One thing that all managers should consider is the physical setup of the workspace. Regardless of how your company aims to build internal relationships, how you design the office is paramount to your goal. It can influence not only how efficient a work performs but also how free the same worker is to engage with colleagues.
Businesses looking to build their base in Melbourne can explore commercial fit-out companies that can expertly execute their ideas of dynamic and efficient workspaces. How can physical space improve your company’s culture?
Spacious personal space
For managers, it’s almost always about achieving results. What they often neglect is that productivity and efficiency are closely connected to one’s sense of privacy and individuality.
A bigger space isn’t always better. Sometimes, it just makes room for clutter if not thought about conscientiously. Consider renovating workstations to accommodate dual computer monitors so that employees don’t have to keep a stack of documents all the time. Opt for lower partitions that invite collaborative conversations but still maintain privacy. Install ergonomic furnishings and wrist supports that maintain proper posture and prevent carpal tunnel.
An open-office layout
The bigger your office gets, the more you’ll have to consider the actual principles of an open-office design: accessibility and individuality.
Accessibility means enabling your employees to have the greatest of ease in moving around. This involves merging cubicles or building group desks to be more compact while providing more walking space. It can also be creating seamless entrances between rooms or using glass walls and partitions for visual ease. Improving the acoustics by having padded and insulated walls also abiding by the open-office principle.
Ironically, once the space for engagement and collaboration is freed this way, it paves the path for improved individuality. Employees can now carve their spot within these social hubs and can better delineate where professional work starts and personal undertakings begin.
Letting nature in
A vital aspect of improving company culture is empathy for one’s mental well-being. You can respond to this with managerial tactics or transform the space to be more conducive to mindful moments.
The amount of light dramatically affects one’s disposition and efficiency at work. Bigger windows usually solve the problem of the lack of natural light. You should also add more natural elements like plants or trellises so that employees maintain a connection with nature and the world outside.
Businesses should also do their best to observe sustainable practices. Investing in energy-saving appliances and reducing resource wastage are ways for an employee to feel prouder about where they work.
Doing away with hierarchies
Hierarchy in most offices can be observed through the physical space. Executives are tucked inside their ultra-private office, while rank-and-file employees toil away in their cramped cubicles. The pantry is far to discourage breaks, and rooms are restricted for minimal purposes. It sounds dark.
Establish a sense of pride and unity by having everybody stay in the same horizontal space. Turn rooms into areas of thought and conversation. Dedicate a place for focus and meditation. Have them serve various purposes for various people.
Company culture shouldn’t be a homogenous thing. It’s supposed to be different for anybody among the office because a great workspace is a place where they don’t have to compromise their character to attain professional success.
Thus, while space does invite fruitful interactions and productive collaborations, it all boils down on how the company serves the employees. If it serves them well, then they will serve it right back!