When it comes to office design, there’s one trend that is rising in popularity: that of activity-based working environments, which tap into the beneficial “push and pull” between openness and privacy. Take the case of the Gerson Lehrman Group, a financial and global information services consulting company headquartered in New York City. The layout, which once comprise a “cubicle farm” for employees and closed-door offices for executives, experienced a total shift when its CEO opted for a new paradigm that was “neither open nor full of private offices.” This was the first big company in the US to embrace the activity-based working mode.; one with different “neighborhoods” where people working on similar projects could gather.
Why Activity-Based Workspaces Are On the Rise
Arguably the most attractive feature of activity-based workspaces is that everyone has an opportunity to work alone or with others. Each neighborhood contains numerous workspaces, including multi-person team tables, conference rooms, enclosed glass meeting pods, single-person boots, quiet concentration areas, and adjustable standing desks. Workers do not have personal desks; instead, they can use a different desk to work alone every day, or work in desks close to others. In the case of the Gerson Lehrman group, 91% of workers expressed excitement about the arrangement and 92% found it more enjoyable. Even introverts who enjoyed working alone found a host of spaces where they could be alone, since activity-based workspaces are self-selective and allow for supreme flexibility.
The Importance of Ergonomics
Whether you have just founded a startup or you head a medium-sized business, it is vital to put your employees’ health over cost when it comes to selecting furniture such as computer monitors, desks, chairs, and other furniture. For instance, monitors should be large enough so that your employees do not have to strain their eyes while working. Chairs should be adjustable so that workers can work at the right height, with their feet flat on the floor and their forearms resting on comfortable armrests. Desks should ideally be of the sit-stand variety to boost blood circulation. Consider investing in customized sofas that can be used to rest and take power naps. Sofas and soft chairs in common workspaces can ensure that employees have a comfortable, informal space to gather and come up with creative ideas. If you think ergonomics is beyond your budget, think about how it affects productivity. One study has found that employees are motivated by great ergonomics, especially when it comes to well-designed furniture.
Biophilic Design Continues to Predominate
Another big trend that captures the zeitgeist is biophilic design—a style that seeks to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living in numerous ways—including the use of natural light and natural materials. Studies have shown that natural lighting can increase employee productivity by over 60%. Moreover, natural light exposure improves sleep quality, therefore enabling workers to feel energized and focused when they head back to the office in the morning. If you’re keen to hop on this trend, aim to incorporate indoor plants, trees, and living walls into your design. One study conducted by Texas A&M University showed that plants can boost creativity by 15% or more in the workplace.
There is an inexorable link between optimal design and employee performance. Studies have shown that giving employees numerous workspace options can help them remain focused and boost their motivation. Equally important is providing them with natural light, nature-centered design elements, and ergonomic furniture. Employees need to be comfortable, happy, and focused, and thoughtful design can help them be the best versions of themselves.
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