Creating a workplace that works
Everybody wants to love what they do, but did you ever think it may be just as important to love where you do it? When we consider productivity in the modern workplace and the impact of the office space itself, it’s essential to ensure the design echoes the type of business that operates within. It’s also crucial to understand the different kinds of employees.
Companies like Google put this philosophy into practice by creating dog-friendly environments complete with indoor slides and a full-size replica of a T-Rex to inspire and delight. But for most of us, the pathway to creating an uplifting and well-designed office space doesn’t have to be quite as inventive or as expensive.
Be true to yourself and your people
Every business has its own way of doing things, and its own needs. Often, finding the truth to what will spark creativity and productivity lies beyond the latest trend. Industry experts advise that one approach does not suit everyone.
Listening is key and provides the building blocks for beautiful, functional spaces where staff look forward to coming to work. So, creating an environment that not only echoes the type of business, but also the employees that spend time there is the goal.
Studies have shown that the physical environment can significantly impact our ability to perform. Understanding the end-user experience is central to designing an office that’s fit for function. When staff are involved in informing the workplace design process, it can help ensure the space provides the right environment for both workers and their work
to thrive.
Listen, learn and level-up
Engaging with employees is central to providing staff with what they need, as decision makers are not always the best people to gauge those requirements. Including staff in the analysis for what works and what doesn’t in the existing office environment is essential to making improvements that enhance functionality. After all, to understand a job you need to do the job.
Another benefit of working with employees is a reduction in staff turnover which helps ease pressure on the bottom line. A workplace that provides the tools and the environment to succeed plays no small part.
When people are consulted and asked for their insights, it helps them bond to their space and feel that the company is prepared to invest in them. In a market where retaining and attracting people with the right skillset is more important than ever, combining their attributes with a tailored environment enhances their experience which in turn improves mood, motivation and productivity.
Assess for success
It’s important to dig deep and understand what works, not what’s cool or satisfies the latest trend. Offices should be flexible, collaborative, and connected. While different industry groups have varied preferences, there are common needs that apply to us all; the need to work quietly, a space for meetings, the ability for chatter, and incidental learnings are always a constant.
Designing a space that works isn’t just about the room, furniture design also contributes and when done well can anticipate the needs of the wider design team and provide the right solution in the right way. For example, ergonomic chairs and stand-up desks play a significant part in allowing staff to feel cared for and considered. Their health and happiness are important to the company which opens up a spirit of goodwill.
Furniture is also tactile, so a range of samples is essential for finding the sweet spot between comfort, function, and durability to help tip the balance in your favour.
A close partnership between designers, architects, clients, and their staff helps ensure a smoother process, better solutions, happier people, and ultimately better business. After all, the primary goal is to create a workspace where everyone wins