bruntwood has introduced its new co-working concept at the recently completed Platform scheme, directly above Leeds train station, with Spaces recently acquiring over 24,000 sq ft of space at 7 Park Row. This trend looks certain to continue, cementing Leeds as a leading location for young, creative talents who are working ‘alone-together,’ with the express purpose of being part of a community.

Wellington Place is also very much designed with people and community in mind. The development has a vast array of amenities, plus thoughtful touches like a Little Free Library and beekeeping lessons. The scheme endeavours to benefit our wider community too, from creating educational partnerships focused on social mobility to a year-round programme of participatory events. Wellington Place brings people together in meaningful ways which employees can’t get from home.

Leeds isn’t the only place in Yorkshire which offers community-driven environments – Dean Clough in Halifax has community at its heart. These converted mills, formerly the largest carpet manufacturing factory in the world, are now home to about 150 businesses and arts venues. Dean Clough takes a flexible approach to office space and regularly devotes up to nine of its public spaces to a rolling programme of gallery exhibitions that typically reflect contemporary art practice in the North of England.

The bottom line is that by designing spaces that nurture relationships, wellness and community, we can create happy places of work that employees want to be, while working towards getting the UK economy back on track.

View all of our latest Yorkshire Cross Sector research here.

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