Top 7 Predictions For The Future of The Workplace V9 - Research Paper - Zyeta

7 PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE WORKPLACE
© 2021 ZYETA.
All rights reserved. 1
The pandemic has changed the way we live our

lives and has subsequently altered the
fundamental expectations regarding work.
While its onset encouraged exploration and
implementation of various methods to get work
done outside of the office, it has been observed
that the physical workspace is equally
indispensable.
With employers working towards a common
goal- bringing their people back to office - the
role of the physical workplace is seen in a new
light. Design is and will continue to be the all-
benefactor, guiding architects and other
Aparna Anirudhan organisational professionals alike in modifying
Head of Research the physical workplace, for the greater good
and the near future.
The insights gained through understanding and
analysing occupant and user data over the
FOREWORD
course of the pandemic and post-pandemic has

steered us to deduce the following seven
predictions for the workplace of the future. The
predictions have been further elucidated in the
report.
Sandhya Lakshmanan
Research Assistant
We hope this report with its perceptions helps
and guides organisational leadership in
establishing policies and plans for their future
workplace with preparedness and purpose in
providing a better quality of life for its
employees.
© 2021 ZYETA.
What is the future of

the workplace?
1
Remote work is here to stay. Offices are here to

stay too, but with a makeover.
2 Employees want the best of both worlds -

Introducing the blended work model.
3 The office will double up as a social and

collaborative hub.
4 The most important factor that determines the

success of the future workplace will be flexibility.
5 Technology will continue to be the go-to resource

for fostering connections.
6 The case for healthy and human-centric building

design will continue to gain traction.
7 Promoting diversity and inclusivity at the workplace

will be a huge leap forward.
© 2021 ZYETA.
Remote work is here to stay. Offices are here

to stay too, but with a makeover.
The importance of maintaining and building working relationships with
colleagues at the workplace was clearly realized while working
remotely.
While remote working has its own perks, some telling downfalls like back-
to-back video conferences, constant notifications, and isolation from
peers were also observed. Workers also say company culture suffers
with no in-person interaction, risk of miscommunication is higher, and it’s
harder to start new projects with multiple collaborators. The following
indications have made employers and employees re-evaluate what the
future of work holds for them:
REMOTE WORKING WOES
Decline in collaboration and social connectivity

It was found that while many people have maintained or improved
productivity while working remotely during the pandemic, fewer have
done so on collaborative tasks, according to a survey done by BCG1.
Increased dependency on technology and lack of connectivity
While organisations predominantly prioritise using technology to
facilitate remote work, employees globally believe they could do their
jobs better if they had better tech skills and want more accessible
products and trainings on how to use the technologies most effectively.
Digital static and lack of in-person interaction
Virtual communication can create “digital static”: The gap between what
you try to communicate online and what the person receiving the
message understands. Increased digital static causes increased fatigue,
anxiety and burnout resulting in reduced motivation and engagement
among employees
With high productivity comes an exhausted workforce
According to a survey conducted by Microsoft.inc2 the digital intensity of
workers’ days has increased substantially, with the average number of
meetings and chats steadily rising since last year. Additionally, remote
workers are experiencing higher levels of burnout than before the
pandemic, leading to other health issues.
© 2021 ZYETA.
UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT WORKFORCE
There has been a significant shift in employee expectations for the future
of work, with a keen interest for flexible ways of working and in-person
collaboration in the future. This has led to organizations adopting the
blended workplace model to help balance both.
of employees want remote work

73% options to stay.
of employees want more in-
67% person work or collaboration post

pandemic.
of leaders say their company is
66% considering redesigning office

spaces for blended work.
The Work Trend Index survey3 conducted by independent research firm, Edelman Data
x Intelligence, among 31,092 full-time employed or self-employed workers across 31
markets.
© 2021 ZYETA.
Employees want the best of both worlds -
2 Introducing the blended work model.

While employees choose the office to be more productive, they
choose home for convenience and safety. Work-life harmony takes
precedence.
THE BLENDED WORK MODEL
A blended workplace, or blended office, is a flexible workplace model

that is designed to support a distributed workforce of both in-office and
remote workers.
As per research4 the potential for remote work can be

determined by tasks and activities, not occupations.
HIGH LOW
Insurance, business services, Health care, manufacturing

finance, IT and management. Construction and agriculture.
Requires presence in person for Time mostly spent on activities that

completion of work- controlling can be done remotely without a
machinery/ assistance & care loss of productivity
© 2021 ZYETA.
Three dimensions of a blended workplace:

