workspaces over the years

interior by karina

it is no doubt that the nature of work and the way workplaces look like has changed over the years, due to these following key factors.

centralized > decentralized system

the way workplaces are laid out and set up largely depends on organizational structures and the larger culture. for the longest time, majority of offices use a centralized system — whereby key strategic decisions are made by top-level positions. this model requires a headquarter or a centralized office where company leaders, authorities, and most of employees work. this system has always been the preference because of the improved efficiency, communication, and practicality. however, with the changing times, the advancement of technology, and the increasing reliance on the internet, we see decentralization starting to gain popularity.

centralization vs. decentralization is not a matter of old vs. new. it is about what serves the company better given its size, line of work, and goals. this is also to say that decentralization is by no means a new concept — it has long been adopted by companies that, for one example, go multinational, where they need different management in different countries. instead of anchoring on one headquarter, decentralized system puts more authority and autonomy in the hands of more specific units, departments, and teams. it allows for a quicker pace, a faster make-and-break culture that is popular among startups.