What are the current trends in workplace design to promote employee productivity and well-being?
More and more companies are taking up a decisive challenge to boost the motivation and productivity of their employees: improving the quality of life at work. A good quality of life at work depends on several factors such as the missions carried out, the type of management, but also Workspaces. Indeed, it has been proven that offering a pleasant working environment improves the well-being of employees and their performance. Formeret discusses best practices and current trends for creating a healthy and stimulating workplace.
Why is it so important to take care of workspaces?
The working environment corresponds to the layout of the workstation of an employee (furniture, equipment, decorations, etc.) and the layout of spaces at the company or workplace level : meeting rooms, relaxation areas, etc.
- Optimized workspaces are among the levers that promote happiness at work employees, which then makes it possible to boost their commitment, motivation and sense of belonging to the company;
- If employees are in optimal working conditions, namely in a stimulating environment and with an equipped office, they will then be more productive.
- Rethinking the organization and layout of workspaces is also an opportunity to alleviate the hardship at work by taking into account the health and safety at work.
- In addition to promoting employee retention, a good working environment is also an argument for attracting new talent. Indeed, the concept of well-being at work has become essential: missions, the reputation of the company or even the salary are no longer the only motivations for looking for a job.
The tips and trends below apply equally well to undertakings for their employees, only at workplaces such as coworking spaces (or shared workspace) which should also offer a pleasant environment conducive to concentration for self-employed workers, start-ups, etc.
Activity-based working
Still little known in France, activity-based working is a work organization that is likely to supplant the concept of flex office in the years to come. The principle of ABW is to leave the choice to employees as to the environment in which they want to work, based on what best fits their current business. Indeed, employees can perform various activities in their work and therefore have, need for different working environments or equipment to carry out these missions. Activity-based working meets this need. In concrete terms, employees no longer have a fixed office and can choose where to set up every day and even change their workplace during the day. For this way of working, of course, you have to offer several types of workspaces, for example: open space for collaborative work, closed and isolated office for tasks requiring calm and concentration, meeting rooms, creative space, relaxation area, etc.These new ways of working have several advantages: promote productivity by allowing the employee to choose the right location for their activity, by surrounding themselves with the right people and by having access to the right equipment. They also allow boost motivation and work dynamics by regularly changing locations. Finally, employees are also less stressed because, when they need peace and quiet, they are not disturbed by noise and other pollution.
Biophilic design in business
This still recent concept consists of Inviting nature into the workplace. The aim is to integrate as many green plants as possible, decorations inspired by nature and to ensure a good supply of natural light. The greening of corporate spaces has already proven its worth and contributes to improving productivity employees, while promoting health and well-being employees. Green plants and beautiful light create a soothing atmosphere that reduces stress and promotes concentration. If your business has outdoor spaces, do not hesitate to plant them as much as possible as well. natural light is essential for troop morale. For your employees to take full advantage of it, install large windows or review the organization of the offices. However, depending on the orientation of the sun, consider making arrangements so that your employees maintain good visibility on the screen and avoid eye fatigue.
An ecological and sustainable environment
One of the most important current trends is linked to ecology and sustainability. This reflects the growing challenges businesses face regarding their environmental footprint and also responds to the concerns of individuals on these topics.To offer an ecological and sustainable working environment to employees, companies can opt for furniture made from sustainable or recycled materials. Of energy solutions such as the installation of solar panels, low-consumption LED lights or even ecological heating systems contribute to minimizing the impact of workspaces. The approach must also involve employees: sorting, raising awareness of eco-responsible actions, etc.
The advantage of this approach is that it promotes employee engagement, who feel in line with the values of their company, which, in the end, also boosts their productivity and well-being.
Modernizing the workplace with smart technology
To improve workspaces, more and more companies are integrating innovative technologies with, for example, intelligent management systems. They will automatically adjust the lighting or temperature according to preferences or the environment, thus promoting the well-being of employees. The IoT (Internet of Things) is also being implemented in offices with connected furniture. For their part, meeting rooms are equipped with advanced videoconferencing devices and audio solutions, interactive whiteboards, etc. Offering meeting rooms or offices equipped with these various technologies makes it possible to create an environment conducive to productivity and remote collaboration.
Propose an ergonomic layout
Office ergonomics has become essential in the design of workspaces. An ergonomic workplace is not just about comfort. This trend also responds to requirements that contribute to the health and well-being of employees. This is also part of an approach to improving QWL (quality of life at work) .An ergonomic layout must offer comfortable and adjustable furniture, such as height-adjustable chairs and desks. Each employee must be able to adopt the ideal posture to avoid fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. A well-appointed station will promote physical well-being employees and their effectiveness.
Take care of all spaces: break rooms, meeting rooms...
As you will have understood, the layout of spaces should not be limited to the workstation, regardless of whether it is an individual office, a shared office, or even an open-space... For example, it is essential to offer meeting rooms reunion whose environment is pleasant, conducive to concentration, and who are well equipped to work.Remember to create relaxation areas : they promote informal exchanges and, therefore, team spirit and a sense of belonging, they increase the creativity, collaboration and well-being of employees. In short, these spaces are essential to professional life and should be welcoming and comfortable.
Foster collaboration
Collaboration, knowledge sharing, and creating synergies are critical to innovation and growth. Workspaces must promote these professional dynamics. For this, the layout of offices must be designed to encourage interactions by offering spaces dedicated to exchanges. In addition to classic meeting rooms, you can for example integrate phone booths or creativity rooms. Also bet on modular and flexible spaces. In any case, the aesthetics and equipment of these collaboration spaces must be designed to stimulate inspiration and creativity. For example, you can use bright colors, modern or nature-inspired materials, etc.
Suggest sports activities
In addition to the layout of your offices, meeting rooms and other conference rooms, why not offer your employees devices to allow them to take care of their physical and mental well-being? More and more companies are offering gyms within their premises: yoga, fitness, dance, etc. In addition physical and mental health benefits of employees, sports activities within the company allow strengthen cohesion and team spirit.
Leaving the company for meetings
Another trend is gaining more and more businesses: organizing meetings or team trainings outside the premises. This approach has several advantages. Exiting the corporate framework can help boost creativity and innovation, the change of environment stimulating the emergence of new ideas. Taking the step of meeting in a new place for half a day or a full day also guarantees a higher level of attention and concentration. This allows teams to significantly increase productivity. The Formeret group, expert in meeting room rental, offers you exceptional spaces in the heart of Paris for all your professional events: conferences, meetings, training, etc. Fully equipped and modular, our rooms adapt to your needs. Do not hesitate to contact our teams for a free quote on request.