How can you design a workspace that promotes employee retention?

1 Consider your culture

Your workspace should align with your organizational culture and vision. Think about what kind of environment you want to foster: collaborative, creative, formal, casual, flexible, or something else. Then, choose a layout, furniture, lighting, colors, and decorations that match your desired vibe. For example, if you want to encourage teamwork and innovation, you might opt for an open-plan office with movable desks, breakout areas, and whiteboards. If you want to support individual focus and privacy, you might prefer a modular office with cubicles, partitions, and soundproofing.

2 Involve your employees

Your employees are the ones who will use the workspace every day, so their input and feedback are essential. Ask them what they need and want from their workspace, what they like and dislike about the current one, and what suggestions they have for improvement. You can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or workshops to gather their opinions and ideas. Then, try to incorporate their preferences and needs into your design, or explain why some changes are not feasible or desirable. By involving your employees, you show that you value their opinions and well-being, and you increase their satisfaction and engagement.

3 Optimize for comfort and health

Creating a comfortable and healthy workspace can improve your employees' physical and mental wellbeing, reducing absenteeism, turnover, and stress. To optimize your workspace for comfort and health, look into ergonomics, temperature, lighting, and air quality. For ergonomics, provide adjustable chairs, desks, monitors, keyboards, mice, standing desks, footrests, wrist rests, and other accessories that suit your employees’ heights, postures, and preferences. When it comes to temperature, maintain a consistent temperature that is not too hot or cold; use natural ventilation or insulation to regulate the temperature and save energy. Lighting should be adequate with natural and artificial lighting that is not too bright or dim; use windows, skylights, lamps or LED lights to create a pleasant environment that can boost mood and alertness. Lastly, keep the workspace clean and well-ventilated; avoid using harsh chemicals or allergens that can irritate eyes, nose, throat or skin; use plants, air purifiers or humidifiers to improve air quality.

4 Embrace diversity and inclusion

A diverse and inclusive workspace can create a sense of belonging, respect, and collaboration among employees while also attracting more talent from different backgrounds and perspectives. To embrace diversity and inclusion in your workspace design, accessibility should be taken into account by providing ramps, elevators, doors, signs, furniture that comply with the ADA standards, and assistive devices. Flexibility should also be offered by allowing employees to choose where, when, and how they work. Different types of workspaces such as quiet zones, social areas, or meeting rooms should also be provided for employees to use according to their tasks and moods. Representation of employees' diversity and identity should be reflected in the workspace by using art, photos, posters, flags, or symbols that represent their cultures, languages, religions, genders, or orientations. Furthermore, employees' work, awards or feedback can be showcased on walls, screens or bulletin boards.

5 Align with your brand and values

Your workspace should not only be a place for your employees to work, but also a place for customers, partners, and stakeholders to visit, interact, and form impressions. To ensure your workspace aligns with your brand and values while communicating your mission, vision, and personality, consider the following aspects. Incorporate a consistent color scheme, logo, font, style, and tone that match your brand identity and guidelines. You can also use signage, banners, or stickers to display your brand name, slogan or message. Additionally, use your workspace to tell your brand story and highlight your unique selling proposition or competitive advantage by using displays, videos or interactive elements that showcase your products or services. Furthermore, create a memorable and positive experience for visitors that reflects your brand promise and values by using music, scent or taste to create a sensory atmosphere or providing amenities or refreshments for a hospitable environment.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?