The last couple of decades have thrown up a paradigm shift in the way the workplace is defined. Today the boring uniform and large workstations have evolved into efficient and inclusive spaces capable of inspiring people, encouraging conversation and increasing morale.
Technology has spurred innovation, and that is also the key in the design values of workplaces. As the definition of work has changed, so has the place where the work is done. Trends show that engaging workplace design enhances employee efficiency and productivity. Mishu Ahluwalia Founder and CEO Gohive shares how design is evolving workplace community.
The rapid evolution of the workplace goes deeper than the surface and supports the company culture and ethics builds brand value and also respects diversity and inclusivity. Designers today have breached the frontiers of mere hospitality and retail. They understand that design can be used as a strategy to attract and retain talent and increase employee satisfaction. The sense of flexibility also enhances the sense of community.
The modern work culture is enhanced by a sense of community.
Work culture is all-embracing in modern times. There is a sense of community, of belonging. Modern companies understand that success is built on diversity and inclusivity. The teams and their leaders both develop an integrated culture. The ethos has evolved to accommodate an ever-adapting regime and a willingness to tolerate and include. People of various backgrounds collaborate to create a unified whole with a common purpose.
Good design has ensured that people are able to connect over shared experiences and stories. Workplace design has evolved to support the natural curation of a particular company’s work culture. A shared workspace creates a broader sense of community and gives workers of different companies a chance to co-exist and exchange views. This is integral to ensure that the changing demographics of the employee force and the explosion of technological advancement are in sync with the workplace ethos.
Design experts have actually harnessed data on how design impacts productivity. Co-working is the future of the work culture. The Start-up culture has caused many an entrepreneur to set up places with low capital. The needs are few, and work hours are flexible. The sense of community is evident in the shared common spaces, wellness, and food facilities and even spaces to spend time together for employees from different companies.
Building an experience map to influence brand awareness
The designer essentially creates an experience map to create overlapping layers of external perception and internal practices of a particular company. These are the two prongs on which the curation of meaningful workplace design is based. Visioning and programming interviews are conducted to understand the ethos of the work culture.
The basic understanding of consumer needs is focussed on the anticipation of the end-use of the workplace design. Is there a need for client visits, internal meetings or external events? All this information is punched together to create a place that suits the work requirements.
