Let's get straight to the point. You're a business leader, and you're wondering:
The answer is a resounding yes. But it's not just about throwing in a few plants and calling it a day...
We will dive into why, using a systems thinking approach.
Systems thinking isn't just a buzzword; it's a way to see the whole picture.
Systems thinking recognises the reality that everything is interconnected. Employee productivity isn't just influenced by individual performance but by a range of factors including generational needs and demands, team dynamics, managerial effectiveness, organizational culture, the physical workspace and events outside of work. All of these elements don't operate in silo. They dynamically interact with one another, enhancing or hindering productivity. (As we say in Systems Thinking, 1+1 does NOT equal to 2. If both are optimised the result is much greater than the sum of its individual parts.)
Incorporating systems thinking into office design means you're not just placing furniture or choosing color schemes; you're strategically influencing multiple interconnected factors that contribute to productivity.
How office design positively affects productivity.
1. It moves past work-life balance and focuses on work-life integration.
The workplace is no longer a place where you sit in a cubicle and get work done. It's a place that offers you flexibility: It caters to different work styles and tasks. This flexibility allows people to choose how and where they work, making the office feel more like an extension of their personal lives.
The demand for work life balance is loud in a post-covid, Millennial-dominated work context. This is something that a good workplace design overcomes, effectively increasing employee satisfaction and productivity. Here's how.
It is also no longer a place to simply work. The trend for incorporating communal spaces that encourage social interaction, such as coffee bars, lounges, or even game rooms is only increasing. These areas can serve as places where employees can relax, socialize, and foster a sense of community, making work feel more integrated into their social lives. Another approach is designing spaces that can easily transition from work to social settings. For example, a meeting room could transform into a yoga studio after hours, or a communal kitchen could double as a brainstorming area.
2. It takes care of those who inhabit it.
It might sound like common practice, but it isn't. A workplace can only increase productivity if it is truly designed for productivity. This means state of the art lighting and sound absorption, areas for different functions, and elements that enhance psychological safety and wellbeing.
3. It reminds you of the WHY.
When employees are constantly reminded of the bigger picture, it fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. When employees feel that their work serves a greater purpose, it becomes a more integral part of their lives.
3. It subtly pushes you to connect.
Not only with the values, but with one another. A well-designed workspace can streamline communication by reducing the barriers often associated with traditional office layouts. It strategically pushes people that need to collaborate to interact with one another, leading to quicker decision-making processes and reduced project timelines. This is crucial. The nature of work is changing, with more emphasis on project-based and cross-functional teams.
Your turn to make a move
Contact us and let's develop a strategy that will make your business prosper.
Is the next successful project yours?