4 ways to improve collaboration in a hybrid workspace

Improving collaboration within a hybrid workspace requires thoughtful planning and consideration, taking into account the needs of the team who will be using the space.

66% of leaders said that they were considering re-designing their office space to support hybrid working, due to the high demand for flexibility. For example, 83% of 9,326 workers said they preferred a hybrid model according to a recent report. This just goes to show how high the demand is for hybrid working.

However, the report also showed that finding a hybrid model that works for everyone could be a challenge. 74% of Generation Z said they need opportunities to collaborate face to face, which is a higher percentage than Generation X (66%) and Baby Boomers (68%). But as you can see, the statistics for collaboration are still high for all the generations.

With this being said, how can collaboration be improved within hybrid workspaces to ensure that all workers are satisfied? Find out within this article.

1. Design spaces built for collaboration

Let us start with the first solution that will come to mind – hybrid spaces designed for collaborative purposes.

Collaborative spaces should be designed to support all different kinds of group work including brainstorming sessions, informal meetings, and team building exercises. No matter what the meeting type, the area needs to be equipped with the right office furniture so that collaborating can be completed with ease.

This can be done by placing large oval meeting tables such as our Aalto, lounge seating like our brand-new vibrant and comfortable Palo, and whiteboards or marker boards such as our Mezzo versatile mobile floor screen. Mezzo is not just sound absorbing but also includes a white board on the glass side and a message board on the fabric, making it perfect for collaboration in a hybrid workspace.

By using office furniture pieces such as the above, collaboration within hybrid offices will be easier, comfortable, and hassle-free.

2. Choose flexible office furniture to improve collaboration

Investing in flexible office furniture is essential when creating a collaborative hybrid workspace. This means that the furniture chosen should be easily moveable, reconfigured or adjusted to suit the requirements of the users.

Flexible office furniture can allow for spontaneous meetings, group work, as well as easy adaptation for different types of work or collaboration needs. We recommend providing employees with moveable workstations such as our Gavina Meeting Table that has a folding structure allowing for the table to be stored away when not needed.

As for soft seating, our Mamu chair is light and compact, so this makes it a great choice for flexible collaboration in hybrid office spaces.

Choosing flexible acoustic screens are also beneficial for collaborative meeting spaces as they will absorb sound and provide some much-needed privacy for those trying to collaborate.

By implementing some of these flexible office furniture solutions, collaboration in hybrid workspaces can be largely improved.

3. Improve collaboration in hybrid workspaces with ergonomic furniture

Ergonomic furniture can improve collaboration in a hybrid workplace by supporting employee comfort and productivity.

This means that the collaboration space should include desks and chairs that are fully adjustable to support a healthy posture. When employees have access to office furniture that allows them to sit and work comfortably, this will improve collaboration and their focus on tasks.

Ergonomic chairs and desks can help prevent back pain and other discomforts that can hinder collaboration. Therefore, we recommend investing in ergonomic desks and chairs to create a successful collaboration space. Some examples we have at Haiken include:

Ergonomic Desks:

• Wright Cowork Desk: A flexible coworking desk that includes different heights and adjustable sides to fit any collaborative hybrid workspace.
• Flexure: Includes endless options for flexibility with its telescopic frame and inaudible motor operation. The Flexure desk has an elegant organic shape that will stand out in creative hybrid working spaces.
• Wolfe: This clever four-height adjustable desk is robust and offers maximum strength for a minimum weight. It’s future-proof for the changing demands in a growing hybrid workforce.
• Magro: This meeting table stands out through its clean lines and metal and wood structure. Magro maximises leg room through its distinctive design, creating a comfortable meeting experience for users.

Ergonomic Chairs:

• Paxt: A wide collection of bucket chairs that encompass the user with superior comfort – the perfect option for collaborative spaces where employees need to be sitting comfortably to focus and contribute effectively.
• Algo: A small armchair that occupies little space whilst providing ergonomic comfort to users. Available in a broad range of fabrics and finishing materials, Algo soft seating can blend in with a variety of interior designs to make an inspiring collaborative space.
• Mishell Soft: The Mishell Soft is designed to provide even more user comfort thanks to the seat’s additional, extremely soft quilted layer. The upholstery gives the collection a more cosy character that is excellent for collaborative meeting spaces where workers can sit comfortably whilst they work together.
• Webb 2.0: We will finish with the all-time favourite. The Webb 2.0 task chair keeps the comfort of the workforce at the forefront with its unbeatable ergonomic design that is both supportive and comfortable. Featuring a seat slide, a 6-position lockable backrest and 3D armrests.

4. Integrate Technology into the hybrid collaborative workspace

Collaboration in a successful hybrid workplace often involves the use of technology. Through the use of technology such as power modules and adjustable monitor arms, employees can stay connected and productive whilst collaborating.

We also recommend making use of smart lockers, as they can be useful to store away any unnecessary personal items that could become distracting when trying to collaborate. The Brunel Smart Locker has a sleek design and high-tech features that offer a user-friendly, easy-to-manage, smart storage solution for workers. So why not add Smart Lockers to the collaboration space today to help de-clutter the space for a more focussed collaborative experience?

Creating a successful collaborative hybrid workspace with Haiken

By implementing these ideas, a successful and collaborative hybrid workspace can be created that encourages better teamwork and helps employees to be more productive and engaged when in meetings.

Contact our office furniture experts at Haiken today to find out how we can assist in creating a collaborative hybrid workspace that is built for success.