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In the past decade, companies have been trying to keep up with the evolving workplace demands such as changes in technology, flexible operations, providing free food, and even yoga classes in the office to promote productivity, health, and wellness.
It is a fact that companies are now in the era of being challenged to provide a high-performing workplace while acknowledging the many generations being housed under one roof.
The workplace of today often forget the influence of the environment to the users. We are quick to offer solutions that would either last after we finish that free cookie, took an instagram worthy photo on that neon-lighted pink wall, offer free mat classes or an idea that would take effect given a couple of trial and errors.
But, where do strategic workplace design solutions come in the picture?
Studies have shown companies of today tend to attract and retain high-performing employees who felt that their health is also being prioritized. It is not enough that we introduce activities that promote wellness, but we must also consider sustainable initiatives that lead to wellbeing in the workplace.
More often than not, people think design is about making things look pleasing, and sometimes we see it as a way to provide experience, but if we look at design as a superpower, we can allow it to influence positively.
Workplace Configuration
There has been a never-ending debate with regards to open and closed layout configuration. In most cases, we rely on references we see online or inspirations from workplaces we have visited. However, not everyone fits into a single system.
The layout of the workplace should reflect the kind of work set up the company holds; from user interaction to the synchronicity of activities in the space. Think of it as visiting a grocery store; the ease of coming in the area, picking up a basket, going from dry goods to items we need to weigh in up until we exit and pay.
We have to understand the interaction of the user to avoid distractions in the operations. In this way, we assist the employees in terms of efficiency and be able to create an organized environment.
Design Strategies
Organizations follow different strategies in consideration of how deeply we understand workplace well-being. However, not all approaches serve the need.
The most efficient and strategic way of designing spaces is to start with assessment. We need to understand the users’ pain-points to setup design features that holistically addresses the needs. Some of the few necessary features such as the provision of good air-quality, acoustic considerations and natural lighting down to basic features such as to providing ergonometric pieces, multifunctional rooms and flexible spaces for individuals who prefer variety of work setup as well as arrangements for bring-your-children-to-work-day and lactating rooms.
Investing in facilities
During the initial stages of design, most of the time, stakeholders disregard the importance of investing in quality products let alone facilities that encourage movement - all because quality meant cost (or so we thought). However, as we push to create a company that cares for the employees, we have to understand that specific strategies have to be considered.
It is not enough to solely provide a seat, but it is crucial to understand the comfort the seat offers - we have to remember employees sit on that chair most of their day.
Traditional desks allow you to work in a single setup, but considerations in providing desks that can be adjusted into standing enable flexibility in movements.
Designs for wellbeing should improve people’s lives; it should serve specific needs, notwithstanding safety.
Design and Cost
Cost is one of the significant hindrances in creating a space of wellbeing. Contrary to the nuisance, well-being should not cost much. It just has to be carefully planned and designed in the right scenarios.
The next level workplace should be able to provide a variety of design solutions. One of the critical solutions is to design a multifunctional space - a strategic layout that can go from a meeting room to an R&R room.
Design an environment that is economically efficient and powerful enough to propel the organization forward, enabling it to produce results and ultimately see the value of the investment.
Inspiring Spaces
Designing for tomorrow’s workforce mean positive spaces. It plays a huge role in creating an environment of innovation, motivation for creative thinking and promotes engagement.
Biophilic designs and quotable quotes pinned in every corner may create an impact, but it does not genuinely instill feelings of wellbeing. Every area should be well thought out in a way that fits the vision of the company.
It means we need to think not only about current trends, but what matters to the users. We do not just add a game room because it is cool, but we included the game room because during breaks or after office hours we want the employees to enjoy what they are selling - the new game your company designed and sells.
Introduction of character in resemblance to the values the company upholds bring the user to the radar of your company’s objectives. We want to champion an office space that is not only unconventional but inspiring.
Ultimately, designing for wellbeing is the next big thing after sustainability. It is a responsibility. With the current pace and transitions in the workplace, we are being challenged on how we can provide a space where employees would feel that they are not just there to deliver results, but they are choosing to stay because they felt they were considered.
Wellbeing goes in different sectors, but one major thing we often disregard is that the physical environment plays a crucial role in human development. It is what the users see, and experience first-hand in which influences their behaviour.
“You cannot predict the outcome of human development. All you can do is like a farmer create the conditions under which it will begin to flourish.” Sir Ken Robinson
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