It is important to note that a “one size fits all” solution does not exist while
implementing a blended work model. A blended workplace assumes a
mix of workstyles across the following three dimensions for employees
within organizations.
UNDERSTANDING THE BLENDED WORK MODEL
work site - physical space where work is done

work location - geographic location where work is done
work hours - hours and days when work is done.
Remote work + HQ Microhubs + HQ
Blended work models
Remote work + Microhubs /HQs across

Coworking flex space geographic locations
© 2021 ZYETA.
The office will double up as a social and

collaborative hub.
Social connectivity enabled employees to be collaboratively
productive which is essential to improve communication, increase
efficiency and harness innovation.
What employees said when asked about what they miss most about
working from the office -
Company culture;
Reconnection with 39%
THE ALTERED ROLE OF THE OFFICE
colleagues
In-person collaboration
and learning
52%
Working in a larger
setting with access to
diverse work spaces
17%
Connectivity and access

to tools and technology 21%
All of the above 35%

Workplace survey 2021 by Zyeta
In-person collaboration is observed to be missed the most since it gives

employees the chance to assess things like tone, social cues, and body
language to make meaning fostering clear understanding and innovation.
© 2021 ZYETA.
An optimal blended workplace design encapsulates the following

aspects:
Physical work place that Enhance + Engage + Evolve

facilitates
THE ALTERED ROLE OF THE OFFICE
High concentration
individual work
+
With unhindered access to power,
collaborative technology, safe task
surfaces
Collaborative
projects
To ensure seamless, natural and
+
inclusive interactions with
Meetings / Training Remote and co-located workers

sessions
Design of the Future Office
© 2021 ZYETA.
The most important factor that determines the

success of a blended workplace will be flexibility.
In the long term, flexibility with be pivotal in making the blended work
model desirable and remote work a positive experience.
FLEXIBILITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Employees with flexible schedules suffered less emotional exhaustion,

psychological distress and work-family conflict resulting in them being
physically and mentally much healthier. Flexibility positively influences
the employee experience in many ways -
Productivity Work-life harmony Sense of belonging
Managing work related Satisfaction with

stress and anxiety working environment
© 2021 ZYETA.
4
The two important factors that influence the successes of a blended

workplace model are flexibility and control. While flexibility provides the
employee the choice to decide what setting is the most productivity, it
also widens the talent pool irrespective of geological location.
Multi-functional
Support a greater variety of uses –
Individual /collaborative / gatherings.
Design considerations for the blended workplace
Multi-modal
Designed to support multiple modes of work –
hands on / digital collaboration.
Flexible furniture and spaces

Allow spaces to expand and contract to
accommodate individuals and groups of all
sizes.
Psychological comfort
Addition of acoustic partitions and biophilic
elements.
BYOD
Equipped with hardware and software solutions
that facilitate the “Bring your own device”
trend.
© 2021 ZYETA.
Flexible multi-modal meeting rooms
Meeting rooms with modular Interactive video conferencing

furniture that can re-arranged systems with integrated multi-
as per the type of interaction codec, multi-monitor, multi-
with acoustic curtains for microphone, and multi-channel
privacy. speaker systems.
BYOD
Provision for mobile screens Movable furniture with easy

that facilitate blended clean surface that allows
communication on-the-go. for collaboration and
various scales.
Inclusive reconfigurable collaborative space.
Multi-functional and multi-modal spaces
© 2021 ZYETA.
Technology will continue to be the go-to

resource for fostering connections.
Technology plays a significant role in making the work environment
safer and facilitate equity among remote and in-office employees.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE
In a global survey done by Cisco2 , the following were the highest rated
responses when employees were asked which technologies would
benefit them in providing a better work environment:
▪ Collaboration devices that recognize the user by automatically
pairing with personal devices (laptop, tablet, phone, etc.)
▪ Wireless screen sharing
▪ Digital signage that displays alerts (cleanliness, availability, company
news, technology capabilities, etc.)
▪ Digital office navigation assistance
▪ Voice-controlled meeting assistant for booking meeting and
touchless controls for meeting rooms.
Touchless control technology makes it possible for users to control a
digital system without any form of physical contact through gesture
recognition, voice recognition, facial recognition and personal devices,
sensors and IoT.
© 2021 ZYETA.
These solutions combined help decrease the number of touchpoints and

facilitates easy management of the workplace. Technology for the future
workplace include:
Keyless door access
Keyless door access allows employees to enter the
office without touching a keypad or handle and access
can be enabled by motion sensors, Bluetooth or even
facial recognition.
Indoor location services & wayfinding
Wayfinding apps allow employees to find space based
on the type of work they need to do, or to choose a
TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORKPLACE
space near people they need to work with. They can

