Hey Corporate Real Estate Person Wake Up!
June 08, 2018
Is your workplace designed for productivity?
Given: that workplace design has an impact on the ability of companies to attract and retain a talented, motivated and engaged staff. There has been so much data gathered and analyzed supporting this idea that it’s no longer a matter of discussion.
Surprised? Of course you are, because while designers, architects, human resources professionals and commercial real estate types have been evaluating, discussing and analyzing workplace design and employee satisfaction, you’ve focused on growing your bottom line.
You just need the facts, as it relates to helping your company attract and retain the workforce you need to reach your business goals. Here are a few important points to consider if you think it might be time to re-align your workspace:
- Your workplace needs to incorporate a variety of shared and private spaces so that employees can work, alone or together, as the dictates of their tasks demands. The modern office environment should allow workers to have access to quiet spaces for solitary focused tasks, spaces that allow for groups of colleagues to have a conversation, and for meetings and phone calls with an appropriately level of privacy. And, don’t forget to allow space for breaks, lunches and impromptu happy hours if that fits with your company culture.
- Make sure that your workspace layout matches actual circulation and communication patterns that your workforce engages in. Spaces for circulation, collaborating and communication command between 35 and 50 percent of interior space.
- It’s important to consider the time spent in collaborative activities to create the most efficient and effective use of time and space. For example, two departments that work closely together should be located near each other to minimize the “travel time” everyone spends getting to and from meetings, etc.
- Bring the outdoors in to improve employees physical and mental wellbeing. The addition of natural elements increases productivity and creativity, too. Something as simple as adding green plants offers multiple benefits, including improving indoor air quality and reducing noise levels.
- Look for creative ways to bring in natural elements whenever possible. Materials like natural or reclaimed wood, natural stone and reclaimed brick add a warm ambiance to spaces that might otherwise seem cold and impersonal. Wall coverings, fabrics and artwork can also be used to make the work environment seem more like home.
Increasing employee health, well-being and job satisfaction isn’t all about them. Workers who feel good about coming to work every day are more engaged in their work and more willing to go the extra mile when it’s needed. Creating a physical environment that contributes to both higher productivity worker satisfaction is a worthwhile investment.
What has your company done to make your space more productive and conducive to employee satisfaction?
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