2020, the year that a global health pandemic transformed the way we live, work, socialise, travel and exercise*. Coronavirus slammed into the new decade without mercy, transforming the global economy; the role of the office being integral to the economic cog. Following a series of ‘back to work’ webinars with our landlords, Cambridge Innovation Parks Ltd, we thought we’d share some updates with you.
So what does this mean for the workplace?
IT departments across the country have worked tirelessly to ensure their workforces are connected at home and remote working. And it’s been no different for the Incubyte team and our members- we’re all working from home but the office space has remained open for any members who might need a quiet space to carry out their work duties.
Rob Precious, CEO of Incubyte:
“The grant scheme put in place by the Government has provided much needed financial relief. The burden felt by both Incubyte and its members is somewhat reduced and although many of us continue work from home and enjoy a speedy internet connection; the backlash from covid19 on the sales funnel for many companies, not just our members, will continue to take its toll.”
Following feedback from companies working at Cambridge Innovation Park, a number of changes have been introduced to safeguard those working onsite:
- Additional sanitising stations
- Toilets and kitchens have changed to single user with suitable signage
- One way route has been implemented at Stirling House
Crispin Moller, Operations Manager for Incubyte:
“We are making changes to our shared office and coworking space which will include an increase in sanitising work stations, a one-way system and perspex screens on the coworking benches. It’s been awfully quiet onsite and although I’m looking forward to seeing some familiar faces on a regular basis, we need to ensure we’re doing everything to put our members’ minds at ease. “
When will offices be at capacity again?
We will continue to follow government guidance but in truth – we don’t know what the future will hold for office space. Companies will likely employ a hybrid of remote working and ‘office hours’ to accommodate their workforce and clearly, competitively priced office space will always be sought but we will almost definitely see an increased importance placed on term, notice and size flexibility.
We share this sentiment from a recent Forbes article: “It’s equally likely that people won’t want to work remotely all the time, but rather have the option to pick and choose, so the ability to successfully manage remote teams will be a key skill in the arsenal of any modern manager.”
*It’s not all doom and gloom, thankfully – here are some uplifting stories which many of us have been talking about:
- Venice canals run clear after lockdown (BBC News)
- Increase in air quality all around the world (World Economic Forum)
- We’ve reclaimed a love for nature (Country Living)
- Communities are rallying and supporting the wonderful NHS (Fundraising Appeal)
We’ll share another update with you soon once we welcome more members back to IncubyteSpace in Cambridgeshire. If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with us.
