Svigals + Partners’ Post

It’s no secret that people aren’t going to the office as much as they used to. Return-to-office rates stalled for most of 2023 as more white-collar workers settled into a routine of going to the office no more than three days a week. Office badge swipes in the 10 biggest U.S. cities are at about 52% of what they were before the pandemic as of February 2024, according to data from Kastle Systems. Perhaps no one has a better understanding of what’s happening with offices — and the efforts to get employees to use them — than the people who design these buildings. Here's what Andy Cohen and Diane Hoskins, co-CEOs and global co-chairs of the architecture and design firm Gensler, say is the biggest mistake companies are making when it comes to thinking about the office itself.

It’s no secret that people aren’t going to the office as much as they used to. Return-to-office rates stalled for most of 2023 as more white-collar workers settled into a routine of going to the office no more than three days a week. Office badge swipes in the 10 biggest U.S. cities are at about 52% of what they were before the pandemic as of February 2024, according to data from Kastle Systems. Perhaps no one has a better understanding of what’s happening with offices — and the efforts to get employees to use them — than the people who design these buildings. Here's what Andy Cohen and Diane Hoskins, co-CEOs and global co-chairs of the architecture and design firm Gensler, say is the biggest mistake companies are making when it comes to thinking about the office itself.

A thought-provoking piece by The New York Times. This insightful article sheds light on the intriguing reinvention of office environments as we still continue to navigate the return to in-person work post-pandemic. How has workplace design changed for you in recent years? Let us know your thoughts below... #workplaceculture #genz #whatdesigncando #workplacedesign

Another feather in our cap! 😁 check out the latest feature!

🚀 Transforming Workspaces, Protecting Investments: Insurance Strategies for Modern Office Renovations 🚀 As businesses innovate their workspaces to adapt to post-pandemic trends, it's crucial to reassess your commercial insurance and overall risk profile to ensure your investment is well-protected. Here are three essential action items to consider: 1️⃣ Reevaluate Property Insurance Coverage: With significant renovations aiming to create flexible and creative work environments, like the inspiring transformation by Gensler in downtown Los Angeles, your property insurance needs a second look. Ensure your policy reflects the new value and features of your upgraded space, safeguarding your investment against any unforeseen circumstances. 2️⃣ Business Interruption Insurance: Renovations can disrupt operations, potentially impacting your bottom line. Review your business interruption insurance to confirm it covers losses during renovations and the transition period to your newly designed space. It's not just about surviving disruptions but thriving through them. 3️⃣ Enhance Liability Coverage: Innovative workspaces introduce new dynamics and potential risks. As your business evolves, so should your liability coverage. Ensure it matches the increased range of activities and usage of your space. Regular safety audits and adjustments to your policy can help mitigate risks, ensuring a secure environment for everyone. The move towards more adaptable and employee-focused work environments, as demonstrated by Gensler's office renovation, is not just a trend but a forward-thinking approach to workplace design. As you invest in such transformative projects, remember that a comprehensive review of your insurance policies and risk management strategies is essential to protect your assets and foster a productive, safe, and engaging workspace. Let's embrace change wisely and secure our businesses for a brighter, more innovative future. 🌟 #CommercialInsurance #RiskManagement #WorkplaceInnovation #BusinessStrategy #InsuranceUpdate

The San Francisco Standard dives into the ripple effects of the city’s floundering office market pointing to such major culprits as remote work and the growing number of vacant office buildings downtown. Elected officials say the situation is improving courtesy of return to office mandates and the AI boom, yet companies are still challenged by construction woes. One type of office furniture actually in demand? “Phone booths, where workers can take calls in relative privacy, without worrying about distracting chatter or anyone sneaking a look at their screen — in other words, furniture that creates the work-from-home experience at the office." In fact, ROOM has seen 50% more customers in the Bay Area since we opened our doors in 2019. Read on for why modular architecture is helping businesses accommodate for the uncertainty of the future. Thanks to Jillian D'Onfro for the feature. Read the story below ⤵ #media #sanfrancisco #office #ai #officedesign #madebyroom

In many cases, employees are going back into the office. When companies begin more hybrid or on-site working and relying less of remote work, offices get dirty. And while floors are definitely a problem, so are other surfaces around the office. Learn more. https://ow.ly/VsQc50SwzrM

Not quite ready to give up space? You're likely thinking about mothballing a floor or two - maybe even an entire building. But where will those displaced people move to? How will you restack departments and neighborhoods to meet the current need and reduce costs while waiting for headcount growth? Here are a few strategic considerations for your space planning team. https://lnkd.in/dpg-p2EA #mothballing #workplaceplanning #spaceplanning #realestate

Office buildings are constructed based on guesswork and speculation, resulting in both too much space and incorrect space. We don't believe that either Nora Nora Benedicte Brinchmann or Oddvar Skjæveland disagree that employee productivity, health, and well-being should be the focus. However, this does not need to be in opposition to space efficiency. We at Empire AI believe that this can be solved in far better ways than today.

The future of design is inclusive! The future of design is inclusive! Ryan Anderson (VP of Global Research and Insights) from MillerKnoll sheds light on how, despite backlash, inclusive office designs are making strides. A standout example? Drake University's Harkin Center, which goes beyond ADA requirements to model a more comprehensive approach to inclusive design. Discover why thoughtful design is crucial for fostering diverse and productive work environments, check out the link below. https://hubs.li/Q02NpShN0