The Return of Offline... Companies Embark on Office Decoration

Investment in Spaces like Plenterior and Game Zones
Helping Jobs Familiar with Remote Work Adapt

As employees have become accustomed to long-term remote work, more companies are focusing on improving office environments to quell dissatisfaction and enhance offline work efficiency. Some companies are investing in spaces that were previously unseen, such as plant-based planter interiors, bars where employees can enjoy food and beverages, and game zones.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the industry on the 15th, Korea Brown-Forman, a distributor of whiskeys such as 'Jack Daniel's' and 'Benriach,' recently renovated its office to create a bar accessible to both employees and customers. This space was designed to embody the identity of the liquor company and expand customer touchpoints. It is completely separated from the work area with a separate entrance, emphasizing its role as a relaxation space.

Grip Company, which operates the live commerce platform 'Grip,' relocated to a new headquarters in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province last year and applied 'planterior' by placing plants throughout the office. This was done to enhance employees' emotional stability and create a comfortable work environment. Employee responses have been positive. Companies like Hyundai Steel and Smilegate Holdings have also introduced planter interiors in their offices.

Bucketplace, which operates the interior platform 'Today's House,' is showcasing distinctive workspaces that align with the company's identity. They operate workspaces with concepts such as camping, gaming, and training, totaling as many as 30 such spaces. Instead of rigid workspaces, employees can work in comfortable environments, leading to high satisfaction.

Global shipping company HMM, which moved into Park One Tower 1 in Yeouido in the second half of last year, dedicated an entire floor to employee welfare. HMM occupies eight floors, and one floor is composed of an in-house caf?, a maternity protection room, a relaxation zone, a game zone, and a convenience store. An HMM representative said, "The spacious welfare space has increased employee satisfaction."

Wish Company, a beauty content company located near Seolleung Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 in Gangnam Finance Plaza, recently renovated its workspace. The spacious lounge was furnished with numerous sofas and tables to secure ample seating. A cafeteria where snacks can be enjoyed and a large conference room were also provided.

The reason companies are actively improving work environments is for employee welfare. After more than two years of the pandemic, helping employees accustomed to remote work adapt to offline work and creating a comfortable work environment like home can increase work efficiency and prevent turnover. Companies that used to fill offices densely with grid-like arrangements are now showing increased interest in spatial solutions such as space configuration, furniture placement, materials, and lighting.

A representative from RSquare Design, which consults and designs work and commercial spaces, said, "After the end of remote work, which triggered the need for new workspaces, more companies are showing interest in spatial solutions. Good locations and comfortable workspaces are emerging as essential conditions for attracting and retaining talent."

Meanwhile, according to a survey on 'Economic Slowdown and Changes in Work Environment' conducted by RSquare in January, 37.5% of all respondents said that within the past three months, there was a company policy or notice to shorten or end remote work and return to the office. The biggest reason for the reduction of remote work was 'mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic (79.5%, multiple responses),' followed by 'to enhance work efficiency (48.7%)' and 'in response to economic conditions (12.8%).'