Numerous companies extol the virtues of a positive office culture, highlighting benefits such as teamwork and enhanced communication. However, even years after the COVID-19 pandemic compelled many to convert their dining tables into makeshift workstations, a significant number remain hesitant to swap their loungewear for business attire and spend a full day in an office setting. To address this, leaders can foster an environment that surpasses the comforts of home by rethinking office layouts and features to boost productivity. Sharon Henderson, the workplace market leader at St. Louis’ The Lawrence Group, sheds light on how businesses in St. Louis and beyond are reimagining their physical spaces and crafting offices that employees genuinely look forward to visiting.
1. Hybrid rooms to support hybrid working
The pandemic has prompted many organizations to embrace hybrid work models. Hybrid work is no longer just a passing trend; it is here to stay. Thus, it is crucial for companies to grasp their responsibility in shaping office spaces that are welcoming for the future of work. “The workplace must outperform the home office in terms of technology and functionality,” says Henderson. Zoom Rooms—enclosed areas resembling phone booths—provide a solution, offering much-needed privacy for employees accustomed to virtual meetings. Simple enhancements, like adequate lighting for virtual meetings and comfortable furniture, can significantly improve the workspace experience, enabling employees to maximize their productivity.
2. Efficiently sized spaces are replacing expansive offices
Maximizing space utilization can significantly affect profitability. Analyze your premises, which include conference rooms, collaboration hubs, and individual workstations, and ask yourself, “What kind of work truly occurs in these areas?” The concept of right-sizing involves understanding which team members use a specific space at any given time, as well as the essential physical features for completing their tasks. For instance, a rarely used conference room might serve better as several smaller spaces for teams or individuals. Incorporating movable walls and acoustic dividers can offer effective solutions.
3. Offices are segmented into task-oriented zones
Different tasks throughout the day require different environments. Employees may need to work independently on their computers at times and collaborate in teams at others. “Our goal is to create environments that support the specific work being performed,” Henderson states. “For instance, having a collaborative project team situated adjacent to someone concentrating individually is counterproductive.” An office with designated task-oriented zones could feature spaces specifically for highly collaborative meetings, quiet rooms for focused work, and areas for relaxation.
4. Inclusive design elements to embrace all individuals
Certain inclusive design aspects are legally mandated, such as ADA-compliant workspaces and designated breastfeeding rooms. While gender-neutral restrooms and quiet spaces for meditation and prayer aren’t federally required, they greatly contribute to creating a welcoming atmosphere for a more diverse workforce. Companies can further enhance inclusivity by addressing various challenges and disabilities. “Ensuring that all types of disabilities are considered is vital,” Henderson notes. “For example, utilizing LED lighting benefits those prone to migraines, and areas designed for auditory privacy can support individuals with ADHD.”
5. The traditional office cafeteria is evolving into a work café
In the home, the kitchen often acts as the hub of activity. Modern offices should acknowledge this dynamic by transforming outdated cafeterias into appealing environments where employees want to gather. “The objective is to infuse residential life into the workplace,” Henderson explains. Work cafés and inviting on-site bars can encourage socialization among staff and serve as warm settings for client meetings. “Develop a work café that resembles a restaurant,” she suggests. “It could feature booths, a mix of soft seating, and a variety of table heights. This creates an appealing space where individuals can work for the entire day or simply for a couple of hours, making it the organization’s living room and a prime location for spontaneous, insightful conversations.”
October 25, 2024
10:00 AM
