As businesses in New Zealand face evolving work habits post-pandemic, the debate around office vs. remote working continues to grow. Much like global giants such as Amazon, many companies are now reconsidering their workspace strategy to encourage employees back into the office. However, enticing staff to return to a physical workplace after the convenience of home working is a challenge. At George Walkers, we’ve seen these shifts first-hand in the New Zealand office furniture market and have developed strategies to help businesses create workspaces that employees are excited to come to.
Here are four practical ways we recommend to create an office environment your employees will love:
1. Evaluate Your Current Office Space
The office is the beating heart of any business, so it's crucial to assess whether your current space is meeting both your immediate and long-term needs. As businesses in New Zealand are increasingly opting for sustainable office furniture, we’ve noticed a growing interest in more compact workstations that free up space for collaborative zones or multipurpose areas.
The key here is flexibility. For example, hot-desking systems or modular layouts can help businesses maximise space efficiency and accommodate future growth. At George Walkers, we specialise in offering second-hand and refurbished furniture that can be easily adapted to your office’s changing requirements, helping you create a practical and future-proof office layout.
2. Bring the Comforts of Home to the Office
Creating a comfortable office is about more than just functionality. Employees have become accustomed to the comforts of working from home, so it’s important to integrate elements that make the office feel welcoming and comfortable.
We've noticed an increase in demand for communal spaces and social areas, which can act as the social hubs of the office, encouraging staff interaction and team bonding. At George Walkers, we’ve helped numerous New Zealand businesses create spaces like barista-style kitchens, breakout zones, or even recreational areas for employees to unwind during breaks. These areas not only improve morale but also foster stronger team relationships.
For offices with limited space, multipurpose areas can serve as social spots and informal meeting zones, giving you flexibility without compromising on function.
3. Invest in Modular and Flexible Furniture
In the New Zealand office furniture market, we’ve seen a sharp rise in demand for modular furniture that can adapt to the ever-changing needs of businesses. Modular desks and workstations, for example, can be reconfigured to fit different layouts, promoting flexibility and efficiency. This versatility is especially useful as businesses continue to experiment with hybrid working models.
At George Walkers, we focus on offering second-hand and refurbished modular furniture solutions that give businesses the flexibility to evolve without constantly purchasing new furniture. This not only helps reduce waste but also ensures a longer lifespan for your office furniture.
4. Keep Sustainability Front of Mind
Sustainability is a major factor influencing New Zealand’s office furniture industry. Both businesses and employees are increasingly prioritising eco-friendly choices, and the office is no exception. By choosing recycled, upcycled, or refurbished office furniture, you can significantly reduce your company’s carbon footprint while meeting sustainability targets.
At George Walkers, we specialise in providing sustainable office solutions that help businesses in New Zealand embrace a circular economy. Our range of high-quality, second-hand desks, chairs, and IT equipment offer an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to buying new. This not only saves money but also contributes to your company’s environmental goals.
Create an Office Employees Want to Be in.
If your business is considering bringing employees back to the office, it’s essential to create a space that they’re excited to return to. At George Walkers, we believe that the key lies in balancing comfort, flexibility, and sustainability.
By evaluating your current office space, integrating home comforts, investing in modular furniture, and prioritising sustainable practices, you can create a dynamic and inviting workspace that meets the needs of your employees. In doing so, you foster an environment that enhances productivity, encourages collaboration, and, most importantly, makes people want to be there.
If you're looking to transform your office with sustainable, second-hand furniture, get in touch with George Walkers today. We’re proud to offer full office fit-out services tailored to businesses across New Zealand, helping you create the ideal workspace for your team.