Why we (still) believe in Private offices?

Offices historically were used as an area for people to get their work done, however since that isn't needed any longer, what main purposes do they serve?

In today's connected world, most employees will work anyplace they have an online connection. Because of cloud technology, email, and video conferencing, more and more staff is choosing flexible schedules where they'll work from home, a coffeehouse or a co-working office space. Thus, what is the purpose of offices, and why do they still exist? Offices historically served as a place for people to get their work done, however, an office is not needed for that any longer. However, no matter how connected and mobile we get, offices are not going anywhere, particularly after they serve three main purposes:

Foster collaboration and communication.

Even with the simplest technology, there is only so much collaboration you do virtually. Things just seem to flow better, and colleagues will communicate more clearly after they are in the same physical area. Even casual collaboration and communication, like bumping into a co-worker while getting coffee or sharing a bus with someone on the way into the office, create a stronger bond amongst employees and allows ideas and communication to flow more smoothly. Organizations understand the importance of this, that is why many of them still need workers to show up in the office even only one day per week, no matter however versatile their schedule.

Build transparency.

The future of work is all about employee flexibility, however, managers still wish to see what their employees are engaged in. By being in the same private workspace, employees at each level will have a better plan of what's happening in the company and what their colleagues are up to, which might help them see their role in the larger goals of the organization. Being in an office also provides employees more accountable for their work. Once employees will see and act with managers and executives in the private workspace, it minimizes the probabilities for office scandal and illegal activity--after all, it's more durable for leaders to move money or create bad trades if there are people around to see what is happening. Many organizations follow the example of Facebook, that has an open office space where even CEO Mark Zuckerberg works among his staff, creating a blandish atmosphere and a more cohesive company culture, that may ne'er be kept away from an office.

Create expertise.

This is the highest reason offices still exist, and it's growing more important as the future of work builds. A growing variety of companies are turning towards additional artistic private workspace areas with a sleek design, open areas, and plenty of perks. These private office spaces do not just exist so employees will have fun--their purpose is to make employee expertise. Once workers have a fun place with programs and perks, they are excited to come to work and feel more connected to the company. An experienced-based office is a competitive advantage because it helps employees feel valued and offers them a place they want to come.

As we tend to move to progress, more corporations can start making experiences in the private workspace. Offices could be over just simple workstations now; however, they are still important to how an organization functions, and that won't escape any time soon.

Offices historically were used as an area for people to get their work done, however since that isn't needed any longer, what main purposes do they serve?