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OFFICE DESIGN ESSENTIALS FOR RE-ENGAGING YOUR BEST TALENT AND BOOSTING COMPANY MORALE

Throughout our Simplicity series this year, we've sought to overcome the challenges of today's workplace by getting back to the basics of what matters most: Company Vision. By letting it guide our decision-making, we produce a more positive impact on our people, which is necessary during this critical time for employee re-engagement.

Despite mass adoption of the “work-from-anywhere” culture, many businesses struggle with the effects of more isolated teams. From high turnover, employee disengagement, and low performance — companies without an engagement plan are at risk of lower morale and team performance.

At PDR, we solve for the multidimensional factors that impact how people operate. We've seen firsthand how in-office and hybrid models offer significant advantages to an organization, promoting belonging, collaboration, team building; and therefore, the productivity and growth of an organization. But, office-based work only achieves these desirable outcomes when businesses make employee well-being a foundational part of their vision.

Approximately 12 billion working days are lost to depression and anxiety globally, costing $1 trillion per year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).¹ Statistics like this (and there are many) prove better company performance starts with a healthier, happier, more satisfied employee. While many may assume that well-being is an inside job, the CDC reports that social connections contribute to 55% of our overall health.

In-person work models, in their various forms, have the potential to provide the important social connection needed to boost an employee's overall health and wellness, making them the best version of themselves for your organization. And therein lies the tension: how do you create an environment that boosts, instead of detracts from, your employees' state of mind — one they will enjoy commuting to often?

Doing away with the traditional office structure, (i.e., rows of partitioned cubicles and closed offices that block natural light) is a crucial start. Within the Texas market, specifically, we've seen this shift take place. Many companies have opted for office space that is more open, inviting, and compelling for top talent. They have embraced simplicity's back-to-basics mentality — for an organization to remain competitive they must include well-being as a foundational consideration in real estate selection and workplace design. In fact, Indeed's SVP of ESG Fawn Davis says, “Well-being can no longer be an afterthought in the workplace.”³

Truly crafting a space that fosters connection and belonging, focus, and comfort requires complete integration of well-being and wellness into the design, re-design, and site selection of your office. It is a re-engagement strategy that requires significant investment but is very lucrative when done right. Here are some of the well-being essentials every business leader should consider:

BIOPHILIA

Human Spaces reports that teams working in offices with greenery and sunlight report 15% higher levels of well-being, 15% more creativity, and 6% more productivity.⁴ How can your office leverage biophilia? By giving everyone views of the outside landscape, incorporating a green wall in the lobby to immediately welcome those who come to the space, or providing space for foliage in common spaces.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology must be leveraged strategically to promote in-office well-being. Tech-free spaces and quiet zones are essential to helping your people unplug, refresh, and recharge from their work. On the other hand, technology can become an energy boost. Our new-energy provider client, for example, used technology to provide an immersive art experience of natural digital graphics within the floor, mimicking outside scenes.

THIRD PLACES

Desk space and communal breakrooms are an absolute necessity for the office, but you can take promotion of well-being to the next level by adding more spaces for employees to work and connect. We call these “third spaces,” and they could include comfortable lounge seating and breakout areas for casual conversation or laptop work, a variety of seating styles and table sizes in gathering spaces, or flexible furniture that can adapt to the working preference of each employee.

OURDOOR SPACES

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Heather Eliassen, says, “Exposure to green space results in mental restoration and increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety and rumination.”⁵ Create spaces for people to meet and collaborate in the fresh air, by incorporating areas like patios, terraces, outdoor cafes, parks, and open spaces for physical activity.

FLEXIBILITY AND FLOW

Hoteling is the latest way to maximize space in a cost-effective, efficient manner. But it's important to program each area with visual connectivity and transparency, connecting employees to the entire space. Incorporating glass doors and rooms can do this and increase visibility into spaces.

Along with transparency, employees benefit from flexibility. We've all gotten comfortable and efficient working from our sofa, desks, kitchen tables — and back again. As a result, flexible furniture and lots of variety resembling the habits of home will allow your people to feel more grounded and connected to your space. Incorporate transitional walls and moveable furniture that allow your employees to make each space their own, just like they would at home.

AMENITIES

As much as it's beneficial to cultivate wellness within your space, it's important to consider the opportunities around it. Your real estate choices can make a big difference between a place to which employees are obligated to commute and one to which they are excited to visit. There are many new trending opportunities to leverage within your building and along your street, which is a great selling tool for developers and brokers. Clay Vaughn, vice chairman at Savills' Dallas-Fort Worth Office says that, “Office amenities have moved to the forefront of a client's real estate requirement.”⁶

STARTING WITH WELLNESS IN MIND

Before incorporating wellness into your design, consult a design partner who can help you set the vision for employee well-being. At PDR, you'll discover that our team members are committed to helping business leaders design for workplace well-being tailored to your organization's needs. Whether it's site selection or a complete gutting of your current interiors, our approach integrates all parts of a challenge and whatever disciplines are required to address them.