Office design tips to keep employees happy and engaged

People spend a large chunk of their week at work, so creating an enticing office space should be an important consideration for leaders. Further than pleasing employees, office design can help keep them engaged, driving better business outcomes.

“We have seen firsthand how smart design of an office impacts the work environment, culture, productivity and allows the overall business to flourish,” PLACE Studio’s chief executive and co-founder, James Alexander-Hatziplis, said.

He also noted that thoughtful office design can also assist in getting employees back to onsite work, making back-to-office mandates simpler.

“PLACE Studio has a full office almost every day, with engaged employees working from home is rare,” Alexander-Hatziplis said. “We also have a work schedule that discourages overtime and weekend work, which puts employees at ease.

“We also try to cater to our people’s non-work needs, meaning you’ll regularly see the kids or even the family pets roaming the office.”

For leaders looking to create a more enticing work space for their employees, PLACE Studio listed five office design tips that can benefit a business:

1. Create spaces for introverts and extroverts: To accommodate different preferences, offices should offer both private spaces for those who prefer to work alone and open collaborative spaces for team members to share ideas.
2. Take advantage of what your building has to offer: Designers can enhance office environments by maximising natural light, adding green spaces, and incorporating natural elements. This promotes a happier workforce and encourages employees to come into the office more instead of working from home.
3. Don’t forget about worker’s comfort: Employers should focus on details like lighting, temperature, and ergonomic furniture to make the office environment more pleasant.
4. Creating social spaces: Employers can create a break room or small lounging area for staff to gather and socialise, fostering idea generation and sharing. This collaborative space promotes comfort and happiness among employees, ultimately increasing staff morale and employee productivity.
5. Foster staff wellbeing: Creating a healthy office environment, with features like standing desks and proper air circulation, encourages staff to return to the office. Employers can also organise team-building days to foster a social and collaborative work environment.

“Organisations need an office for today’s working trends and one that creates an environment that better fosters teamwork and supporting people,” Alexander-Hatziplis said.