Is this a nice place to be? 

Struggling to get people into the office? Is your work environment somewhere employee want to spend their time in?

As workplaces adapt to the changing landscape of work, one question looms large: How do I stop struggling to get people into the office? This challenge requires a multifaceted approach that considers not only physical workspace design but also employee wellbeing, flexibility, and community building initiatives. Drawing on insights from industry experts and conversations with Charlotte Simpkins from Bluespace, we explore strategies for creating work environments that employee want to spend their time in!

Physical Wellbeing and Workspace Design 

The impact of workspace design on employee wellbeing cannot be overstated. Charlotte emphasises the importance of ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and good air quality in enhancing physical comfort and reducing health risks. Innovative approaches, such as incorporating exercise bikes instead of office chairs, can promote movement and overall wellbeing in the workplace. 

Mental Wellbeing 

Workspace design also significantly influences mental wellbeing, with spaces that facilitate privacy and concentration helping to manage stress and distractions. Creating well-designed breakout areas and communal spaces can promote relaxation and social interaction, contributing to a positive and supportive work environment. 

Productivity and Engagement 

A thoughtfully designed workspace empowers employees to choose environments that suit their tasks and preferences, fostering autonomy and ownership. Employers can optimise layouts and incorporate features that facilitate collaboration and communication, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the organisation. 

Strategies for Creating People First Workspaces 

In addition to physical workspace design, employers can implement comprehensive employee wellbeing programs that encompass mental health support, stress management resources, and wellness initiatives. Providing access to counselling services, mindfulness training, and fitness programs can further enhance employee satisfaction and engagement. 

Hybrid Work Models 

Recognising the benefits of remote work, employers can consider implementing hybrid work models that offer a blend of in-office and remote work options. This approach allows employees to enjoy the flexibility of remote work while maintaining productivity and collaboration. 

Technology Integration 

Leveraging technology to create seamless work experiences can also contribute to a positive return-to-office transition. Employers can invest in tools and platforms that facilitate communication, collaboration, and task management, supporting employees whether they are working in the office or remotely. 

Flexibility and Autonomy 

Empowering employees with flexibility and autonomy in how they manage their work schedules and tasks can foster a sense of trust and empowerment. Allowing employees to set their own hours, choose their work locations, and prioritise tasks based on personal preferences can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction and motivation. 

Community Building Initiatives 

To reignite a sense of community and connection among employees returning to the office, employers can organise team-building activities, social events, and networking opportunities. Creating spaces for informal interactions and relationship-building can strengthen bonds among colleagues and enhance overall workplace culture. 

Reflection Questions for Employers 

To help you stop struggling to get people into the office, reflect on these queries alongside the strategies in this article to prioritise employee wellbeing, satisfaction, and productivity. 

• How can we ensure that our workspace design prioritises physical comfort and minimises health risks, considering factors such as ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and air quality? 
• What specific design elements can we incorporate into our workspace to support mental wellbeing, including spaces for privacy, concentration, stress management, and social interaction? 
• How can we tailor our workspace layout and features to empower employees to choose environments that enhance their productivity, engagement, and sense of belonging within the organisation? 
• How can we strategically implement hybrid work models that strike a balance between in-office and remote work options to maximise productivity and collaboration while meeting the diverse needs and preferences of our employees? 
• What technologies can we invest in to seamlessly integrate remote and in-office work experiences, fostering efficient communication, collaboration, and task management for all employees? 
• In what ways can we empower our employees with the flexibility and autonomy to manage their work schedules, tasks, and work locations, thereby fostering a culture of trust, empowerment, and productivity? 
• How can we organise community-building initiatives and create spaces for informal interactions and relationship-building among employees to strengthen bonds, enhance morale, and promote a positive workplace culture? 

By incorporating these additional insights and strategies into their approach, employers can create work environments that prioritise employee wellbeing, satisfaction, and productivity, setting the stage for a successful return to the office. 

Quick summary 

1. Prioritise Physical Wellbeing – Ensure ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and good air quality to enhance physical comfort and reduce health risks. 

2. Support Mental Wellbeing – Create spaces that facilitate privacy and concentration to manage stress and distractions, while promoting relaxation and social interaction. 

3. Foster Productivity and Engagement – Empower employees to choose environments that suit their tasks and preferences, fostering autonomy and ownership, while optimising layouts for collaboration. 

4. Implement Hybrid Work Models – Offer a blend of in-office and remote work options to maintain flexibility and productivity, allowing employees to choose their work locations. 

5. Enhance Community and Connection – Organise team-building activities, social events, and networking opportunities to reignite a sense of community and strengthen bonds among colleagues. 

We recommend working with a specialist like Bluespace Ltd, which is passionate about creating contemporary office design for workplace interiors where staff will feel more productive, creative and inspired. For more information click here 

Catch up on this series

Blog 1 – Creating People First workspaces

Blog 2 – Elevating company culture through design

Blog 3 – Affordable tips for employee friendly workspaces

Blog 4 – Designing Inclusive Workplaces

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