A recent article from ITBusiness.ca’s Sep Barkhodae asks the question, “Can humanizing your workspace boost your employees’ productivity?” Barkhodae points out, “Office design has traditionally been left in the hands of finance, operations or office management. It’s been regarded as a kind of box-ticking exercise.” We at Office Space Planners understand it’s bigger than that. Office design is a project that requires a team of experts to get a final product that best serves employees and increases their productivity.
In his article, Barkhodae uses Google as an example of a company bucking the trend of the “traditional” office. It’s “human-centred” office design has sent engagement levels through the roof, he says. According to Barkhodae, “And it’s this human-centred office design that should be implemented in all offices now, with HR pulling at the strings to help drive up engagement levels in the business. Of course, mere mortal companies have nothing like the budget of Google and so they can’t be expected to replicate this, but there are many simple steps that organizations can take to create a more effective and human-centred working space. For example, research from the University of Exeter tells us that employees who get to have some input in the layout and design of their office are healthier, more satisfied and 32 per cent more productive. So, why not poll your employees for their opinions about what their office should look like, or have an online suggestion box and voting software system so employees can vote for the best ideas?”
While gauging your employees is essential, it’s imperative that you have the right people leading your office design project. At Office Space Planners, we have those people. Our team of experts has decades of combined experience and education in the areas of interior design, space planning, computer aided design, drafting, corporate office relocation management, project management, ergonomics and systems furniture. We work with a variety of clients who vary in size and purpose, including businesses in finance, leasing, high-tech, e-commerce, manufacturing, law, insurance, government agencies and more. Our services include analysis, commercial space planning, project management, and move coordination.
Taking a human-centered approach to your office design project doesn’t mean you have to forsake experienced designers and project managers. In fact, the two approaches are compatible. Ultimately, this is more than a “box-ticking exercise.” It’s an investment in your business’s productivity. Whatever office design needs you may have, your best bet is Office Space Planners!
