How the post-pandemic workplace office can appeal to newfound employee archetypes

Workplaces are still in a state of flux, and a clear picture of the future is yet to emerge. But we do know the hybrid world of work is here and people are looking for an experience that is tailored to their workstyles and lifestyles. One size no longer fits all.

A building can only provide so many bespoke experiences, so how can office owners and occupiers create experiences that inspire, engage and energise everyone?

Upon finishing research with the Property Council, landlords, large commercial tenants, designers and developers, we found there are now eight ‘archetypes’ that, while not exhaustive, represent the majority of office workers.

The first was ‘Leading Leaders’ these executives and people managers want to lead by example to encourage their teams to use the workplace to collaborate and connect.

Leading Leaders are looking for levers to bring their people together – from spectacular spaces to rich face-to-face events and learning opportunities. They know the office is the best place to innovate, co-create and incubate new starters, especially younger employees who learn best through observation and osmosis.

The second was ‘Hyper Hybrids’ these flexible folk are looking to make the most of every moment. With no set schedule, they will often choose their setting at the last minute depending on family commitments, client meetings or even the weather.

We then established the ‘Mid Weeker’ these people like to ‘batch’ their office days and routinely show up each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This predictability is driven by personal commitments.

Fourth on the list, ‘Split Shifters’ they may come in at 10am after doing the school drop offs, dodging the peak hour commute, or work from home in the morning to take the dog for a walk at lunchtime before heading into their workplace in the afternoon and into the evening. Whatever their choice, these people appreciate the new flexibility in their lives.

Fifth on the list and accordingly was the ‘Five Day Fan’ these workers want or need to work five days in the office. Their job or home life may mean they need to be ‘in’, not out.

They may not have the right set up at home for peak productivity and performance. Or perhaps they are new starters wanting to soak up the culture, mentoring and osmosis learning that is only found in the workplace.

Next was the ‘Serial Socialisers’ these workers see the office as their social outlet. They love a coffee catch ups and lunches with their team, and are always the first to stick around in the city after work for drinks.

Seventh on the list, ‘Remote Wrestlers’ who are rarely in the office before the pandemic, these people may have a second home base or have made a semi sea or tree change.

Then finally were the ‘Side Hustlers’ Whether a contractor, consultant or a part-time worker with another gig on the go, Side Hustlers often have multiple locations and ways of working to contend with, but they often need to be face-to-face to step up the pace

While there are countless sub-types, these eight archetypes illustrate an important point: we now have a clash of competing work styles in the same space.

While this multitude of worker types has always existed, the flexibility free-for-all has amplified it 100-fold and we now need to accommodate many different styles.

Business leaders must manage a range of working styles and a mismatch of priorities.

This will ultimately help us design better office experiences that respond to the specific needs of each archetype, while also creating a harmonious environment for everyone.

Which start with the basics that Australia’s property industry already does so well, like high quality indoor environments with fresh air, natural light and lots of greenery. Sharing the benefits of these biophilic spaces so workers can understand why their office feels so good.

We have to amp up experiences and create a ‘branded’ workplace experience where inspiring design, wellbeing offerings and human connection are front-and-centre.

All while creating reasons for people to choose the office like group learning, mentoring, coaching, events, activations and more.

The office should turn to digital diaries, intelligent space systems and mobile apps  to smooth out the bump in the working week and create opportunities for collaboration and co-creation.

One of the biggest pain points for workers is feeling like they’re wasting their day when they turn up to a half-empty workplace, but this is an easy fix with the right tools.

This is aided when we offer suitable spaces and create hackable spaces that accommodate a range of work styles, preferences and tasks, and can be easily adapted as needs and moods change.

Then finally, we must communicate the value of collaboration and work together to understand and articulate the value of ‘we’ versus ‘me’ – because the office is the best place to transform individuals into teams.

Luke Achterstraat  – NSW Executive Director, Property Council of Australia