Thinking Different: Redefining the Office The impact the last few years have had on the office space needs no introduction. The necessity to work from home and remotely changed the shape of the workspace as we know it.  Recent news has told us that 18% of the United States’ office space lies vacant, with 300 million square feet expected to be obsolete by 2030 as firms battle with the economic downturn and a rise in popularity of home working in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. However, while office space may well be reduced as we move into the future, there will always be a place for it. Not every company can work remotely, and a lot of the new working days we see are a hybrid blend between office and home working.  Innovative office designs and a rethinking of the traditional office space have been seen across the world, with many businesses taking a different approach to the workday.  CollaborationCollaboration and communication are key elements of businesses, and features that are important to remain in place wherever people are working.  Of course, where people are working remotely, technology has enabled us to keep in touch with colleagues across the businesses and even the globe, however, in the actual office spaces themselves, we’re seeing some different approaches to the regular traditional office. Coworking spaces are something that allow collaboration between not just employees in your company, but also across businesses.  Elements of coworking spaces can be brought into the traditional office, with creative ways for teams to meet, including kitchen areas, break out spaces and even informal areas such as 8-ball tables and beanbags – all of these provide a way for people to meet each other, collaborate and if nothing else, get communication flowing across the business.  As businesses cut down on the spaces they need, coworking spaces may become a viable option for many. Across the globe there are some very quirky and unique coworking spaces, which bridge the gap between home and office working Lisbon’s Village Underground is a space which promotes collaboration and culture, and as well as workspaces includes a recording studio and a restaurant. Of course, different businesses have different requirements so what works for one may not work for all, but options like this highlight the changing attitudes to the workspace.  Work-Life BalanceA phrase all of us will have heard and tried to take heed of is the work-life balance, and this is something at the heart of many workplace changes we are seeing. As things have changed in the past few years, and many have worked from home, a full time return to the office for people that was expected hasn’t fully materialized.   Research from Knight Frank showed the expectation that “employees will work at least some of the week from home for the foreseeable future”, and just a third of businesses still pushing for a full-time return.  Balancing the work and free time of employees can be tricky, particularly when office visits are essential to the job. Clever workspaces have begun introducing more opportunities for downtime and screen breaks, as seen in Google’s Zurich space. Slides, cinema rooms and places to even have a dance are all part of the office, and elements of this can be implemented in offices for smaller companies too.  Having fun in the office can of course improve communication but above all the wellbeing of the workforce. As the workplace changes, work is not so much a place people go but a thing that they do, and that they do from anywhere. With this in mind, when employees need to go to the office, their welfare is important and employees that can have fun in the office are likely to be up to 20% more productive than those who aren’t.  A no-brainer then, to incorporate some interesting areas into an office where employees can take a break. Coupled with flexible options when available, providing a work-life balance while in the office too can result in happier, and in turn more focused and productive members of staff. Remove the Office FeelingOne approach to the office space we have seen is to be clever with the design of the space. This can be simply making sure people have enough power sockets in which to plug in laptops, phones and printers. Aesthetics are important too, and by incorporating this into the design of the office from the get-go, a reputable supplier can ensure practical elements such as wiring and electrical enclosure boxes are considered as part of the overall build.  Removing the traditional office feeling though, can of course go much further than being practical with layouts and ensuring a flow of natural light. Bark, a company that create dog toys and treats, have a unique workspace which is designed for both humans and dogs to be side by side during the working day. Using dog-friendly materials, the space allows employees to work at their will around the office, and has importantly been completed using cost-effective materials to show that this way of thinking can be commercially viable too. While naturally, this may be a step too far for many, the unique way of thinking again showcases how businesses have changed workspaces into something that works for them.   www.electrixinternational.com/us-us Sources Half of big companies to cut office desk space as bosses give up on back to work push (msn.com) Village Underground Lisboa – Um muro aberto para um novo movimento artístico e cultural (vulisboa.com) Rethinking The Modern Workspace: Embracing Change With Purpose (forbes.com) NBBJ designs Bark’s Ohio office for both humans and dogs (dezeen.com) Author – Stewart Beer, Site Manager at Electrix International.

