Take a moment and describe what comes to mind when you think of a modern room. Your brain may conjure up images of thin and sleek furniture and minimalist decor. Now, instead of thinking about the room, turn your thoughts to the modern woman or modern man.
She or he may be rushing to the next meeting, all the while preparing mental talking points, answering a text message and having a “casual” yet critical offline conversation with a co-worker. Is your image of a modern room supporting the modern worker?
When designing spaces for today’s employee, the best results are always human-centred, a workplace crafted to mentally excite and engage, physically comfort and emotionally support busy workers. Mobile technologies promised workers the ability to be productive on the go. But, this is not enough.
Needs for collaboration, team building and individual focus are just a few of the reasons employees are coming back to the office. As employees return to the office, the workspaces of yesterday won’t meet the needs of today. The spaces for the new office need to combine an updated look with an authentic employee. Beautiful spaces are only worth investing in if they are also productive. Here’s how this can be achieved .
‘Democratic’ spaces
‘Democrtise’ your workspaces.
Similar to a healthy ecosystem in nature that is bio-diverse, create a range of spaces that support different types of work and that people choose to work from, regardless of where they fit within the organisation’s hierarchy.
Incorporate spaces that allow people to work in whatever posture works for them — lounging, standing, perching, walking or sitting upright.
Take cues from nature. More than just adding plants — which is important — seek variation over uniformity. Incorporate naturally complex materials, lots of different shapes, forms, patterns and textures.
The most inviting and inspiring spaces need to help people make meaningful progress in their work. Integrate technology that makes it easier for people to collaborate, that encourages movement and makes it easier to get into focus.
Help people find their favourite places to get work done and provide a feedback loop to the organisation about what spaces work.
Balance the desire for openness with the human need for solitude. Create spaces that support focused work as well as rejuvenation.
Promote personalisation
Create spaces that feel bespoke to the organisation and the individual. Prioritise self-expression and authenticity over perfection. Modernising the workplace doesn’t need to feel intimidating or overwhelming. By keeping the holistic well-being of people top-of-the-mind, your workplace can become a space where everyone wants to be.
(Praveen Rawal is managing director at Steelcase India and Southeast Asia)
