What’s the state of your workspace? If it’s anything but optimal, you may want to reconsider your options. According to a recent study, 75% of employees rate their productivity levels based upon the state of their workspace. With this in mind, it is important to create a smart, customized space for employees.
So, you may be wondering, what exactly is a smarter workspace and how can I achieve one?
Great question! As leaders in the corporate design industry, we’ve outlined the three top characteristics of a smarter workspace.
A smarter workspace must be aware of the current, evolving trends that affect the workplace. The corporate design industry is constantly evolving to meet the demands of the workforce. In this way, a smart workspace must be adaptable, technological, and efficient.
Adaptable
A workspace must be designed with adaptable, moving elements. One of the top trends seen at NeoCon 2017, was the idea of modularity. The core benefits of modular designs center around the ability to “future proof” your office from advancements in technologies, cultures and work styles. This can lead to cost savings, space flexibility and a better workspace strategy.
Creating a flexible, open layout will accommodate these future needs. An adaptable workspace might include demountable walls, moveable power sources, or reconfigurable furniture.
Technological
It’s no secret that business is centered around technology. The need for basic power and online access is required for videoconferencing tools, interactive displays, and shareable documents. Technology enables collaboration among employees, which translates to better business practices and increased profits.
A smarter workspace will accommodate technological innovations through efficient planning and furniture decisions. Smart furnishings will allow employees to connect with each other, share and showcase information, and adapt to accommodate technological components.
Efficient
An efficient workspace utilizes space by removing wasted square footage. A smart plan will reengineer a problematic space into a workable solution. Business owners often run into space efficiency issues when square footage is limited. One way to combat space constraints is to outsource additional space. Corporate warehousing will enable business owners to remove unnecessary items from their offices, which allows room for growth.
A reengineered, efficient workspace will include areas designed to accommodate your targeted business goals. These designated areas are derived from seven workspaces including co-working, collaboration, concentration, social, private, personal, and in-between spaces.
Examining the Execution
Beyond the basic elements of functionality and design is execution. Traditional office layouts have centered around individual workspaces, which lack the concept of flexibility and collaboration. To illustrate these issues, we'll examine a recent case study.
The floor plan below held a maximum of 200 employees, which wasn't optimal for growth. Communal areas were limited, and the cubicles were presenting both visual and acoustic distractions. To combat these challenges, a new plan was developed.
After researching the company's needs, space was reengineered to support growth, ergonomics, and modularity. Around 300 employees can comfortably fit into the new space, which solved expansion issues. In-between areas, such as workable hallways, were added to increase chance encounters between team members. Meeting rooms containing whiteboards and digital monitors were added for collaborations. Individual teams received individualized work stations to increase productivity.
As you can see, office reconfigurations go far beyond aesthetics. A smarter workspace requires immense planning, coordination, and execution.
Want more information? Learn how to implement these techniques within your own space by attending our Smarter Workspace Workshop.
For more information, check out our article on Workplace Productivity.
