Listen to your team
With 2021 data suggesting just 7% of professionals wanted to return to the office full-time, it’s important that companies strike the right balance between allowing indefinite remote working and forcing staffers back into crowded, outdated working environments. If you’re reading this article, the chances are that you’ve already acknowledged the need for change and want to find ways to transform your workplace. One of the best ways to do that is to start conversations with the team and find out what they want. Why are they unwilling to return to the office full-time? What can be done to create spaces where they’ll perform at their best?
The good news is that workplace design doesn’t necessarily have to cost the earth. From implementing technologies like wireless chargers, recessed power outlets and Bluetooth headsets to sound reduction elements like soft furniture, quiet keyboards, and plants, there are lots of ways you can create a positive working environment that reflects your brand.
Focus on sustainability
Now more than ever, designers must be sustainability-conscious when developing office spaces, both to reduce the firm’s environmental impact and lower operating costs. For example, instaling sensors that track movement and measure light levels will ensure you’re offering a comfortable, consistent working environment and reducing your energy bills, and switching to green energy suppliers is both better for the planet and good public relations.
Other design considerations include upcycled furniture, opting for natural light with bigger windows, and encouraging staff to cycle to work by installing locker rooms and free showers.
Thinking about ways that your office space can be repurposed will also offer benefits. Rather than building separate workspaces and meeting rooms, hybrid workplaces without fixed infrastructure mean that spaces can be easily reconfigured throughout the day. When staff are working together, you can create project zones, and when you’re hosting a function, the room can be opened up for networking events; why rent spaces when you can create them?
Create hybrid workspaces
As we’ve just touched upon, hybrid workspaces are the future. If you’re embracing hybrid working, you may even be able to downsize your premises to cut costs. When staff are in the office, think about ways that you can encourage collaboration – face-to-face encounters are an essential part of any business, no matter how useful Zoom might be, so consider social spaces and hot-desking and collect data on how these facilities are being used so they can be better optimised over time. It’s also worth giving staff a variety of options when they come to the office – some days, staff might require quiet spaces where they can concentrate and focus on the task at hand, so offer library-esque environments where noise is discouraged.
Collaborative hubs can be built with smart whiteboards, writable walls, and spaces that can be blocked off for board meetings and functions. You may even decide to invest in spaces where staff can connect with colleagues and clients over video calls – pods are an increasingly popular design element in modern workplaces, ideal for space utilisation.
Offering spaces where staff can let their hair down can also be useful: from the humble staff kitchen to pool tables, gyms, and meditation hubs, there are lots of ways that you can help staff unwind and recharge at the end of a busy day, or during their lunch breaks. The more reasons they have to turn up to the office, the more engaged and productive they should be.
Give thought to wellbeing
Thinking about every aspect of your employee’s working day is the key to creating an office space that’s going to stand the test of time. Wellbeing has become an area of focus over the past few years, and with employers struggling to retain top talent, now is the time to make it a priority. There’s a direct link between how we feel and how we function, so you need to create a space that encourages employees to feel comfortable, content, and healthy at work.
From introducing more natural light to investing in wellness spaces like breakout rooms, soundproof telephone booths and making the most of outdoor spaces for collaboration, there are lots of ways that your organisation can make a big difference. As an entrepreneur, ask yourself what more you can do for your people – and make them part of the conversation.
Here at Fusion, we’re dedicated to creating spaces that reflect your brand and culture, putting the user at the heart of everything we do. From offices to retail spaces, we’ve got you covered. We like to work collaboratively to create authentic, branded spaces that enhance culture and collaboration. To find out more, call 01772 769547 or click here to drop us a line.