Workplaces overcrowded and buckling under the strain of staff returning
Aussie workers facing workplace overcrowding as offices return to normal
Most Aussie office workers have now made the transition back to the office, either full time or through a more flexible hybrid work arrangement. The problem is that many offices downsized during the pandemic and haven’t made adjustments to upsize again since staff started going back to work. In addition, many businesses have grown since COVID bringing on more workers on a virtual basis and haven’t expanded the physical office environment to allow for the growth in employee numbers and their return to the workplace. The problem this has created, according to founder of Australian flexible office and coworking hub chain @WORKSPACES, Jenny Folley, is that overcrowding has led to worker discomfort and conflict. She warns business owners against trying to maintain lower costs at the detriment of the mental health of their workers.
Jenny Folley first introduced coworking into Australia many years ago and has since built a number of highly successful flexible office space brands including @WORKSPACES which has multiple sites across the country and overseas offering private and serviced offices, coworking spaces and virtual office services.
“Most of us work 38 to 40 hour weeks, if not more. It’s a long time to be spending in an office every week. It’s important that the environment we work in is conducive to work; otherwise going to work ends up being counterproductive. Research shows that happy workers are significantly more productive than unhappy workers,” Folley said.
“Considering that there’s such a simple, effective and economic solution to this problem, I urge business owners to consider supplementing their office space with flexible office arrangements to meet the physical needs of the business.”
Dangers of an overcrowded office
“It’s a huge matter of concern that Australia’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are both hosts to the offices that are more cramped than global average figures. In Sydney, the average office density is 11.1 square metres per person, while Melburnians fare slightly better at 12 square metres per person; as opposed to the global average of 13.3 square metres per person,” Folley said.
“It’s no wonder that offices were abandoned during COVID. Offices that are packed become breeding grounds for viruses and germs. Besides these concerns however, overcrowded workspaces create a variety of other problems such as privacy issues, harassment and decreased productivity and efficiency.
“The additional problem the country is facing is that businesses are now trying to cram more staff into workspaces to reduce cost and conflict and other issues are on the rise.”
The rise of workplace disagreements
“Packing as many workers into the office floor plan as possible lowers employee satisfaction. Business owners need to be aware that this only ends up with counterproductive results, which negates any money you might save on rent. Open plan style offices are very common nowadays, as we have moved on from the cubicle days,” Folley explained.
“The idea of the open plan style office was to promote collaboration; but the reality is quite the opposite and, in fact, not very many workplaces reap the intended benefits. In an overcrowded office with few barriers, it can get quite difficult to focus when people all around you are making phone calls, eating at their desks, walking to and fro, or just having a chat. If the open plan hasn’t been designed strategically, it could really backfire.
“Naturally this all bubbles over and disgruntled workers end up having disagreements that are detrimental to the vibe of all the colleagues sitting around.”
The simple solution: coworking spaces
“If you’ve dismissed coworking spaces as some kind of trend that will fade out in time, you’re wrong. Since 2006, year-on-year the number of employees operating out of flexible working spaces has doubled. This momentum will only continue to build as more and more businesses catch on to just how incredibly flexible these shared working spaces are,” Folley stated.
“The flexibility of shared office hubs and coworking spaces such as @WORKSPACES is unbeatable. In terms of office space, you can scale up or down according to your business needs. In terms of contracts, you’re not locked in for years. In terms of office amenities, everything is provided for. We have meeting rooms equipped with up to date audio visual tech, business centre receptions to handle front desk enquiries and mailing needs, office amenities and round the clock security.
“The many problems that are created by overcrowded workspaces can easily be resolved by moving to a shared working space. Whether your business is established or a startup, the benefits are endless.”
About @WORKSPACES
@WORKSPACES is a premium service provider of coworking and private office workspaces that are strategically located near fitness centres, parks and dining and shopping precincts, so business clients are able to maintain a healthy work/life balance, and not fall into the sedentary lifestyle associated with traditional offices. Offices are located in CBD and suburban sites across the country.
