A Playbook for Navigating Workspaces

Picture walking into your workplace. You open your email and read that you can pick anywhere to sit that day. You choose an open desk in a sunny spot, in the corner, away from the buzz of activity from others. How does this simple change affect your outlook for the day?

Harvard Business Review reports that changing workplace conditions can improve worker health as well as business outcomes like increased performance and productivity, as physical location can spark a flow state at work. Simple changes can even alleviate issues like employee burnout and quiet quitting. One signature way of supporting well-being is for employers to provide employees with agency over when and how to work; shifting the design of workplaces and training employees about the benefits of it can lessen workplace anxieties. This is especially true as workers trickle back into the office post-pandemic.

Since the pandemic, Cooper Carry has managed the design transition at our own Atlanta headquarters and at several companies that went from a traditional office environment, with segmented spaces, to hybrid-ready workplaces. Open or free address seating means staff can choose any desk to sit at for the day; however, the placement of these desks needs to be diligently considered and implemented with an understanding of project teams, workstyles, and roles. We developed tips for employers to help create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for all employees:

• Mapping the Office: Great employees come in a variety of ages and experiences, and businesses should be aware that some may be unfamiliar with free address or hybrid workplace models. Providing separate spaces for certain project groups can ensure they remain together for that essential camaraderie and to make it easy to find individuals for face-to-face interactions during the day. A map of the overall office layout that highlights these individual “neighborhoods" can help orient employees to the office format, as does providing some background on the thought process behind the design. These small yet essential communication points allow users to regain back the power and fun of exploring new spaces.
• Palette of Postures: According to a report from Purdue University on generational differences in the workplace, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to today’s workforce. Offering various workspace types for different personalities is key in this new wave of office design. Some employees prefer comfy armchairs, standing desks, and shared tables as opposed to traditional desks, whereas others would rather take their meetings from a conference room, break-out, or co-working space. Hideaway spaces for employees should also be offered for those that need quiet and privacy to recharge during the day. These can support activities like meditation, prayer, self-reflection, or napping.
• Heat Mapping: Understanding how and where people are spending their time plays an integral role in determining how the office functions on a daily basis. Providing employees with a look at aspects like traffic patterns, dwell time, and noise levels for each space can help them decide which spot works best for them on a given day. Data on days with less staff in office can also help those who are cautious about catching illness at work as well as those with sensory preferences.

Cooper Carry can provide insight on designing a workplace with employee well-being at the forefront, whether creating a comprehensive free address building fit out or integrating Fitwel strategies. Connect with our Interior Design Studio to discuss strategies to support employees through design.