In business, we often make the mistake of focusing solely on customer needs when we double down on office design. But, considering that most clients will spend a small amount of time in this space, putting them at the forefront of office design doesn’t really make sense.
By comparison, employees spend an average of forty or more hours in the office weekly. Unsurprisingly, evidence suggests that office designs that take their needs into account can significantly boost productivity, wellbeing, and their ability to sell well to customers who probably care more about your team than your decor.
That makes employee-centric office design a no-brainer. But what exactly are your employees looking for?
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1. Natural Light
Studies reveal that 78% of employees cite natural light in the office as key to their wellbeing, while 70% say it helps boost productivity.
This is a priority that’s seen more and more businesses step away from outdated office cubicle designs in place of open, minimalist spaces that maximize the natural light coming from every corner. This doesn’t mean you should get rid of in-office zoning completely (more on that later), but glass partitions can be used in place of solid alternatives to ensure light still gets through.
More generally, reflective surfaces and light office colours can ensure that the whole office feels as bright and spacious as your employees clearly want it to be.
2. Quiet Zones
We said that you shouldn’t get rid of in-office zoning altogether, and here’s why – employees are increasingly prioritizing access to quiet areas at work. This need largely comes off the back of home working over recent years, with 58% of employees finding their quiet home offices more conducive for focused work.
But how can you bring that benefit into the office? Zoning plays a large part in this, as the separation of communal and quiet office spaces will automatically reduce sound levels for those who need it. Enclosed pods or booths are also beneficial, and should incorporate sound-reducing measures like acoustic panels and carpeting.
3. Wonderful Washrooms
Washrooms might feel like an office design afterthought, but 67% of employees are more likely to complain about the washroom than any other area in the office. This is because many believe that the state of your washrooms is a direct reflection on all-important office cleanliness. So, you should definitely make this often-forgotten area more of a design priority.
Modern design elements like good lighting and calming colour schemes obviously matter here, but you’ll mainly want to think about practicality in your designs. For instance, easily cleanable surfaces are key to ensuring your cleaning team can stay on top of this room without hours of work. Meanwhile, logical layouts with spacious cubicles ensure that employees feel comfortable, plumbers can gain easy access in case of problems, and everyone’s generally much happier than they would be in a cramped and dingy space!
Office design isn’t rocket science, but it does require you to consider employee priorities like these.
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