also help direct one-way traffic patterns to avoid
unnecessary interactions.
Wireless charging
A convenient and cable-free way to charge your
devices. Wireless charging gives users touch-free
charging experiences to charge up their personal
devices.
Touchless desk check-in
Touchless desk check-in solutions give employees the
ability to reserve or check-in to desks through their
personal devices. With visual indicators deployed
across every desk, employees can see immediately
across the office which desks are available for them (do
not use blocked for cleaning / in-use reserved desk /
clean and available for use).
Sensors for meeting room control
In meeting rooms, touch-free motion sensors allow
employees to control lighting, voice recognition can
also be deployed to start the meeting to trigger smart
experiences when connected to other cloud-based
technologies, such as smart lighting and room
temperature.
Touchless meetings check-in
Personal smart phones can be used to check into a
meeting room by integrating with room booking
software. This action simultaneously launches pre-
booked video conference for a quick start to meetings.
© 2021 ZYETA.
Human-centric and healthy building design

will continue to gain traction.
Health and safety remain the main impetus as employees are
apprehensive about returning to the workplace, pushing organisations
to prioritise a safe return to work.
What employees said when asked about how employers can facilitate
their return to the office, the highest rated answers were:
Implement a BYOD (Bring

15%
HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLNESS
Your Own Device) policy
Increased emphasis on
wellness and wellbeing 65%
Strict adherence to social

distancing and safety 25%
protocols
Increased maintenance
and cleaning frequency
50%
Dedicated vaccination
scheme 40%
Workplace survey 2021 by Zyeta
© 2021 ZYETA.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLNESS
With the understanding that the risk of infection can only be “flattened”
and not eliminated entirely, a range of mitigation measures can be
considered by organizations to facilitate continual adaptation of the built
environment of the workplace to response to changes.
De-densification and reconfiguration

40% occupancy rate revisions to desk layout and high
footfall as per 6ft social distancing norms.
Engineering Controls
Well-designed engineering controls mentioned in
Post Covid-19 Offices can be highly effective in
removing the hazard at the source before the worker is
exposed to it.
Administrative Controls and PPE
Provide clear and visible controls from the entry to exit
of the building and encourage the usage of PPE to
mitigate spread of hazards within the office.
Wellbeing at the workplace
Adopt methods elucidated in Designing building that
care to promote health and well-being.
Advanced technological transformation
Integrate advanced digital communication tools and
utilize modern technology to facilitate a seamless
connection between in-office and remote workers.
© 2021 ZYETA.
Promoting diversity, equality and inclusivity at

the workplace will be a huge leap forward.
Companies that promote diversity, equality and inclusion in the
workplace creates an environment where all people can feel accepted
and valued, resulting in a more productive and innovative workforce.
To enable employees to perform to the best of their abilities it becomes

paramount to employ designs that accommodate a range of physical,
DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSIVITY
mental, and emotional needs which will result in a smooth transition back
to the physical workplace.
The preference for a flexible work model is strongest in younger workers and
people with less tenure in their jobs:
Want a blended model
81 % are those who 82% are

are less than a year 25- to 34 years
on the job
58 % are those who 75% are

with five years of 55- to 64 years
tenure on the job.
Remote working survey by slack5
© 2021 ZYETA.
The future workplace should be

designed to foster and encourage
Diversity Equality Inclusivity

DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSIVITY
The first step towards incorporating these qualities at the workplace is

acknowledgement and acceptance of differences. The ultimate goal of
future offices will be to maintain scope for informal communication,
encourage organic interaction, and foster employee engagement as well
as provide work environments that enhances user experience.
Implement universal design elements
Creates spaces that are usable by people regardless of
physical or cognitive challenges - wheelchair access,
highly readable signs, multi-sensory control, and alarms
(auditory and visual).
Adopt ergonomic design
Thorough assessment of workstations and seating as per
anthropomorphic parameters while accommodating
requirements for differently abled workers rather than
separating them.
Create accessible activity-based work spaces
Different sized flexible spaces for those who prefer to
working alone and others who prefer working with
people around them supporting multiple modes of work
– sitting/standing, individual/ group, in-person/ remote/
hybrid.
Integrate intuitive technology
Adopt smart technologies and apps that can help users
adjust their ambient environment as per their own
personal preferences such as individual light, and
temperature controls along with sound-insulated privacy.
Inclusive spaces
Providing amenities for parents/caregivers, prayer rooms
and gender-neutral facilities.
© 2021 ZYETA.
The future is bright.

