In March 2020, businesses were forced into changing their decades-old ways of working overnight. Many of the changes adopted as part of lockdown restrictions have now become permanent through popularity and necessity. Before the pandemic, only around one in eight working adults reported working from home. The most recent figures from the Office of National Statistics for the period between September 2022 to January 2023 show 44% of workers were working from home or use hybrid working.

At Hexa, our view on this topic is unique given we established the business on the first day of lockdown, so the pandemic-driven changes have influenced our entire structure, operation and ethos. It was also our founding vision to do things differently compared with other industry experiences.

Shifting our mindset to focus on “workplace” rather than “office” has allowed us to operate in a way that suits the business and team, rather than choosing to do things the traditional way.

Workplace perception

When the business was launched, it didn’t need office space because our small team was operating remotely due to restrictions. But as we prepared to establish a physical address, we analysed the true meaning of “the office” and what kind of work environment we wanted for the team.

We moved into our main office in Nottingham city centre with 12 desks for our 18 staff. We had to decide whether we needed to move out very quickly and find a replacement or discuss other options – a decision many businesses are currently facing.

I sat in the office for two weeks to poll everyone’s opinions and the general feeling was the current set up worked. The team was happy to use the office as a drop-in centre and a space for collaboration, or to ask questions. Staff sometimes say they “do less” in the office than when at home. I’m always quick to reply that the difference is not quantity or quality of work – it’s simply working in a different way.

Being in an office setting around your colleagues allows for conversation, bouncing ideas or discussing updates – it should not mean you have to be a slave to the computer screen. Home working may offer less distraction, and therefore you focus more heavily on a task. Of course, this is not the case for everyone. But whatever way you look at it, it’s about altering your mindset to realise we are not machines – workplace environments should support your productivity, not dictate it.

Our total employee figure is now 35. We know we have a challenge as growth continues but I’m confident in the route we are taking. The beauty is now, you can plug in anywhere and be online – that would have blown our minds five years ago.

Workplace culture

While we didn’t have the typical workplace setup, we still wanted to create a strong workplace culture. We needed a feeling of togetherness and support even when we are not sharing the same internal spaces.

As questions around “returning to the office” gathered momentum, the idea seemed to signify to some businesses “returning to old ways”. Nationally, workers began questioning their rights, on whether they had to go back to their commute, to the same desk. It’s interesting to see that by late 2022, the UK government confirmed workers would be able to request flexible working from day one of the job. This showed the strength of feeling for placing priority on listening employees.

Workplace culture has been a rapidly growing trend that accelerated during the pandemic as businesses worked to offer more support to teams. But true to how we started out, we wanted to do things differently and it wasn’t just down to the pandemic.

All employees have access to a long list of benefits including enhanced pension, healthcare, life insurance, welcome gifts, lunches and socials. By looking after our employees, they look after Hexa and our clients.

Perks also include true flexible working and unlimited annual leave, showing real trust in the team. But they also work hard in return and that’s what a good culture and autonomy does – trust in people gives them desire and drive.

Future considerations

We have some challenging times ahead as the team continues to grow and further additional office locations are added, but understanding your workplace set up and listening to your employees should not be underestimated. Some of the best ideas come from those who haven’t been blinded by how it should be done and simply do things in a way that works best.

It’s also important to remember though that one size doesn’t fit all. It feels as though our approach has really aligned us as a business, helping us to grow and thrive, and given us confidence in our future.

• James Garment is a director at engineering consulting firm Hexa

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