Cubicles to open offices to—pods?

“Studies have shown natural employee movement throughout a workday includes seeking out quiet, private spaces to complete focused work, hold small huddle sessions with colleagues, or just in general staking a claim on an area that feels homey and comfortable in which to work,” says Jeff Pochepan on Inc.

Known as “pods,” these tight spaces are smaller than cubicles but without the distraction of office chatter in open spaces. The result: heightened productivity.

“By providing employees with this wide variety of options, companies are helping their workers find that state of consciousness, often called ‘the flow,’ where they’re at their most productive, most innovative, and also most satisfied with the work they’re doing and how it’s being done,” Pochepan says.

Not to mention the health benefits. Pochepan says pods encourage workers to get up from their desks and move around the office.

“The movement of a nomadic worker—even within the confines of a building—is desirable for a number of reasons,” he says. “It keeps people from becoming too sedentary, which has health benefits such as increased blood flow, better heart rate control, ergonomic benefits, and overall mood improvement.”

Is Your Association Set Up for Remote Work?

Is a Virtualized Workplace right for your Association? Here are the questions you’ll want to ask: https://t.co/UvN0WCPRyN #assnchat #virtualization #remotework #wfh @VirtualWorksInc

— Wicket (@wicket_io) July 15, 2019

Are you taking your organization digital or implementing a new flexible work policy? Make sure you have tools in place to make remote work a success, says Barbara Best on the Wicket blog.

For example, is your organization’s tech or software accessible remotely? Or if board and committee meetings are held in person, would members be OK with videoconferencing instead?

If your association has rich face-to-face community involvement, it’s important to consider walk-in traffic, Best says. If in-person communication is an important value to members, working remotely might not be the right solution for your organization.

“Working remotely is here to stay and has many benefits; however, it’s not for everyone and it’s not a fit for every organization,” she says. “Consider your organization’s model and operating needs carefully.”

Other Links of Note

Dealing with challenging employees? Nonprofit Hub explains how to approach problem team members.

Engaging video should play a big part in your social strategy. The Sprout Social blog offers nine examples to take inspiration from.

Increasing productivity can be as easy as learning what time of day you’re most motivated, says the Slack blog.

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