There’s more to an office than a desk

The way we work has changed enormously over the last few years, especially since the Covid pandemic. For many, working from home has become a normal part of the week and there are plenty of advantages to it – no commute, fewer interruptions and, occasionally, the ability to put a load of washing on between Teams calls.

But there’s also something often overlooked when we talk about where we work, there’s more to an office than a desk.

Some of the best, and most productive, parts of a working day don’t happen in front of a laptop. It could be discussing a challenging problem while making a coffee, or being able to brainstorm an idea face to face with colleagues. It could be a referral or an introduction from passing someone on the stairs. It could be as simple as the social connection of having lunch with another person, or simply getting out of the house in the morning and being around other people for a few hours.

Those things are difficult to measure, but that doesn’t make them unimportant. And it’s something we’ve increasingly noticed at St Thomas’ Chambers as the building has filled up. The businesses here are independent of one another and work across very different sectors, but people naturally get to know each other. Conversations happen in the kitchens, over coffee, in the garden or just passing in the hallway.

Sometimes those conversations lead to useful introductions or opportunities. More often, they’re simply conversations, but they can be valuable too, especially when acquaintances morph into working relationships.

We’ve tried to create spaces that encourage that without forcing it. Every business has its own private office, but there’s also a meeting room, shared kitchens and breakout areas, and a garden where people can step away from their desks. We’ve also enjoyed hosting events that bring people together, whether at a formal event or over an impromptu BBQ in the garden.

None of this means everyone needs to be in an office five days a week. Far from it. One of the advantages of modern working is having the flexibility to decide what works for you and your business.

A good workplace should give you something you can’t get from a desk in the spare bedroom, a change of environment, other people to talk to, a place to work collaboratively or somewhere you’re happy to bring clients.  And, just as importantly, somewhere you actually enjoy spending part of your week.

Because there’s more to an office than a desk.”