Why Workplaces Should be Designed around Human Experience
Category Commerical Property News
A place of work is far more than a property, it's a living, moving environment that reflects the mutual satisfaction of individuals and the business they work for. When it comes to a happy and fulfilled work environment, space is a powerful tool. Intentional design can help businesses create physical environments that have a positive ripple effect through employee psyche and wellbeing.
According to an extensive study by JLL, "Human experience in real estate is a key differentiator for how [employees] interact with an organization and should therefore play a key role - both strategically and operationally to drive engagement, empowerment and fulfillment."
Workspace and Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is becoming an increasing focus for companies globally, with research showing that engaged employees result in a 200% increase in productivity and business revenue. An article on WeWork explains that "Engagement isn't an abstract feeling; rather, it's the outcome of multiple factors, such as encouraging individual expression, providing employees with the tools they need to do their jobs, and promoting positive coworker relationships. The physical workspace is the backbone that supports these aspects."
To keep employees engaged, motivated and fulfilled, organisations need to look at various ways to improve innovation, creativity, flexibility and a feeling of belonging. Memorable experiences are a key differentiator for individuals as they engage with an organization - creative thinking should be at the core of every strategic and operational action in every company.
How does real estate play a role in Human Experience?
Savvy C-Suites have analysed a correlation between creating a positive and productive employee experience and business revenue.
The JLL Human Experience report reveals that real estate is a strategic device and when used wisely can assist businesses of all sizes to attract, nurture and retain talent. "In recent years, this increased focus on talent and productivity has contributed to a growing emphasis on employee experience. It starts with employees finding and applying for a job at the organisation and ceases when they eventually leave and share a memorable moment."
Traditional workspaces and protocols that dominate the Human Resource (HR) departments in a company is becoming increasingly tedious for employees operating in a fast-paced industry coupled with a demanding work / life balance.
Customised and innovative workspaces drive productivity and interactivity; and formalised human experience within an organisation will empower employees to be agile, therefore improving performance and engagement.
How can companies design an engaging work environment?
There are a few contributing factors that can help create a work environment conducive to employee satisfaction, engagement and productivity:
- Natural lighting
- Colour and vibrance
- Air quality and the presence of plants
- Temperature regulation
- Seating and ergonomics
- A combination of open areas for collaboration, and private areas for individuals to focus
- More flexibility and control over environment
These factors can also have a positive effect on employee health & wellbeing, improving the quality of life and increasing productivity and employee retention.
Ben Hatchwell at OfficePlace agrees that work spaces and environments need to provide an innovative and inspirational appeal to the people who occupy the space. Statistics taken from the JLL report show that respondents wanted non-traditional spaces for concentration (47%), getting their energy back (40%) and for helping them get away from their desks (39%).
"Work spaces need to have areas for contemplation, community-focused areas, health-based and family-dedicated environments as well as collaborative and experimental spaces. These all aid in achieving human experience and providing the upper-hand needed to cope within the current market."
Hatchwell adds that OfficePlace works closely with organisations to create workspaces that meet their specific business and employee needs. "We collaborate with top interior companies to create innovative spaces that use Human Experience as the basis of their designs. They are customisable, modern, innovative, and most importantly tech-savvy. All these elements work together to encourage a person operating in today's professional environment and offer them the opportunity to be productive and generate an individual experience - and therefore stimulate competitive business results."
Contact one of our knowledgeable and professional OfficePlace brokers today to find out more about our office spaces on offer and how you can take the first step in making your business better than the rest.
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Author: OfficePlace