Workplace trends post Covid-19

This 2020 conference presentation examined how COVID-19 had affected assumptions about work, offices and society. Francisco Vázquez Medem of 3g Smart Group framed the pandemic as an opportunity to accelerate changes already under way, including greater use of technology, reduced unnecessary travel and more flexible approaches to where work took place. The deck argued that the large-scale experiment in teleworking had worked surprisingly well and had demonstrated that many activities could be performed from different locations. It presented flexibility as a route to a better balance between personal and professional life, alongside greater environmental responsibility. The presentation described a “Triple Balance Economy” linking personal, social, environmental and economic considerations. It also anticipated a changing purpose for offices: rather than serving mainly functional and utilitarian needs, workplaces would increasingly be expected to foster organisational culture and attract talent. Cleanliness, well-being and comfort were treated as baseline requirements within that shift. Dated November 2020, the deck captured an early-pandemic perspective on remote work and workplace transformation rather than reporting later market outcomes.

Key findings

• The deck stated that the large-scale teleworking experiment had worked surprisingly well.
• The presentation argued that work was an activity rather than a venue and could often be performed from different locations.
• The deck linked flexible work with reduced unnecessary travel and a better balance between personal and professional life.
• The office was expected to shift from a utilitarian facility to a place that fostered culture and attracted talent.

Presented by Francisco Vázquez Medem, 3g Smart Group, at Coworking Europe 2020