In today’s growing economy, employees have a lot of choices when it comes to where they want to work. Businesses are hiring, unemployment is down, and it is largely a job seeker’s market. Give great talent a reason to choose you by being at the forefront of workplace design. Gone are the days of high walled cubicles and a single, tiny kitchen for common space. The future of workplace design lies in collaborative spaces and employee wellness through both office features and design.
Collaborative Spaces
Facilitate collaboration by creating co-working spaces out of common areas. Your lunch room doesn’t need to be a single table tucked away somewhere. Instead, fill a large, open room in a central location with tables and chairs to be both a collective lunch area and co-working space.
Don’t force teams working on a project together to crowd around one computer and then return to their desks to work; with a collaborative space, there can be open communication all throughout the project. Common work spaces can also facilitate inter-departmental communication and are an easy way to get a “second set of eyes” on individual projects.
Privacy When You Need It
Although co-working can increase productivity, at times, everyone needs a space for some peace and quiet to focus. One somewhat extreme trend is to get rid of permanent space altogether and have employees set up shop somewhere new each day. This method has proven to waste a little too much time due to employees having to fully pack up each night and find a new space each morning.
We recommend allowing employees to keep permanent desks for storage and a private work area. Keep the option open for variety with co-working spaces, but don’t make it mandatory.
Wellness
With the competitive market for talent, workers today can afford to shop around for companies that have an enriching atmosphere and wellness activities. Wellness in the office isn’t just about having a “wellness room” and calling it a day. Programs like monthly massages, after work social activities, and encouraging a work/life balance all contribute to real wellness.
Besides activities, the workplace itself can either facilitate or stifle wellness. Open floor plans do well for the feeling of community, while walls and closed doors can make employeess feel isolated. Decorating with living décor like plants can also breathe more life into a work place.
Workplace Design
The prospective employee of today is evaluating a lot more than just the position offered. It is important to show your culture and philosophy through workplace design, and not get overlooked because your company seems stuck in the cubicle past. Wellness initiatives and collaborate work spaces are in demand, so attract the best talent by incorporating them into your workplace design.