Crafting a Resilient Workspace: Insights from Industry Professionals
In response to the changing dynamics of the modern workplace and the increased focus on employee well-being, companies are exploring a range of innovative amenities to combat burnout. I recently had the pleasure of talking with Charlie Royer (Royer Commercial Interiors), Mary Edwards (GL Seaman & Company) and Shannon Bearden (Tryba Architects) to discuss the shift towards hybrid work, how to combat burnout, and all things office design and furniture.
Office design and layout has never been more important. it’s not just about aesthetics, it’s one of the keys to luring your employees back into the workplace. Design shouldn’t be an afterthought but a strategic move. Office space has transformed over the years, and the pandemic left companies and executives scratching their heads trying to figure out how to get their employees excited about returning to work. I recently connected with four industry experts to discuss the trends we are seeing.
Shift towards Hybrid work
The traditional Monday-to-Friday 9-to-5 work routine has undergone a significant transformation. Hybrid work models are now emerging as the new standard. This shift raises important questions about the design and utilization of office space. The challenge for each employer varies, particularly in understanding the daily office attendance. Unlike the past practice of assigning fixed seats to everyone, companies are increasingly embracing open floorplans that foster collaboration. This strategic shift allows organizations to optimize the time their employees spend in the office, adapting to the evolving dynamics of the modern work environment.
As companies strive to 'encourage' rather than 'force' their employees to return to the office, the design and atmosphere of the office space play a crucial role for business owners. Shannon Bearden, with Tryba Architects, is actively involved in assisting companies facing this challenge daily. She focuses on flexibility and employee-centric design, aiming to contribute to a seamless shift between remote and in-office work. Recognizing the significance of crafting an environment that resonates with employees, she endeavors to turn the space into a destination employees eagerly anticipate, rather than a place they dread going to every day.
Increases Efficiency
One positive outcome is that companies have enhanced efficiency in their layout, leading to a substantial reduction in their physical footprint and, consequently, a decrease in monthly rent expenses (Strickland Solutions Case Study). Conversely, we've partnered with groups who've recognized the congestion in their workspace and, in response, opted to expand. This expansion aims not only to provide employees with a heightened sense of safety but also includes the incorporation of amenities to entice their return to the office. Whether streamlining operations to reduce physical footprints or embracing expansion for a safer and more enticing workspace, it is important to meet with an expert who can tailor an office solution that aligns with your unique goals, be it planning for growth or downsizing, ensuring a dynamic and adaptable environment for the future.
Amenities to combat burnout
Pickleball courts, golf simulators, fitness centers, and relaxation rooms are all amenities that building owners and companies are considering to entice employees back into the office. Charlie Royer, an expert in the field, stresses the importance of not settling for a simple or singular solution, like a basic "comfy lounge area." He emphasizes that providing diverse options is key to combating burnout. A variety of work zones throughout the office allows employees to choose environments that best suit their needs, fostering a more dynamic and personalized workspace. This approach not only addresses the need for relaxation and recreation but also acknowledges the diverse work preferences and tasks that employees may have, ultimately contributing to a more holistic and effective strategy for combating burnout in the workplace.
A new trend that since it was pointed out to me, I cannot stop seeing is “biophilic design.” Which by definition is the practice of connecting people to nature within the built environment and our communities. Incorporating biophilic design elements into office spaces is gaining traction as a strategy to enhance employee well-being. By integrating natural elements such as plants and greenery, biophilia creates a connection with nature, promoting a more comfortable and calming atmosphere that contributes to a holistic approach in mitigating workplace burnout. I’m still skeptical of this but the stats and studies prove that I may need to accept it. A Human Spaces research report showed that biophilic design can improve productivity by 6% and creativity by up to 15%.
Once “biophilia” was pointed out to me i realized we have two snake plants in our office that I had never noticed before.
Smart Offices
In today's modern office landscape, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping efficient and adaptable work environments. According to Charlie Royer, technology, when implemented correctly and simply, has the power to save valuable time, a resource highly appreciated by employees. He highlights the conversation around technology as an ongoing discussion that can delve into specific case studies. The flexibility afforded by technology allows organizations and their employees to adapt repeatedly, enhancing the overall experience for all stakeholders.
Mary Edwards further emphasizes the significance of user-friendly technology integration. Making technology easy to use, regardless of the user's comfort level, contributes to overall efficiency. Despite some options carrying a substantial cost, Mary highlights that the dividends paid in enhanced space utilization make these investments worthwhile. The upfront integration of technology becomes a strategic consideration, ensuring that the office environment remains not only cutting-edge but also conducive to seamless, efficient, and adaptable workflows, benefitting both organizations and employees alike.
Flexible office spaces
Companies are actively seeking designs that offer adaptability, and furniture is emerging as a crucial player in this paradigm shift. Mary Edwards highlights this evolution , "Furniture today is created to be more adaptable to the immediate needs of the user." With features like slidable or caster-equipped elements, modern office furniture allows for dynamic adjustments without requiring the involvement of facilities teams. This adaptability empowers users to transform the physical space on the fly, catering to diverse tasks such as meetings, team calls, impromptu brainstorming sessions, and quiet heads-down work. The emphasis is on creating an environment that can seamlessly adjust to the task at hand, providing employees with the freedom to shape their workspace according to the demands of their work, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and productive work environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolution of office design and layouts is imperative in the current landscape. As hybrid work models become the norm, offices must transform into dynamic hubs that cater to the flexible needs of a modern workforce. The shift from traditional routines has prompted a strategic reimagining of spaces—focusing on collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being. Some companies have downsized for cost efficiency, while others have expanded to accommodate changing dynamics, emphasizing the importance of purposeful office design.
Amenities, once considered luxuries, are now essential tools to entice employees back. The integration of smart office technology, as noted by Charlie Royer, Mary Edwards an, plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and adaptability. Flexible office spaces, driven by adaptable furniture, are crucial for providing diverse work environments.
As we navigate this evolving landscape, successful office design is about offering choices and exceeding employee expectations. The role of the office is not merely physical but as a cultural driver, fostering collaboration, innovation, and well-being. In this pursuit, office design remains a critical element for talent attraction, employee retention, and overall business success.
