Why Outdated Workspaces Are Holding Your Business Back

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, the design of your workspace can significantly influence employee engagement and organizational success. Insights from a fascinating article by the team at Allwork.Space highlight the importance of customized work environments. Janet Pogue McLaurin, Global Director of Workplace Research at Gensler, emphasizes that creating tailored workspaces is essential for companies striving to enhance performance and foster innovation.

The Shift from Cookie-Cutter to Customized Spaces

According to Gensler’s latest research, the traditional, standardized approach to office design is no longer sufficient. Organizations must prioritize tailored solutions that address the specific functional and cultural needs of their teams. As McLaurin explains, “Space is a tool, just like technology is a tool.” This perspective encourages businesses to create environments that better align with the diverse working styles of their employees.

The Importance of Engagement and Team Relationships

Gensler's findings reveal a clear connection between workplace design and employee engagement. Highly engaged employees, who foster strong team relationships, tend to work in environments that support innovation and collaboration. McLaurin notes that the most successful organizations cultivate a culture of innovation, providing a distinct advantage in today’s competitive market.

Universal Needs with Unique Solutions

Despite differences in regional and cultural contexts, certain universal needs persist across effective workplaces. These typically include areas for collaboration, individual focus, learning, and social interaction. Leading workplaces differentiate themselves by also offering spaces for confidential conversations, relaxation, and deep concentration. This holistic approach to design not only enhances functionality but also elevates the overall work experience.

Scripting the Entire Experience

McLaurin emphasizes the importance of considering the broader ecosystem of spaces available to employees. Large organizations can enhance the employee experience with comprehensive in-house facilities, while smaller companies can benefit from utilizing communal spaces like parks and cafes. By integrating these elements, businesses can enrich employees' daily journeys and foster a sense of belonging.

Measuring the Impact

Gensler’s research also underscores the need to assess how the physical workspace impacts productivity and well-being. McLaurin explains that the firm measures various outcomes, such as personal productivity and work-life balance. Recent data shows a significant shift in how employees use their workspaces. Post-pandemic, workers are dividing their time across multiple locations—home, client sites, and various offices—making adaptability in design more critical than ever.

The Importance of Physical Presence and Connection

While remote work offers flexibility, physical presence in the office remains essential. Employees return to the office not only for individual focus but also for collaboration. This face-to-face interaction fosters trust and a sense of community. McLaurin remarks, “It’s really a reason to come together. That shared purpose and feeling like that sense of belonging” are vital for employee well-being.

Addressing Loneliness and Creating Welcoming Spaces

One of the pressing challenges highlighted by McLaurin is the rising trend of loneliness, particularly among remote and hybrid workers. To mitigate this issue, redesigning office spaces to be more inviting and communal can enhance social connections. For instance, transforming traditional reception areas into comfortable gathering spaces can foster a sense of belonging among employees.

Future-Proofing Workplaces

The idea that current office spaces can be repurposed for future needs is key to McLaurin’s philosophy. Gensler’s research into “hundred-year buildings” explores how spaces can evolve over time. As organizations shift from focusing on occupancy rates to prioritizing employee experience, they must invest in adaptable, well-designed environments.

Conclusion

Insights from Gensler’s global workplace survey, shared through the Allwork.Space platform, underscore the profound impact that workspace design has on employee engagement and organizational performance. As businesses strive for success, prioritizing customized, holistic work environments will be crucial in fostering a culture of innovation.

By embracing these insights, organizations can better support their top performers, leading to enhanced productivity and stronger business outcomes. At OMI, we are committed to helping businesses create the right environments for their teams—because when your workspace works for you, everyone benefits.

For more insights on the Future of Work, check out the Allwork.Space Future of Work Podcast featuring Janet Pogue McLaurin.