AGENDA FOR OR AGAINST THE MODERN WORKPLACE: A SOCIAL SPACE?

The workplace has evolved significantly in recent years, with employers increasingly placing a greater emphasis on creating a positive and engaging environment for their employees. While traditional workspaces were typically more formal and structured, modern workplaces are becoming more social and relaxed, designed to create a more welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere. However, the question of whether workplaces should be social spaces or focus primarily on productivity and professionalism remains a matter of debate. On the one hand, creating a fun and social environment can improve employee morale, boost productivity and reduce stress levels. On the other hand, some argue that a more professional environment is necessary to maintain focus and ensure that work gets done, particularly in industries where strict deadlines have to be met.

You know what they say - work hard, play hard! At Chapter II, I’ve taken that to heart by creating a vibrant office environment that the team loves being in. We spend so much time at work, so why not make it a place where we can have some fun too?

Being in a creative industry, collaboration is essential. That’s why we have an open-plan space, perfect for brainstorming, plus separate meeting rooms providing a quiet place to focus when we need it. The bar and ping pong table are a clear giveaway about the type of workplace we have, but the office is also a fantastic spot for hosting events, celebrating staff birthdays and socialising with clients. I appreciate that this sort of environment isn’t possible – or appropriate – for some businesses, but for us, it’s just part of our culture.

And with more and more people working remotely or in hybrid roles, having a social office space is more important than ever. It’s a place where we can come together, feel like a team, and get the job done. Plus, let’s be honest, having a great office space just makes ‘going to work’ that much more appealing.

For me, creating a vibrant and social office environment isn’t just about having fun - it’s about building a positive workplace culture that improves morale, promotes teamwork, and boosts creativity. I can’t imagine it any other way.

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The issue here isn’t one of right or wrong, but one of how far you need to go to make the office sociable. And what, as a small business, you can realistically achieve with targets and deadlines to hit. We all agree that there’s bound to be some socialising in the workplace. We as humans need it to thrive. And with the post COVID lockdown culture of home-working being more common, it’s clear if we want our staff to spend time in the office, we need to create the right kind of environment to encourage that.

But we are very much the kind of team that like to work in the office and socialise outside of it – whether that’s a nice lunch out or drinks after work – and we’re fortunate that our work is instinctively quite sociable. But we don’t have a pool table or a brainstorming bean bag. And I don’t worry if we miss someone’s birthday because we’re simply too busy. I am big on work/life balance – and while I think for most that is seen as a term for ensuring people have enough time away from work – it should work both ways.

So the trade off is that when they are in the office I expect them to be super focused on doing their job. We’re a small team, with lots to do, and there aren’t many opportunities to take your foot off the pedal. We probably have less casual conversation than a lot of other offices but that doesn’t mean we're unfriendly or unsupportive. We try to make sure that the environment is one that when someone needs to talk, they can.

I would also argue, handled correctly, ensuring your team don’t ‘over-socialise’ at work should ensure they enjoy their social time away from the office more. We try our best to respect the end of the day. So once you’re out of work time, you don’t need to have your head in work. Yes, our What’s App groups occasionally ping into the evening but usually it’s just general chat rather than anything super work-related.

So I am one for fostering a positive working environment – but it’s one where the work certainly comes first!

This month we’ll start with hope and inspiration from the next generation of Makers and Entrepreneurs.

The annual GUTS event at Magna once again provided a platform to showcase manufacturing and careers across the region.

The Workwise team continue to wow us with their talent and dedication, welcoming more than 4000 students from across the region’s schools to make, create, climb, assemble, drive, operate and build! A real hands on experience to inspire our future workforce. The sustainability focussed breakfast event gave all the existing businesses and entrepreneurs lots of food for thought too.

Speaking of entrepreneurs.. our budding ones had their own celebration and awards night at OEC, Sheffield. And oh what a night! Not a dry eye in the room as the successful young businesses received their awards with pride in front of mums, dads, carers, teachers, mentors and advisors. Not to mention city and business leaders. Such a fabulous night and ‘Bravo’ to Sheffield City Council and the ‘See it, Be it,’ team that mastermind the whole thing.

Next, a Night at the Dogs! An absolute delight to share the 15th Anniversary Milestone of Crystal Clean with business founder Hayley Gilbard and her team. A winning night all round but also a great result for Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice who benefitted from Hayley’s fundraising on the night. Great job Hayley and all at Crystal Clean.

Lunch the next day at Fox Valley with Nicola Smith and Little Hummingbird Events at the very fabulous Pontis restaurant where Lynn Urpeth from the Archer Project updated us all on happenings at the charity. This was followed the next day by Glu Recruit’s uNetwork at Rotherham United Football Club where we were enlightened about 4 day working weeks. Great to hear from Richard Pitchfork from Maxons and the inimitable Toby Pochron from Freeths.

Speaking of Freeths, it was good to pop into their open evening and check out their very lovely newly refurbished offices… super cool and a super view! Super company too, for that matter. I bumped into Marie Cooper from CBE+ and the very next day headed over to her own newly refurbished factory in Chesterfield. I was delighted to meet her newest team member, Bumble Bee, a most impressive bright yellow robot! A game changer and a first for the region. But not just the region, I’m told it’s a first for Europe too! Bravo Marie.

Finally, it was breakfast at The Mowbray! And not just any breakfast. This was a Breakfast Feast. Sally and the team there really know how to impress! And with a ‘Wellbeing Theme’ there was yoga too! I left feeling very chilled! Omm!

Follow Jill at uk.linkedin.com/in/jilltywhite or find Andy Hanselman Consulting at andyhanselman.com.