Office redesign shown to boost productivity

A new report has revealed that offices are a big determinant of Aussie workplace productivity, and it calls for the redesign of offices to promote focus and privacy as opposed to open collaboration.

Strategy, design, and construction firm Unispace released its Global Workplace Insights report, which revealed that 78 per cent of Aussies reported that noise, distractions, and a lack of quiet spaces prevented them from optimal performance of their duties.

This report utilised data from 5,231 respondents across 14 global markets and included data from 1,000 Aussies, including responses from over 77,000 people surveyed worldwide over recent years.

Unispace senior principal of strategy Emma Davenport said: “In today’s workplace, noise and privacy aren’t minor irritations, they’re the main barrier to performance. The report calls for a rethink, with focus spaces made central, not secondary.”

The firm recommended that office design should be a curation of physical and digital environments that minimises unwanted distractions and interruptions while enhancing physical and mental wellbeing.

This month, HR Leader reported on CBRE research that found that over 70 per cent of employers reported that onsite experience is crucial for workplace efficiency.

“Employers are encouraging people back into the office, but without the right conditions for focus and productivity, employees will question the value of being there,” Davenport said.

Unispace said: “Around the world this year, people reported spending an average of 2.9 days ‘in the office’, one day at home, and 1.1 days somewhere in-between, mostly co‑working hubs or cafes, or a client site – a big uptick for these third spaces.”

Legal and professional services firm HPX Group partnered with Unispace to renovate its working spaces across its Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane offices.

After a recent fit out of its offices, HPX Group found, 52 per cent of its staff reported they spend more time in the office, 84 per cent reported they feel supported in their routine individual work, and 60 per cent said they feel supported when doing confidential work that requires audio or visual privacy.

“Our people experience was also front and centre – all work areas have natural light and external views, which is key for creativity, together with a layout and spaces aimed at allowing our people to do their best work,” HPX Group chief platform officer Janelle Watts said.

Unispace concluded: “Employees want environments that remove friction and enable focus.”