The Workplace Experience
September 02, 2014
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the positive impact of creating space for prayer, meditation and reflection in the workplace. I’m finding more evidence that workplace design which incorporates a holistic approach is not only good for workers; it also has a positive impact on the bottom line.
Recently, thought leaders in the area of workplace design gathered at the 2014 CoreNet Global Summit in Singapore. Their discussion centered on the shift toward creating what they call the “work experience,” as opposed to simply a workplace.
We are all familiar with famous workplaces such as Apple and Google, leaders in offering workers amenities such as healthy food, workout rooms and fostering a playful and creative environment. While these companies are on the leading edge of creating the work experience of the future, research shows that even small measures can enhance workers experience.
While many companies have added healthier food to cafeteria menus and provide access to workout equipment, the concept of work experience encompasses much more. In fact, there is now a WELL Building Standard, developed by Delos Living. This standard takes the idea of a green environment one step further, and strives to ensure that interior environments provide air and water quality, lighting levels, and ergonomic elements to promote physical wellbeing and mental acuity. As we would expect, California is on the leading edge of this trend. The first Wellness Certified Office Building is the CBRE Headquarters in Los Angeles.
Every workplace creates a work experience, either by design or by accident. Fortunately, simply taking a proactive approach can create a more positive work experience. Here are three suggestions:
1) Evaluate the current situation to locate where improvement is needed. For example, missing supplies in common areas is a frequent frustration. Just making sure meeting rooms are equipped with whiteboards, markers and easily accessible wireless connections makes a big difference toward enhancing the experience of collaboration and creativity.
2) Keeping business needs at the center of all discussions is critical to making sure all initiatives are aligned with the end goal of creating a more productive environment. When workers feel like they are contributing to the success of the enterprise, their sense of wellbeing is enhanced.
3) Armed with knowledge of needed improvements and focused on improving business outcomes, create a plan for implementing the changes. This will avoid a patchwork approach that causes more frustration than satisfaction.
Creating a good work experience has important bottom line impact. Not only does it help recruit and retain top talent, it also acts as part of compensation and can help reduce wage pressures.
What have you done, or what are you considering, to create a better work experience?
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