Why Even the Best Leaders Seek Out Professional Coaching: 5 Key Reasons Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s an evolving journey that demands self-awareness, adaptability, and strategic foresight. In today’s fast-paced and complex business environment, the best leaders know that continuous improvement is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Even those at the pinnacle of their careers understand the immense value of professional coaching. Which is why I make an attempt to capture few key aspects for the ‘why’ of this. Enhancing Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence One of the most compelling reasons leaders hire professional coaches is to gain deeper self-awareness. Understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots is crucial for effective leadership. According to a recent study published by Harvard Business Review, 95% of people believe they are self-aware, but only 10-15% actually are. This gap between perception and reality can lead to ineffective decision-making and strained relationships. A professional coach acts as a mirror, helping leaders see themselves more clearly. Through targeted feedback and reflective exercises, leaders can develop emotional intelligence (EQ), which is directly linked to better team performance, higher employee satisfaction, and improved company culture. Daniel Goleman’s research highlights that EQ accounts for nearly 90% of what sets high performers apart from their peers with similar technical skills and cognitive abilities. Example: Consider the case of a CEO who, despite a successful track record, struggled with retaining top talent. Through coaching, they discovered that their communication style, perceived as abrasive, was the root cause. With increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence, the CEO adapted their approach, resulting in significantly reduced turnover. Navigating Complex Decision-Making Leadership often involves making high-stakes decisions with limited information and tight deadlines. The complexity of these decisions is only increasing as markets globalize and industries evolve. A coach can provide a structured framework for decision-making, ensuring that leaders consider all perspectives and potential outcomes. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, leaders who engage with coaches are 75% more likely to make better decisions. This is because coaches challenge assumptions, help leaders identify cognitive biases, and guide them through a process that balances logic with intuition. Example: A senior executive faced with the decision to enter a new market might struggle with analysis paralysis due to the sheer volume of data and potential risks involved. A coach can help distil the information into actionable insights, enabling the executive to make a confident and informed decision. Driving Sustainable Growth and Innovation In an era where disruption is the norm, leaders must constantly innovate to stay ahead. However, the day-to-day demands of running an organization can stifle creativity and strategic thinking. A professional coach can help leaders carve out time for deep reflection, fostering an environment where innovative ideas can flourish. Observation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) shows that 86% of companies report a return on investment (ROI) from coaching, with 70% citing improvements in work performance and strategic planning. By working with a coach, leaders can align their vision with actionable strategies, driving sustainable growth and innovation. For instance, the CEO of a tech startup, overwhelmed by operational challenges, found it difficult to focus on long-term strategy. Through coaching, they learned to delegate effectively, freeing up time to explore new technologies and business models. This shift led to the development of a groundbreaking product that positioned the company as an industry leader. Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity Resilience is a critical trait for leaders, especially in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and maintain a positive outlook is essential for sustained leadership success. Coaches play a pivotal role in helping leaders build resilience by developing coping strategies, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a balanced perspective. According to a global study by PwC, 76% of leaders who received coaching reported improved resilience, enabling them to navigate crises more effectively. This is particularly important as organizations face unprecedented challenges, from economic downturns to global pandemics. Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a CFO had to make tough financial decisions, including layoffs and budget cuts. Coaching provided the support needed to manage the emotional toll of these decisions, while also helping the CFO develop strategies for financial recovery and future growth. Fostering a Culture of Accountability and Excellence Leadership is not just about personal success; it’s about inspiring and empowering others. A coach can help leaders develop the skills needed to build a high-performance culture where accountability, collaboration, and excellence are the norms. This involves setting clear expectations, providing consistent feedback, and creating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated. A 2023 Gallup report found that companies with strong coaching cultures experience 21% higher profitability, 17% higher productivity, and 24% lower turnover. By investing in their own development through coaching, leaders set a powerful example for their teams, driving organizational success. Example: A department head struggling with team performance used coaching to refine their leadership style, focusing on clear communication and constructive feedback. This shift not only improved team morale but also led to a significant increase in project completion rates and overall productivity. At the end of this piece, I’d say even the most accomplished leaders recognize the transformative power of professional coaching. Investing in getting a professional certified coaching is not just about addressing current challenges; it’s about preparing for the future. For leaders aiming to leave a lasting impact, the question isn’t whether to hire a coach—it’s when. –Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta