CREJ

40 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / September 2020 ELEMENTS Reopening Offices Propinquity: We Cannot Zoom Our Way to Business Success W hat wouldwe have done over the last six months without Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other similar video-com- munications platforms? These technology-en- abled collaboration tools have proven lifesaving for so many businesses. We’ll never operate the sameway again. However, for all the utility they’ve provided, it would be a mistake to consider these platforms a replacement for in-person interaction. Some com- panies have already embraced remote working as a permanent solution, using the success of work- from-home during the pandemic as evidence that the physical workplace is unnecessary. Research into hu- man-centered design strongly suggests otherwise. The ultimate goal of business remains to optimize employee engagement, teamwork, and culture to help organizations thrive and reach new heights. The real- ity is that humans need other humans. Relationships inside and outside of the workplace are more import- ant than ever. There is a vast amount of research that indicates a loneliness epidemic, and the volume and pervasiveness of technology tools in the workplace is a key contributor. The best and brightest talent will continue to want to develop strong mentor and mentee relationships. Those relationships are better developed and nurtured face to face. High-performing employees will also con- tinue to seek the ‘super experience’ andwill be attract- ed to places that inspire them. With inspiration comes new ideas, innovation and collaboration. Place is pow- erful. • Propinquity and the importance of the physi- cal workplace. I predict that propinquity is awordwe will begin to see and hearmore in the comingmonths. Propinquity is the natural human tendency to develop tight interpersonal bonds with the people and things that are theclosest tous. Propinquityexistsat the foun- dation of every great team. It is why we want to work hard for others and be part of something greater than ourselves. It is why the physical workplace is critically important. Every business will have to determine how much real estate it needs to achieve the right team alchemy while keeping employees safe given the ongoing pan- demic. Our industry’sbest real estateandarchitectural firms have provided extensive guidance regarding what or- ganizationsneed todo to returnsafely.What ismissing is how work will get done. We need to start with our human beings and understanding what they need to feel safe and be successful. Human-centered design is a mindset that overlays design thinking to ensure that products and solutions are actually relevant and beneficial for the people they are intended to serve. Right now, for the workplace ex- perience to bemaximized, people need to feel safe and they have to want to be there. They must believe that it is the right place for themto be or else returningwill be counterproductive. For our part, we have designed a timeline to help businesses sequentially make hu- man-related decisions as well as the traditional facili- ty-related decisions. My biggest piece of advice to clients as their people begin returning to the office is to develop ways to cel- ebrate the reason your workplace exists. It is no longer just a place to sit and get work done. We have proven we can more or less do that from home. Our work- places need to become the catalyst for connection, to reinforce our cultures, and to build on the benefits of propinquity. Traci Lounsbury Owner, Elements The silent silo offers a quiet place to work. Creative wall enclosures allow employees a safe way to work.