The way we work has evolved over the past 10 years and more recently where we work has changed beyond recognition. Flexible work patterns and remote working now shape our future. This got us pondering on Where did office based working begin? and What is the Future of work?

Our initial question takes us on a journey to look back at the history of workplace offices. The first office building was built in 1726 in London named The Old Admiralty office it served as an office for paperwork generated by the Royal Navy. The Admiralty board room is still in use today. Throughout early 20th Century open plan offices grew in popularity and skyscraper buildings appeared in America and in UK. Private offices with open plan workstations altered the workspace once again to become more spacious.

In early 1960's the workplace focused on creating a degree of human interaction and engagement and the layouts were less scientific with a social focus for teams to collaborate. The need for privacy in late 1960's when females entered predominately male offices led to individual workspaces defined by cubicles often referred to as cubicle farm offices dominated the scene.  As technology developed workers became more mobile with the introduction of laptops, tablets and mobiles enabling connectivity with the opportunity for us to work effectively from anywhere.

The answer to our second question is still being written. As the workplace story continues to unfold a new agile work era has arrived. Agile working is a way of working in which an organisation empowers its people to work where, when and how they choose. The rise in companies working remotely and in co working spaces has escalated due to a shift in focus on knowledge and experience overtaking the importance of location remote and co working spaces are the future of work.

By adopting a hub like mentality to the workplace, we can design spaces that are heavily weighted towards remote working, collaboration and meeting spaces of all sizes. These new hub workspaces that centre around the individual promote productivity, creativity and wellbeing. The hub workplace is now dotted throughout all major cities in UK, Europe and United States.

Founder of Poppyfields Hub Chris Blaxill commented "Brands have seen the benefits of remote working during the Covid 19 pandemic and are now focusing on two things collaboration and agile working".