The Workplace as a Private Club
A New Way to Think About Office Spaces
As we navigate the evolving landscape of work in 2024, forward-thinking companies are reimagining the traditional office environment. With hybrid work becoming the norm, the concept of the workplace is undergoing a radical transformation. One innovative approach that is gaining traction is treating the workplace as a private club—a vibrant, shared community hub that blends work, culture, and collaboration in new and exciting ways.
This model not only reinvents the purpose of the office but also turns it into a valuable asset. By sharing facilities with other organisations, companies can optimise costs, foster collaboration, and create dynamic environments that benefit everyone involved.
The Evolution of Office Space: From Necessity to Asset
In the past, offices were seen as a necessary expense—a place where employees gathered to get work done. But the rise of hybrid working has challenged this notion, leading companies to rethink how they use their physical spaces. Instead of viewing the office as a liability, businesses are now recognising its potential as a revenue-generating asset.
By adopting a shared model, where organisations sublet parts of their office space, companies can create a more dynamic and cost-effective work environment. This approach allows businesses to maintain a physical presence while reducing overhead costs and increasing flexibility.
The Benefits of Treating the Workplace as a Private Club
Building Brand Culture and Community
In today’s hybrid work environment, building and maintaining a strong brand culture is more important than ever. With teams spending less time in the office, creating a space that reflects the company’s values and fosters a sense of community is crucial. The private club model helps achieve this by turning the office into a cultural hub where employees feel connected to the brand and each other.
As LOM’s Maliha Haque points out, younger employees, in particular, crave a sense of belonging and want to be part of something larger than themselves. Offices designed as cultural hubs meet these needs, ensuring that the physical space reinforces the company’s identity and values. This approach not only attracts top talent but also helps retain employees by creating a workplace that people want to be a part of.
Dynamic Programming and Engagement
One of the key features of members’ clubs is their ability to engage their community through dynamic programming. Similarly, workplaces that adopt this model can offer a variety of activities—from educational workshops to social events—that make the office a place employees look forward to visiting.
For example, many companies have started hosting events such as professional development workshops, wellness sessions, and social mixers, which foster a sense of community and make the office more than just a place to work.
As described by ID’s Danielle Marshall, spaces that facilitate diverse activities, such as quiz nights and makers’ markets, appeal to employees’ desire for meaningful engagement. By curating events that people actually want to participate in, companies can create a lively and engaging office environment. This not only enhances the overall employee experience but also strengthens the sense of community within the workplace.
Competing with Hospitality
Modern workplaces are increasingly expected to match the comfort, design, and flexibility found in hospitality venues. By integrating elements of hospitality into office design, companies can create spaces that are both functional and enjoyable, offering employees a variety of settings—from cosy cafes to informal meeting areas—where they can work and collaborate.
Marriott International offers a compelling example of this trend. Their offices feature arrival spaces and community areas that resemble hotel lobbies, creating inviting environments for both employees and guests. This approach ensures that the workplace is not just a place to work but also a place where people can connect and engage in meaningful ways.
As Marriott International’s Despina Kalapoda highlights, workplaces should reflect the inviting and comfortable environments found in hospitality, which are often more conducive to relaxed, informal meetings. By doing so, companies can ensure that their offices are not just places to work but also spaces where people can connect and engage in meaningful ways.
Flexibility and Inclusivity
The private club model emphasises flexibility and inclusivity, ensuring that the workplace meets the diverse needs of all employees. By providing a variety of workspaces—from collaborative areas to quiet zones—companies can create an environment that supports different work styles and preferences.
AECOM’s Atepheh Amid notes that workplaces should offer spaces that accommodate both collaboration and focused work. This flexibility is crucial in creating an inclusive environment where everyone can work effectively. By listening to employees and understanding their needs, companies can design spaces that are both aspirational and accessible, ensuring that the workplace is a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
A Focus on Productivity and Well-being
While the private club model emphasises community and engagement, it also recognises the importance of productivity and well-being. The key to success lies in creating environments that balance social interaction with spaces designed for focused work. By providing employees with the tools and spaces they need to be productive, companies can ensure that the office remains a place where people can do their best work.
Gensler’s Christopher Crawford points out that recent surveys indicate employees still prioritise access to technology and spaces for focused work. By balancing these needs with opportunities for collaboration and social interaction, companies can create a workplace that supports both productivity and well-being.
The Future of the Office
As we move further into 2024, the private club model presents a compelling vision for the future of work. By transforming the office into a shared, vibrant space, companies can turn what was once a costly necessity into a valuable asset. This approach not only makes financial sense but also creates a dynamic, collaborative environment that benefits employees and businesses alike.
In a world where flexibility, community, and well-being are more important than ever, the private club workplace offers a path forward. It redefines the office as a place where people want to be—a space that inspires, connects, and empowers. As more companies adopt this model, the workplace of the future may very well resemble an exclusive club, where the best ideas and opportunities are shared among a diverse and engaged community.
References
LOM Maliha Haque’s insights on the importance of culture and community in the workplace.
The Office Group’s (TOG) successful implementation of shared facilities for dynamic workspaces.
Marriott International’s approach to incorporating hospitality design into their office spaces.
Gensler’s Christopher Crawford on the importance of balancing productivity with social interaction in the workplace.
AECOM’s Atepheh Amid’s views on the necessity of flexible and inclusive office design to support diverse work styles.
