On a recent sweltering July day, a post about an office in the woods popped up on my Facebook feed. I thought about commuters on their suffocating journeys into London and other cities, and about how much the concept of “the office” has changed. The Dutch company responsible for these mobile offices; KantoorKaravaan have created a work environment in the peaceful and tranquil surrounding of the woods (if you are that way inclined ), making a huge leap from the more traditional cubicles with a desk, a swivel chair and a window—if you’re lucky!
Nomad Working
The last few decades have seen big changes in our office environments. Advances in technology have allowed us to work more from home, or anywhere with a half-decent wifi connection. Coffee shops abound with them; the furrow-browed tappers of laptops, almost umbilically attached to their machines by white earphones. Work can follow us anywhere (whether this is a good or a bad thing is another debate however).
Alternative Work Environments
KantoorKaravaan have an environmental ethos to get us out of high-rises and to connect more with nature for the good of ourselves and our businesses. The inspiration came from a desire to “get back to nature” and the realisation that technological innovation and wireless connectivity is able to provide this. “There are clear advantages to working from a campsite instead of a high-rise, beyond the fact that multiple studies prove that being around nature helps improve the quality of work. It just feels good to charge your phone and laptop batteries and prepare your soy latte on solar energy while charging yourself on the virtues of nature. Besides that, there’s plenty of oxygen and it’s actually scientifically proven that being / working in nature enhances creativity, increases efficiency and boosts your company’s profits. Plus it’s a very effective remedy to reduce stress or avoid burn-outs. Compared to your typical office our concept furthermore gives you plenty of space, much-needed silence, and ultimate freedom.” From Tom van de Beek at http://kantoorkaravaan.nl/ http://facebook.com/kantoorkaravaan
For now, if you fancy an office in the woods you will need to travel to Amsterdam, however KantoorKaravan are intending to spread their vision far and wide and can even create your very own bespoke office. Attitudes to what a work environment should be are shifting, with tech companies such as Google and ASOS setting the bar for an entirely new approach to the traditional desk. Googles HQ space, called Googleplex based in Mountain View USA, has it all: 4 onsite restaurants, swimming pools, washing service, hairdressers, basketball courts, putting greens, slides, and some outrageous furniture.
Alternative Work Spaces
Many companies are beginning to look at alternatives, perhaps not as dramatically as Google HQ or remodelled vintage caravans in the woods! But the swell in advantages of working from home, the idea that cutting out the commute can increase productivity and keep workers happier is being recognised, this is especially significant for creatives and start-ups.
If you work from home you can claim a set percentage of your home costs as a business expense, this can include your phone bill, rent or mortgage, light, heat /energy bills and council tax. How much you can claim is based on the size of your property and how much of it is used for the business, speak to your accountant to find out more or speak to WardWilliams Creative.
