Back to the Office
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It’s been an interesting 18 months, everyone’s lockdown experiences have been different and at times it’s been challenging, but with an end to lockdown looming we have been asking ourselves what should the future look like for our staff, our office and our business?
Where do we start? Who should be involved? And how do we make sure we achieve the right balance moving forward? There are so many questions and a diverse range of viewpoints to consider.
Back in March we set up a remote working focus group, to work through these questions and set a plan for the next steps.
Ahead of our implementation of the trial of our new hybrid remote working plan, we reflect on these discussions and ask our staff members for their thoughts on lockdown, remote working and coming back to the office.
‘As a new member of the SRA team joining during the pandemic, I’m really looking forward to spending more time in the office. I’ve found that remote working has challenged my ability to quickly ask someone a question, overhear office conversations, learn how the practice is managed or experience the variety of projects that others are working on. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in person and not through a screen soon!’
Max, Part 1 Architectural Assistant
‘As a practice, we place a great deal of importance on the health and wellbeing of our team and they are our key consideration when planning change. Our experience over the last 18 months has demonstrated the positive impact remote working can have on work/life balance and we are keen to embrace the opportunities for everyone’s benefit.
We are of course mindful that any long-term change needs to be sustainable and positively impact on the wider practice as well. Teamwork, collaboration, and responsiveness are some of the business needs that we seek to foster. As a creative profession, we need to be dynamic in our application of remote working. By doing this, we aim to balance the benefits to individuals with that of the wider practice, to ensure that we continue to service our client base in the best possible way.’
Mike, Partner
‘I spent most of the pandemic on maternity leave, by the time I returned to work SRA had adopted an agile working policy for our new office. With new laptops, hot desks, clean desk policy, personal storage in the office as well as ensuring everyone had a good remote set-up, it was quite easy to just set up at home. SRA have also introduced opportunities for regular contact to support us with isolation with office catch-ups, digital ‘elevenses’ to have a cup of tea with colleagues and virtual Friday drinks
With small kids, juggling nursery runs and all the other commitments that comes with a young family, working remotely has had huge advantages. The flip-side however has been the challenges in collaborative working or working solo on a project.
Team based work and especially for junior colleagues, is where most of us have found it challenging. I think the other risk, is the danger of being always ‘on’ – the quick check of emails in the evening, an hour here and there – and we have to be careful to keep the balance and flexibility just right.
I know that I get A LOT done at home when I’m not distracted by chat going on but I am looking forward to my office days when I can get involved in design reviews of other projects, shared lunches, ‘proper’ teamwork. And I’ll even enjoy the headspace that my commute gives me – creating that separation between work and home.’
Suzanne, Architect
‘Like most, we had to adapt fast to remote working. We didn’t have a home working policy or access to remote working prior to the pandemic and it’s been challenging to implement it in such a short space of time and amongst so many unknowns.
What has been vital during this time is communication, internally and externally. Keeping our staff and our clients updated has been crucial.
Moving forwards, it will be great to see the buzz of the office and to work amongst the creative flare. I’m looking forward to having a busy office; and having to remember to refill the coffee pot! It will be good for the wellbeing of staff and to bring back some office banter.
I encourage everyone to find what works for you while you must, do what you can with what you’ve got, and help others do the same.’
Emma, Office Manager
‘Whereas it was a shock at first, I enjoyed the balance that WFH brought to my life. It allowed more time with my family, as I was there, whilst technology enabled good communication with work colleagues/clients. The work environment is essential for productive and efficient working, which cannot be replaced with isolated working. But this pandemic has proved to me, a more balanced approach can bring bigger rewards both at home and at work.’
Tony, Associate
