Coping with ‘radical’ shifts in office culture

Co-working: Companies urged to make space for new ideas

A north-east human resources (HR) expert has urged employers to embrace a shift towards more co-working.

Law at Work managing director Steve Cook said the trend is creating new challenges for the HR industry.

He added: “The last few decades have seen some radical shifts in office culture.

“Typewriters were replaced with computers; office cubicles were abandoned in favour of the more collaborative open-planned lay out; and what is deemed ‘appropriate behaviour’ between co-workers has gone through many definitions. Now, it looks like the private office may be done away with entirely as more and more businesses explore shared working spaces.”

Investment management company JLL has predicted flexible work spaces will grow by 30% annually across Europe over the next five years. Mr Cook said: “The growth of these spaces is no less apparent in Aberdeen, where growing demand has seen major co-working offices at Marischal Square and a 26,000sq ft space at Elevator’s South Aberdeen Business Centre open in recent times.

“It is not just trendy millennial start-ups which are exploring the concept, which sees businesses share everything from the physical space to office furniture, technical support and internet bills.

“Major corporations such as KPMG and EY are also getting in on the action.”

This new way of working comes with challenges for employers.

But these are “not insurmountable” problems and many firms are already well prepared for the changes, Mr Cook said, adding: “Businesses must now consider embracing this modern, employee-focused trend to ensure staff retention, attract new employees and address workplace overcrowding.”

TREND: Steve Cook says co-working has arrived in the city