Most of us have a regular office life that often feels like a grind, but as work culture and spaces keep improving, office life is improving.
Work culture is an essential aspect of modern-day business; only with a positive and supportive work environment can the workforce and the business flourish. According to a study by TeamStage, 94% of entrepreneurs and 88% of job seekers say that a healthy culture at work is vital for success.
An engaging workspace can help build a healthy and improved office culture. Some companies often overlook this critical aspect and are left scratching their heads in case of a high attrition rate.
Let’s look at the changing world of office culture and understand the implications a good office design can have on it!
Evolution is a constant process. As society evolves, the way people work also evolves. The days when the higher-ups gave orders and the employees followed them are long gone.
Today, a more open and conversational approach has become the norm. Leaders talk and understand the problems of their subordinates and try to work together for better work efficiency. It is also okay to look up for inspiration as long as it is not Michael Scott's school of ‘positive leadership’.
In sickness and health
After the pandemic forced everyone into a work-from-home format, quite a few people got used to it and even started preferring it over working from the office. But is working from home better? Not exactly.
According to Harvard Business Review, remote team members communicated over 80% less about their tasks than team members who were physically present in an office; and in 17% of projects, they didn't communicate at all. Thus, if communication is necessary for the team to meet project goals on time, an organisation would not want the team members working remotely.
Some companies started to overhaul their workspaces to make them more homely and less constrained to bring back the employees to the office and make the transition much more manageable.
A progressive culture calls for modern, innovative workspaces!
One British startup, Futureworx, created a fresh, open workspace filled with natural light. But Future Worx is one of many adopting this thought process. Most companies are now phasing out the cubicle culture for a more open and homely work environment..
But is the workspace an essential factor in modern work culture?
The viral video Bad Day showed us that being trapped in a cubicle all day can lead to…umm… unwanted emotions.
To avoid such incidents, modern-day businesses focus on making the workplace lively, where employees stay motivated and energised.
The Google model
One of the largest tech companies, Google, was the first to reimagine regular office workspaces with colours and designs. Their employees have the privilege of going into their office and working from casual seating areas, called ‘third spaces’. Their office design reflects their culture of creativity and activity among employees.
Google tapped into the very human needs of its workforce and created something every company now tries to replicate to attract new employees.
Co-working spaces
Co-working spaces are the hot new thing. A co-working space allows the employees of different companies to interact with each other and create new and better social and business bonds..
Well-known companies such as WeWork capitalised on the appeal of co-working spaces. They introduced the ‘Great Inspires Great’ campaign, where people of many different cultures and lifestyles interact for an improved human community.
An office design can really shape or reflect the office culture. As humans, we pick up cues from our surroundings and unconsciously adapt our speech, behaviour and body language to our environment.
The early 20th century saw the emergence of skyscrapers with glass-walled offices. It was supposed to drive an efficient culture, as it’s a common thought that people work harder if they are watched.
A bold workspace to pursue excellence
Concentrix has a culture of knowledge, openness, and transparency and is committed to investing in the future. They have brought their ideas and core values to life with their vibrant office designs. The lively workplaces of Concentrix keep the workforce confident and high-spirited.
Let’s look at some fun and happening office spaces!
A contemporary workspace can improve a business's culture and serve as a growth strategy as it seeks to attract and retain talent and spur innovation. It is often observed that employees who love where they work become the office’s ambassadors!
Inventionland Design Factory
This needs no words. Who wouldn’t want to work out of this deck… erm… office!
Airbnb
Talk about giving a homely vibe to the office! Airbnb's workplace reflects not just its warm culture but its business model of providing comfortable spaces as well.
Lego
One can’t create fun while sitting in a boring cubicle! Lego office lets you play while you develop toys for others.
What Cool Gai thinks
Whenever we talk about creating experiences, the thought always goes to making it happen for end-consumers. Brands often revamp restaurants and showrooms to regularly create an experience for the consumer, but what about the back offices? Who is making that space for the employees? Just how bad experiences drive consumers away, bad spaces can also drive employees away.
The culture of an organisation is based on its beliefs, mission, and values. To put them in the form of messaging is crucial and needs to be the guiding thought while building spaces while making sure it manages and ups the efficiency, fun factor, comfort and convenience.
Let us share some easy steps to create an office that reflects your brand and culture.
You can start by branding your space and creating an inviting atmosphere for all employees through brand colours, wall art or design choices. Cool Gai is reflected off the walls at ants digital, literally!
Promote engagement and interaction by doing away with cubicle walls and letting the team sit at a shared table. Don’t forget to give space to the employees (introverts) who might need it for some quiet, individual work.
Opt for private wings or office cubicles if the business demands privacy of that level.
Invest in fun zones where the team can blow off some steam. It can be as big as a volleyball court to as simple but effective as a cool cafeteria, like the ants cafe!
Lastly, don’t forget to take input from your employees. After all, they are the people populating the space!
Let’s build an authentic workspace that contributes to the office culture and fits the purpose of our business!
Total 1 Comment
Archana Arora2023-01-19
Office space is an opportunity to understand the company's vision, values and culture it wants to build. With a better part of the day spent (invested) at work, leveraging office space is a thought worth sparing.