Office Design That Supports Productivity
Though average US workers will spend about 35 percent of their waking lives in an office, according to The Conference Board, close to half are not satisfied with their workplace environment. Inefficiencies in the office setting result in "lost productivity, lackluster engagement, and an absence of innovation".
Companies trying perks
In a misguided drive to respond to this challenge, organizations are experimenting with "increasingly lavish perks". However, the approach favoring things like food and ice cream over meaningfulness are missing the mark. According to a recent study by PwC, what really drives employee fulfillment is an adaptable space that prioritizes communication and cooperation.
Advice from PwC's research
In this spirit, PwC offers advice they believe will work to truly make a difference to employees:
Create spaces that morph
The right office design can be adapted to company or market needs quickly. Like PwC's own Experience Centers, they recommend tailoring spaces to the needs of the business. They use real-time simulations and advanced technology to help employees know how to handle challenges before they reach the customer. Their spaces are easily changed and technologically flexible. Thoughtfully combining technology and design, these spaces facilitate the movement of teams' ideas from vision to reality.
Cubicle forests are counterproductive
People learn in dynamic environments, as opposed to cubicles which inhibit people's ability to evolve and improve. In these dynamic environments, people learn from each other and can co-create. Giving people the flexibility to customize their space facilitates the speedy transfer of information and encourages dynamic thinking.
Balance open workspaces
PwC employees can also choose different seating plans and social spaces to foster collaboration on different days, depending on their needs at the times. Productive spaces are paired with "quiet zones" that support concentration. Thus, PwC employees are encouraged to be as productive as possible.
The value of values
People make decisions based on their values and Millennials, the largest demographic in the workplace, are no exception. In fact, they are most likely to rate "values and culture" highly, when considering job satisfaction. The most effective office planning for this group embraces the balance of emotional and functional needs, and includes design elements that express corporate culture. Many aspects must be considered in design, especially ergonomic needs, layouts that encourage movement, and wall art and plants. These add up to making office environments feel personalized. At the same time, healthy food offerings demonstrate a commitment to well-being.
What's next?
Ideal office spaces optimally serve workers. As we learn more and more about what works best for individual workers, expect to see office genomes emerge. We will be able to tailor spaces to enjoy maximum productivity from each worker.
The Herman Group is a firm of Strategic Business Futurists concentrating on workforce and workplace issues. We forecast the future and advise clients regarding relevant trends and how those trends may affect their lives. Applying our expertise as Certified Management Consultants, we advise corporate leaders regarding employee retention and organizational development to help them build workforce stability. We help organizations become Employers of Choice®. We also work with Employer of Choice, Inc. to formally recognize employers that meet the stringent standards dictated by the labor marketplace. As authors of management books and as active professional speakers, we inform and inspire people to make a positive difference in the world of work.
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