And it’s here.
As we begin to return to work, workplaces are tending to the better
aspects of employee health and well-being. Constant advancements in
flexibility and technology will fuel offices to be seen as responsive ground
that need to provide an enhanced working environment for both remote
and onsite users whilst promoting equality, inclusivity, and diversity.
The future workplace will be driven by creativity, fulfilment, and purpose
delivering to employees’ aspirations about work and their place of work.
IN CONCLUSION
FUTURE
WORKPLACE
© 2021 ZYETA.
Primary reference sources:

1. What 12,000 Employees Have to Say About the Future of Remote
Work. Retrieved from:
https://www.bcg.com/publications/2020/valuable-productivity-gains-
covid-19
2. The future of work—the good, the challenging & the unknown.
Retrieved from:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-
365/blog/2020/07/08/future-work-good-challenging-unknown/
3. The Next Great Disruption Is Hybrid Work—Are We Ready?
Retrieved from:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/hybrid-
work.
CITATIONS AND REFERENCES
4. What’s next for remote work: An analysis of 2,000 tasks, 800 jobs,
and nine countries. Retrieved from:
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/whats-
next-for-remote-work-an-analysis-of-2000-tasks-800-jobs-and-nine-
countries
5. How Slack Fund founders help employees adapt to the future of
work. Retrieved from:
https://slack.com/intl/en-in/blog/collaboration/slack-fund-founders-
adapt-future-of-work
6. The 7 Principles. Retrieved from:
http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/
Images courtesy: Freepik
© 2021 ZYETA.
© 2021 ZYETA.
About ZYETA
Zyeta is an integrated workspace design and build services firm that specializes in delivering exceptional workspace interiors
that leverage the latest thinking in design, workforce optimization, and the environment.
With our unique combination of people, process, and technology, we strive to provide our clientele with unparalleled value.
Zyeta provides its turn-key services for leading organizations across a spectrum of industries.
We transform raw space into award-winning, next-generation offices, clean rooms, data centers and more. We focus on large-
scale and mid-size office design and build company projects for a diverse international clientele that includes both global
enterprises as well as early-stage companies, having successfully completed hundreds of projects across India and beyond.
The company is privately held by executive management.
Website URL: https://www.zyeta.com/
Copyright © ZYETA
Information contained in this publication has been obtained by Zyeta from sources believed to be reliable. However, neither
Zyeta nor its authors guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein, and neither Zyeta nor
its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages including exemplary damages, arising out
of use, inability to use, or with regard to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information contain in this or any Zyeta publication.
This publication is intended to be used for general information only.
All products and company names referenced herein are trademarks™ or registered trademarks® of their respective holders.
Use does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
© 2021 ZYETA.

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7 PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE WORKPLACE

The pandemic has changed the way we live our

course of the pandemic and post-pandemic has

What is the future of

Remote work is here to stay. Offices are here to

2 Employees want the best of both worlds -

3 The office will double up as a social and

4 The most important factor that determines the

5 Technology will continue to be the go-to resource

6 The case for healthy and human-centric building

7 Promoting diversity and inclusivity at the workplace

Remote work is here to stay. Offices are here

Decline in collaboration and social connectivity

UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT WORKFORCE

of employees want remote work

of employees want more in-

67% person work or collaboration post

of leaders say their company is

66% considering redesigning office

Employees want the best of both worlds -

2 Introducing the blended work model.

A blended workplace, or blended office, is a flexible workplace model

As per research4 the potential for remote work can be

Insurance, business services, Health care, manufacturing

Requires presence in person for Time mostly spent on activities that

Three dimensions of a blended workplace:

work site - physical space where work is done

Remote work + HQ Microhubs + HQ

Blended work models

Remote work + Microhubs /HQs across

The office will double up as a social and

Connectivity and access

All of the above 35%

In-person collaboration is observed to be missed the most since it gives

An optimal blended workplace design encapsulates the following

Physical work place that Enhance + Engage + Evolve

Meetings / Training Remote and co-located workers

Design of the Future Office

The most important factor that determines the

Employees with flexible schedules suffered less emotional exhaustion,

Productivity Work-life harmony Sense of belonging

Managing work related Satisfaction with

The two important factors that influence the successes of a blended

Flexible furniture and spaces

Flexible multi-modal meeting rooms

Meeting rooms with modular Interactive video conferencing

Provision for mobile screens Movable furniture with easy

Inclusive reconfigurable collaborative space.

Multi-functional and multi-modal spaces

Technology will continue to be the go-to

These solutions combined help decrease the number of touchpoints and

space near people they need to work with. They can

Human-centric and healthy building design

Implement a BYOD (Bring

Your Own Device) policy

Strict adherence to social

Workplace survey 2021 by Zyeta

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLNESS

De-densification and reconfiguration

Promoting diversity, equality and inclusivity at

To enable employees to perform to the best of their abilities it becomes

81 % are those who 82% are

58 % are those who 75% are