Rethinking the Workplace: Does Your Space Suit Your Needs?

The way we work has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, and to notice it, you only have to look around the office itself. Where people work matters a great deal to both the overall success of a team and individual job satisfaction, but there are also some pretty conflicting ideas of what a good workplace looks like, both culturally and physically. If you ask around, the answers you get tend to vary not just from year to year but from person to person.

The team at Cisso Bean & Dutch can help you find those answers for yourself. The following trends, facts, and strategies will help you strike a balance and create a workplace that meets the unique needs of your organization.

Out With the Old, In with the New

Gone are the days of rigidly defined cubicles and isolated executive offices, or so the thinking goes. This raises another question, however: What kinds of spaces will replace those workplace environments?

• Many contemporary workspaces emphasize* flexibility, collaboration, *and a focus on employee well-being
• Here’s the challenge: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for office planning.
• Trends can change rapidly due to shifting technology or staffing requirements, meaning what worked a few years ago might not carry over into a contemporary workplace setting today.

One example highlights all of the above: The “open office” concept.

The Rise and Fall of the Open Office?

The open office once hailed as a solution for fostering communication and collaboration, has faced some criticism lately.

• A 2022 Workplace Survey by Gensler, a design and architecture firm, found that the majority of employees desired collaboration space with only a quarter of survey respondents acknowledging that their workplaces supported focused work (Source: What Gensler’s Recent U.S. Workplace Survey Reveals About What’s Working – and What’s Not – as Workers Return to the Office, December 6, 2022).
• The open environment, with its constant noise and distractions, can hinder productivity for those requiring deep concentration.

A Workplace for All

The key to success sometimes lies in catering your space to different work styles and needs.

Some strategies that benefit both employers and employees might include:

• Activity-Based Working: This approach offers employees a variety of designated areas for different tasks. Quiet zones can promote focused work, while collaboration areas with comfortable seating and whiteboards encourage brainstorming sessions.
• Biophilic Design: Several studies suggest that incorporating natural elements like plants or natural light can improve employee well-being and cognitive function, leading to a potential boost in productivity.
• Ergonomic Considerations: Investing in comfortable chairs, proper desk heights, and adjustable workstations demonstrates a commitment to employee health.
• Technology Integration: Integrated technology allows employees to work from anywhere within the office, promoting flexibility and economy of space.

Hybrid Models and the Future of Work

COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of remote work models.

• A 2023 study by Owl Labs, a video conferencing company, revealed that 66% of knowledge workers now favor a hybrid work mode splitting their time between the office and home.
• Some organizations are embracing flexibility, recognizing that it can help attract and retain talented employees.

Think you could benefit from an update to your work setting? We’re here to help! Our experience in best practices research, workforce planning, and development can all be accessed through our human resources consulting services, so please feel free to contact us if you’re interested in learning more!