The Gensler Workplace Survey Report 2016 is out and the findings make for very interesting reading.

More than 2,000 Americans, who work in offices, took part in the Gensler Workplace Survey 2016 and it was found that “90% of the survey respondents believe that better workplace design and layout result in better overall employee performance.”

So how do we get the best out of our employees?

What are the keys to engaged and happy workers?

These questions are vitally important as we spend, on average, 74% of the week in the office!!

Our checklist is comprised of some of the findings from the Gensler report and some of our own to give you the keys to provide a great workplace environment to achieve peak performance.

1.     Be appealing by providing options

  • To satisfy the needs of different groups of workers, organisations must offer a range of workplace options.
  • We have moved away from the closed-off, cubicle-style way of working. Today we should be incorporating interactive spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity and innovation.
  • It is important to provide a variety of workspace options and give choice to employees.

2.     Place priority on factors that are important to employees, these are:

  • Utilising technology.
  • Ergonomics are critical.
  • Workplace layout.
  • Working closely with co-workers.
  • Having a healthy workplace.
  • Feeling safe in the workplace.
  • Workplace flexibility.
  • Communication with others including upper management.

3.     It all comes down to design – Get the layout right

  • Look at ways to minimise noise.
  • Ensure easy access to resources.
  • Foster collaboration – engaged people are innovative people.
  • Provide options for privacy, relaxation and independent work.
  • Deliver ample storage space so areas don’t become cluttered.
  • Meeting/team spaces should be suitable for the company’s needs and relevant to how many staff will actually be in there at any one time.
  • The layout should allow for areas where staff, who may not necessarily interact on a daily basis, do come together/ run into one another.
  • Plan for company growth.
  • Ensure the work space is well lit, including natural light.
  • Allow for fluidity, such that staff do not have to work at the same work space each day.
  • Incorporate sustainability options.
  • Provide a healthy workplace.

4.     Attract & retain employees

  • Providing a well thought out work space that actively engages current employees will be enticing to new employees.
  • Ensure a healthy workplace.
  • Be inspirational.
  • Show appreciation and acknowledge accomplishments.
  • Display confidence.
  • Create a sense of belonging and team culture that will appeal to a range of workers. We are now getting multi-generational workplaces.
  • Create a setting that empowers people to work together.

No two business are the same and there is no one set style that is ‘right’.  By giving greater thought when it comes to the workplace design, however, you will have a competitive advantage and be getting the very best out of your employees.