The Data Behind Great Workplaces (And How to Build One)
Joan Workplace
A unified workplace experience platform, built with the purpose of making every workplace more efficient and organized.
As workplace dynamics continue to evolve, we’ve learned that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work anymore. Today, successful companies understand that their physical and digital spaces must cater to diverse needs—whether employees are in the office daily or working remotely. But how can you design a workplace that works for everyone?
At Joan, we’ve partnered with WORKTECH Academy to dive deep into this question. What we found through extensive research is that workplace experience breaks down into four distinct dimensions, and getting them right can transform both productivity and employee engagement.
P.S. If you want to jump to read the whole report, click here.
1. Get in, get done, get going – the transaction-based workplace
Some employees, like Sarah, come into the office once a week for focused work and key meetings. For them, the office should be efficient—easy to navigate, and free of disruptions. To make it work for Sarahs, it's about simplifying the experience:
Look at companies like Meta, whose London office makes navigation effortless with clear signage and tech vending machines, or Arcadis, who use a custom app for everything from room bookings to digital access.
2. Remote but connected – the culture-based workplace
Then there are leaders like Mark, who manage teams across multiple time zones. Mark’s team may meet in person only once a month, but when they do, it’s about more than just the workspace—it’s about feeling connected to the broader mission. The office has to reflect the company culture and help build that sense of belonging.
Take Airbnb’s San Francisco HQ, where an expansive atrium doubles as an auditorium for company-wide events. Or Patagonia, where their workplace culture is deeply tied to environmental responsibility, with perks like paid time off for environmental projects.
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3. Office as a command center – the service-based workplace
For employees like Grega, who spend most of their workdays in the office, the environment needs to facilitate not just work but the balance between productivity and personal well-being. Services like café spaces, delivery management, and wellness offerings make the office an all-encompassing environment.
London’s 22 Bishopsgate is a prime example, offering everything from gyms and restaurants to a viewing gallery and bike park. Similarly, Booking.com’s Amsterdam campus blends professional space with leisure—complete with a broadcast studio, climbing wall, and thousands of bike parking spots.
4. Home away from home – the place-based workplace
Some teams, like James’ engineering squad, need the office to be a place that adapts to both collaboration and individual work. For them, the office isn’t just a desk to sit at; it’s a place that feels like their second home, with spaces that foster creativity and deep work.
LEGO’s new Billund campus exemplifies this with its “People House” featuring everything from arts and crafts workshops to hotel accommodation for employees. Or take Microsoft’s Dublin HQ, which incorporates wellness centers, an in-house bakery, and an atrium designed to bring nature inside.
A wake-up call: experience isn't optional
For too long, workplace improvements have been tactical: a better booking system here, a wellness program there. But this piecemeal approach misses the big picture. The data is clear: when organizations invest in the full spectrum of workplace experience, they don’t just optimize space—they build environments where trust thrives and a shared sense of purpose is palpable.
That’s why at Joan, we approach every decision, from technology implementation to space design, with this holistic understanding of workplace experience in mind.
Ready to transform your workplace?
We’ve just released our comprehensive research report, "Turning Environments into Experiences," in partnership with WORKTECH Academy. It’s packed with data, case studies, and actionable strategies to help you create a workplace that works for everyone.
Take this quiz to find out which workplace experience dimension fits best with your team.
You can also contact us if you need help building a workplace that works for everyone.