Dec 17, 2022

Creativity, Collaboration & Engagement: 3 Fuels of Employee Productivity

People and Engagement

Our priorities, identities, and worldview have altered by the experiences of the last two years, which have clearly defined what is important (such as our health, families, time, and purposes) and what is not.

The "worth it" equation for employees—which considers what individuals desire from work and what they are prepared to provide in return—has altered as a result. Free meals and a corner office are no longer what people appreciate most as the power dynamic is changing. 

Today's businesses are replacing the old, confining cubicles with dynamic workplaces, comfortable furniture, and open-plan, flexible workspaces with lots of natural light, emphasising the need for excellent ergonomics in office design. There is continuing discussion about the ideal workplace design for the present and the long term since trends are always changing.

The design of the office has always had a significant impact on employee productivity, from seating arrangements to building architecture, cabinets, stairways, elevators, colour schemes, and even beautiful artwork. Employee productivity is impacted by a variety of motivating variables in unique and important ways. 

Flexible office spaces are the new trend of the new normal. Employees are looking forward to coming to the hybrid workspaces in the culture of Hybrid Workspace, which enable more flexibility and creativity. A sincere effort must be made to change the culture of the workplace to restore engagement.

Major changes in the workplace during the past few decades, including advances in technology, a better quality of life, and higher educational standards, have not been reflected in our present work culture. 

Flexible Office Spaces- Creativity, Collaboration and Engagement

Workplace designs have grown more adaptable and centered on inspiring creativity among employees as a result of the constantly changing concept of work and increased emphasis on being flexible.

In terms of design, there are now more open-plan areas, fewer walls or obstacles, and communal areas with spacious open areas. Modern technology, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi networks, wall-mounted tablets, and smart boards are being used in the construction of private offices and conference rooms to enable seamless interaction.

To provide a break from the routine and provide individuals greater privacy to work alone or take calls, breakout or tucked-in sections are placed throughout workstations. 

These developments are consistent with the adaptable strategy for encouraging employee productivity, and they further build a workplace that simultaneously improves employee welfare and corporate growth. In today’s work culture, simple changes to the office space design, like adding amenities and making spaces more employee-centric, can go a long way.   

Role of Balanced Outdoor and Indoor 

Workplaces with natural light and views of the outside have a direct impact on employee health and productivity because sunshine breaks up monotonous screen time and lessens fatigue, headaches, and eye strain.

Employees feel the need to take a break from their screen time and go for a stroll to see the outside world because working hours require continual usage of technology equipment.

Therefore, workplaces need to integrate access to natural light and views of the surroundings while replacing closed cubicles and packed locations with wider windows instead of just adhering to common alterations. The addition of terrace gardens, plants, and other greenery, as well as open balconies, further enhances the seamless indoor-outdoor story. 

Break Zones 

Providing break zones and leisure areas is another way to give workers time to refuel and unwind. To ensure maximum efficiency, offices have always made an effort to establish a work-life balance for their staff.

The best approach for employees to take short breaks and return to work feeling rejuvenated is to develop well-designed play spaces, pick-me-up snack sections, and comfy lounge places to rest and unwind, along with the library and entertainment rooms.

Also Read:  Why Employee-focused Workplace is Essential Now

Sustainability and Innovation 

While workplace architecture and design are continually advancing in the direction of innovation, it necessitates striking the correct balance between invention and sustainability.

Maintaining the durability and usability of the goods and materials utilised is more important than ever. This entails promoting consumption reduction and the use of recycled and local materials.

The epidemic has further heightened awareness of the importance of constructing sanitary, dust-free environments and maximising air circulation and cross-ventilation.  

Engaged Workplace 

Building a supportive workplace culture enhances communication, fosters creativity, promotes teamwork, and inspires employee confidence. It also aids in highlighting the advantages and shortcomings of your team.

Employees that are engaged not only make an effort to get to work on time, which lowers absenteeism, but they are also more productive. Your business or sector will likely present different challenges for workplace engagement, but we can all agree that more participation is always preferable.  

Workspaces are in need to be in tune with the twists and turns that are coming in the workplace industry. Starting with creating spaces that are more in sync with the new generation of employees joining in.

Flexible office spaces are paving the way to more collaborative office spaces, designs that inspire creativity, and amenities that boost engagement.

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