In recent years, technology has changed the way we work. Greater connectivity enables us to be productive anywhere, at anytime, and to interact with people who are, physically, a world away. There has been a shift in the way we engage with each other in-person too. Managers are now leading, managing and motivating colleagues from several generations. Gen Z is entering the workforce, while many Baby Boomers who are eligible to retire are choosing to stay in employment instead. In between, Gen X and Millennials have different needs and expectations.
Creating a comfortable, stimulating and inspiring environment for all employees with well thought-out spaces and a flexible and supportive approach are quickly becoming key to attracting and retaining highly skilled talent. And to be competitive, companies must find ways
to bring people together.
Collaboration and teamwork are deemed to be the key to innovation, and innovation enables growth. Research shows team workers who are sharing and engaged maybe happier. 71% of people surveyed reported feeling more creative, 62% said they are more productive and 90% feel more confident when they’re co-working.1
Source: Spaces for Innovation by Kursty Groves and Oliver Marlow, June 2016
GOOD DESIGN MAKES A DIFFERENCE TOO
Research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology included a series of experiments designed to assess the impact of design on business outcomes, and specifically, on productivity.2 It was based on a number of different scenarios:
- By enriching a lean space with pictures and plants, wellbeing and productivity rose by 17% with no increase in errors.
- Wellbeing and productivity increased further (by 32% with errors falling) when people were allowed to develop their own space.
Source: Spaces for Innovation by Kursty Groves and Oliver Marlow, June 2016
SOURCES:
1. Spaces for innovation – Kursty Groves and Oliver Marlow, June 2016
2. C Knight and S A Haslam – Journal of Experimental Psychology Applied – 16 (2) (2010) 158.