The experts are clear: teleworking will not last forever, we will return to the office. It is true that everything will be different, but we have to be prepared. Now is the time to start improving the distribution, lighting, ventilation and acoustic conditioning of workplaces and offices.
Teleworking has shown its virtues: It helps reconcile, eliminates commute time, improves productivity, and reduces some business costs. But not all that glitters is gold.
During these months of pandemic and lockdowns we have also learned about some of the disadvantages of teleworking. Individually, we have discovered the difficulties arising from a lack of organization and confidence, and from separating work time from personal time. We have faced mental disorientation, a lack of concentration, and anxiety or depression disorders caused by isolation and loneliness. Companies have found that leaving your home and seeing your colleagues reinforces the feeling of belonging to the group. On the other hand, the absence of direct interaction with people penalizes innovation and creativity, complicates team tasks and makes it difficult to transfer knowledge to new employees.
Long ago, large companies, particularly technology companies, opted for teleworking but later decided to return to the office. Perhaps not as before, but in mixed models that assure regrouping and interaction between employees.
Teleworking will not prevail unless it is alternated with face-to-face sessions in offices. We will continue to need acoustic panels and acoustic solutions to provide ourselves with spaces that have a comfortable sound and allow us to meet and work as a team.
If you liked this post about acoustic conditioning of workplaces, you may also be interested in:
.
– Acoustics in coworking spaces
– 25 articles about designing and decorating offices with wood