The newest global health threat on the scene?
Well, according to the WHO (World Health Organisation), it’s loneliness. In late 2023, they declared it an epidemic with mortality effects equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day!
And this is no purely social issue. Loneliness has damaging and wide-ranging consequences, so business leaders ought to take note, too.
Consider this: the workplace, once a bustling hub of social interaction, underwent a seismic shift during the pandemic, throwing remote and hybrid work arrangements into the spotlight. While, of course, remote work offers flexibility, it also brings prolonged periods of isolation, which naturally has contributed to a surge in loneliness among employees.
But what does that mean for businesses? Well, unhappy and unhealthy employees mean a number of things. Lower productivity, weaker team dynamics and lower retention rates – in short, it's a recipe for disaster.
So, what's the antidote? While mandating a return to the traditional office environment may seem like a logical fix, it's merely a band-aid solution that many companies have tried with little success. Forcing a certain quantity of office interaction will have lacklustre results. Instead, we must focus on ‘quality’ and reimagine our workspaces as vibrant centres of connection and collaboration.
And at beyond, we do this through optimising the design, layout and facilities of our workspaces.
How can businesses fight loneliness through their workspaces?
‘Just an office’ won’t make the cut in 2024. Tackling the loneliness epidemic means they must become high-quality hubs of connection, fostering meaningful human interaction and collaboration through thoughtful design.
Including comfortable and attractive social spaces and collaborative zones is key: picture inviting communal areas, dynamic coworking spaces, and meeting rooms designed to foster spontaneous exchanges and cultivate a sense of community.
Functional flexibility within these spaces is really important, too. From full-team meetings and busy in-person days to company social events, they help support a variety of experiences that bolster team bonding. Ultimately, employers will witness boosted employee wellbeing, team dynamics, professional development and productivity. We’ve seen this time and again across our beyond locations – teams have the space they need to flourish with our array of multi-purpose spaces.
But that's not all. Bridging the gap between remote and in-office teams is imperative. Enter workspace technology: virtual collaboration tools and smart office infrastructure enable seamless communication and collaboration across physical distances. Whether they’re working from home or the office, these tools ensure employees are always plugged into the team dynamic.
Take, for example, beyond’s workspace app. It has created a global network across all our locations, enabling our members, whether hybrid, in office or remote, to engage with announcements, see upcoming events, and even have conversations. There are endless benefits to tools like these – even that they encourage employees to attend the office more frequently!
In essence, making our workspaces spaces for social connection isn't just a matter of morale—it's a strategic imperative. By prioritising human connection and wellbeing, businesses can forge resilient workplace cultures where employees feel valued, supported, and connected. In doing so, we not only combat the loneliness epidemic but also lay the foundation for sustained success in an ever-evolving professional landscape!
At beyond, our workspaces are always built with this at the core of our philosophy. So, if you think a hub for connection could just be the recipe for success for your team, why not consider a beyond workspace?
Interested in learning more about beyond workspaces or booking a tour of one of our locations? Get in touch with the beyond team today!
