Evolving Your Office: Seven Ways Architecture Can Transform Your Workspace

A well-designed workspace can significantly impact the well-being, productivity, and retention of employees. This article explores seven ways in which architecture can fix your office, creating a more conducive and inspiring work environment.

1. ? ? Density doesn’t help the bottom line: The post 2008 “pack’em in” open plan offices were a reaction to the recession and the desire to minimize long term rent cost.? In reality, they just decreased overall employee productivity and gave the open plan office a bad name. Density translates to someone constantly looking over your shoulder and no one wants that.

2. ? ? Space Planning Drives Interconnectedness: Thoughtful planning promotes valuable interaction among team members and fosters efficient working. Team members need places to collaborate, places to have casual interactions, and places for heads down working. They also need to feel a part of the team. Connection to the office as a positive space reinforces this.

3. ? ? Areas of Respite: It’s crucial to provide spaces for employees to recharge and rejuvenate. Incorporating comfortable lounges or quiet corners, outdoor spaces, and wellness rooms into your office design allow employees to take short breaks and return to their tasks with renewed focus and energy. People need to move around during the day. Give them a chance to do so or they won’t want to come.

4. ? ? Better Meeting Spaces: Meetings are an integral part of any workplace. Well-designed meeting spaces, varying from private to open and casual to formal, will facilitate productive discussions and improved productivity. Spend more on the chair than the table. Your staff will thank you.

5. ? ? Integration of Good Technology: Technology is only good when it works. When it doesn’t it’s just a deterrence. Simple and effective is your mantra here. Elaborate control panels and multi mode systems are rarely used because it’s rare we know how to use them. Simple means flexible. Simple means useful.

6. ? ? Nourishment counts: We need light, air, access to views, and coffee. A thoughtfully planned and stocked pantry or lounge not only encourages healthy eating habits, but also provides opportunities for informal interactions among colleagues. Details matter. Planning and design that gives people a way to control their temperature, light, and sound are important. Being able to simply stare out the window from time to time supports brain health and cognitive processing. Don’t put this room in the back corner. Make it prominent.

7. ? ? Physical Engagement: No two workstyles are the same. Well planned office space incorporates design elements which include varying types of furniture to support unique employee workstyles. Flexibility is key and that doesn’t mean just being able to move things around. It means your team can easily use the space the way that works for them.?

Design matters. The power of the workspace should not be underestimated. By embracing these seven strategies, companies can create work environments that foster company culture, support team members, and improve efficiency. Afterall, a well-designed office space isn’t just a place to work; it’s a canvas for creativity and a catalyst for ideas.