The concept of adaptability in the workplace isn’t new, but it is more significant than ever. Embracing modularity, using movable furniture, incorporating innovative technology, and shape-shifting elements such as demountable partitions are necessary in a future-forward work environment.
A conference room with finicky technology can start a meeting off on the wrong foot and can create an unnecessary and stressful situation from the get-go. In a world where hybrid meetings are more common, it’s important to set up simple, easy, and accessible technology from the start. If it is not done properly, the whole vibe of the meeting is off and disorganized.
Improved AV/technology in each meeting room to be consistent, so connecting to the equipment is easier for users is critical in today’s workspace. Incorporating moveable partitions in meeting rooms allows for more flexibility. It’s best when a room can be used for large meetings with numerous people, but then easily break into two or three smaller rooms to accommodate less people.
Photographed by Ryan Gobuty
Today’s work environment demands a variety of meeting rooms. Create unique meeting spaces with more comfortable lounge seating and a few occasional tables. Workers appreciate the choice to reconfigure the room on their own, so consider offering small mobile lounge chairs with tablet arms to make the room more flexible. Mobile marker boards are convenient to have as well. Provide wall and floor space for writeable surfaces and pin up boards for teams to brainstorm and ideate innovative solutions together more efficiently.
It’s employee evaluation and review season and efforts are underway to promote mentoring across all generations. Offer convenient breakout and lounge spaces near workers desk space to promote more spontaneous and casual coaching interactions. This could be done with lounge seating near the workspace and accessible outdoor space with variety of seating types. Small adjustable height occasional tables work well in lounge areas too.
Today’s workplace generally has four generations collaborating with each other – Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Generation Z. They all bring valuable knowledge, personality and variety of workstyles. Plus, each generation can learn from one another and bring cross levels of mentoring to the work environment. Providing spaces for all generations promotes healthier atmosphere and workplace culture.
Safety in the workplace is more important now than ever. In a world where project budgets are tight and clients are looking for ways to reduce costs, some deemphasis floor core connectivity in open flexible spaces and multipurpose rooms. When floor core connectivity is not provided in open areas of large meeting rooms, end users will add extension cords to charge laptops and devices at the table. This creates dangerous tripping hazards and can lead to injury and time off. Planning for floor cores from the very beginning builds in a level of safety and minimizes risk for end users.
Laptops are common, but sadly battery lives are not keeping up with the pace of the average worker’s needs. Especially if the user takes part in a high volume of virtual calls. It’s important to have easy places to plug in laptops and internet connections. Group meetings with flexible tables and chairs in the space are important to give users control over how to use the space for meetings.
Photographed by Ryan Gobuty
Prioritize well-furnished employee break rooms in the workspace that are easily accessible to everyone. Ideally, at least one on every floor is recommended so it’s easy and convenient to use. Breakrooms can create a lot of noise, so position them close to the workspace but allow for an acoustic barrier to adjacent desk areas. Incorporate a variety of spaces in the area for people who want activity and lively spots to socialize with co-workers and create quiet spaces for people who may want to read or meditate. Giving workers variety and choices provides a more inclusive, useful and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.
Businesses are fighting to attract and keep today’s top talent. Having a nice space for employees to enjoy opportunities to engage socially at the office sends a positive message. Everyone in the workplace brings valuable business experience, but they also bring cultural and lived experience with them.
An inviting place to step away can promote cross mentoring, stronger working relationships, and stimulate a positive sense of belonging. Breakrooms are a great spot to highlight cultural experiences and personal connections. Healthy food and beverage options in the office are crucial. Comfortable furniture is important, so provide a mixture of café tables and chairs plus, with comfortable lounge seating.
Ensure that materials used in the workplace are not harmful to people and the environment. Many companies manufacturing building products are making it easier to find materials and components in their products. Either on the companies’ websites and/or third-party organizations such as International Living Future Institute Declare database.
Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List is a list of chemicals considered by industry to be “Worst in Class” materials and substances used throughout the building industry. They pose a significant risk to human health, the environment and overall wellbeing of building occupants. Hazards include cancer, reproductive toxicity, chronic organ toxicity, endocrine disorders, environmental impacts, ozone depletion and beyond. By incorporating a Red List avoidance strategy in the built environment harmful chemicals are removed from the supply chain of products used in the project.
Reducing the use of carbon in projects is critical step toward a safer and better environment for all. The building industry has been craving product-specific standardized criteria for the most-used materials. Designers and owners have long found it difficult to identify which criteria are the most important to the products they specify because of a wide array of third-party certifications and criteria available to materials manufacturers. Gensler’s Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards provides a clear set of criteria for the 18 high-impact, market-ready materials most used in the building industry.
Looking Forward
Workers’ needs and the ways they engage with office spaces are constantly evolving. Maximizing the benefits of technology can dramatically enhance the work environment. Overall wellbeing of workers is improved with strategic and intentional choice of materials and building products. Incorporating flexible furniture, and simple easy to use technology solutions can minimize worker stress and bring more positive workplace experiences. In return organizations will advance faster with more effective outcomes and healthier built environments.
