Sanctuary offices can stem the tide of workplace anxiety in 2024

From last week’s travel chaos caused by Storm Henk to this week’s uncertainty over tube strikes, the return to work has been far from smooth for many of London’s workers. Hats off to those that have made it to the office despite those challenges, motivated by the chance to collaborate with colleagues again after the holiday break.

For businesses, January is an opportunity to look ahead and think about different ways of unlocking growth and productivity. Where and how teams work together is central to those considerations and those lucky enough to be working in Central London start the new year with the natural advantage of the Capital’s status as a global hub.

As people we love cities for their buzz and diversity, for the endless array of cultural activities and the opportunities they offer to grow and flourish together. Business leaders love cities for the access to talent, facilities, connections and networking opportunities. Yet despite densely populated urban environments being so important to driving growth, recent Fora research shows that, too often, workplaces are falling short when it comes to supporting employee wellbeing, holding businesses and individuals back. If we are to deliver on London’s potential to stimulate growth, we must do so in a way that supports businesses and makes the most of its talent by prioritising employee wellbeing by allowing them to do their best work in the best environment suited to their needs.

Our research carried out in partnership with psychologist Dr. Craig Knight found that simply putting people together in an office environment is not enough to improve productivity. This can, in certain circumstances, be counterproductive. Failure to match the real needs of employees is a key contributor to sickness and absences amongst half of those surveyed, with a lack of private spaces also seen as a contributor to workplace stress. Dr. Knight concluded that enriched environments that support different modes of working, from focused work to collaboration and rest, are key to addressing some of these issues.

London’s built environment needs to keep pace with changing workstyles, offering a choice of workspaces to match individual preferences and mood. Offices meant to encourage collaboration and synergy have, in far too many instances, become a place of discomfort.

The solution? Businesses must understand that productivity flourishes beyond the traditional desk. London's future hinges on crafting workspaces that complement, rather than constrict, modern work modes. By prioritising employee wellbeing, with the offer of onsite gyms or memberships and wellness spaces, tailoring environments to the needs of the modern worker, and offering choices that respect individual workstyles, we can not only stem the tide of workplace anxiety but also usher in a new era of creativity, productivity and, most importantly, human connection.

Some companies are taking note and reaping the benefits of this phenomenon. Pioneering companies such as Pangaia are at the forefront of recognising the need to accommodate different workstyles, choosing offices that act as a sanctuary for their workforce. Embrace workplaces that reflect modern lifestyles and choice. Surfaces rather than desks, quiet corners rather than cubicle walls. Choice rather than compromise.

Much was written in 2023 about office occupancy. We need to think beyond that by building flourishing ecosystems where people can thrive. Let 2024 be the year we go beyond the one-size-fits-all by default and instead shape a London where every workstyle is respected, with work actively contributing to an enriching human experience.

Enrico Sanna is chief executive of Fora