Well-being at work

In what way would we like to work in the future? This is a question that concerns us in many projects and also in our own working environment. The corona pandemic has further increased our focus on this issue. On the occasion of the lockdown, we looked for answers together with our team. A survey among our employees working from home got to the heart of the matter: flexibility and self-determination are particularly relevant for well-being at work. However, social contacts are also very important. Home and office, personal and digital communication should therefore achieve the right balance.

For our team, working from home also had several advantages. Many employees particularly appreciated the flexible and self-determined organisation of working hours. The focused meetings via video telephony were also perceived as positive. Everyone developed their own strategies for well-being in the home office. The division of daily rhythms or some physical activity in between have made everyday working life easier. What people missed most of all was the personal exchange with colleagues. Without ‘corridor radio’, social interaction and informal conversations failed to materialize. The professional equipment of the workplace is a further bonus point for office work. There are also more stimuli and inspirations from working with others.

In view of the forced situation, working exclusively in the home office was not experienced as optimal. However, some of the results obtained in the survey are very inspiring for our design of office work. These include both the more flexible design of the working environment and the possibility of working within one’s own four walls, at least temporarily. A creative logbook for the office, which is constantly updated, as well as a work-case to go for working while out and about are further wonderful ideas from our team at their home offices.