Before the pandemic, conventional wisdom had been that offices were critical to productivity, culture and effectiveness. But now is the time to ask big questions about how work should be done and what role offices should play. Here are four steps to reimagine work and workplaces after COVID-19;

1. RECONSTRUCT HOW WORK IS DONE

Organizations should identify the most important processes and re-envision them. For example, in the past, organistions may have generated ideas by brains storming in person. A new process might include asynchronous brainstorming on a digital channel followed by a revisions or debate over video meetings.

2. DECIDE WHAT ROLES MUST BE DONE IN PERSON AND WHAT CAN BE DONE REMOTELY

Roles can be fully-remote, on-site or a hybrid of the two. For some roles, a monthly trip to headquarters may suffice. Another advantage is that remote roles allow for a wider talent pool from across the world. This is an opportunity to hire talents you would have hardly considered before now.

3.  REDESIGN THE WORKPLACE TO SUPPORT THE KINDS OF INTERACTIONS THAT CAN’T HAPPEN REMOTELY

For example, if the purpose of an organization’s space is to facilitate collaboration, should 80% of the office be devoted to collaboration rooms? Should organizations ask all employees who work in cubicles and rarely have to attend group meeting to work from home? The boundaries between being physically in the office and out of the office must collapse. Video conferencing and asynchronous working models will quickly shift from futuristic ideas to standard practice. 

4. RESIZE THE FOOTPRINT CREATIVELY

Take a fresh look at how much space you need and where you need it. Having a portfolio of space solutions in the office will become more widespread as more employees work remotely . Over time, some organizations could reduce their real-estate costs by a significant percentage.