Let’s reconnect: How office design can encourage employees to return to the workplace

What comes to mind when you picture an office space? Maybe rows of desks, bright strip lighting, a handful of meeting rooms and a kitchen area that might leave a little to be desired. Up until now, most professionals were used to working a nine-to-five, Monday to Friday week in these sorts of environments, but with the onset of remote and hybrid working, we’ve become much more used to working in comfortable environments. These days it’s not unusual to see colleagues logging in from home, from coffee shops, or even WeWork spaces. However, as bosses are increasingly keen to get people back to the office, the workplace environment might need a rethink.

After all, if so many professionals have proven that they can produce quality work from home (where they don’t have to spend on commuting costs, or deal with challenging colleagues, to name just a few), it’s going to take a lot to convince them to come back in on a more regular basis. And these staff have the upper hand; we’re in a skills-short market at the moment, so bosses may have to work harder to convince employees to come back.

In a recent episode of our video series, Building Futures: Career Conversations, I spoke to Kate Paterson, associate architect at Ridge and Partners, who sheds light on the pivotal role that office design plays in fostering not only a successful work environment, but also one that makes people actually want to be there. Specifically, we discuss the following aspects that are impacted by workplace design and employees being in the office:

·      Face-to-face interactions

·      Inclusivity and wellbeing

·      Retaining talent

Recognising the impact of design in shaping a welcoming and productive workspace is crucial for success, so let’s explore the key points discussed in the episode that highlights its significance.

Face-to-face interactions

The value of connecting with colleagues in-person cannot be overstated. When working in the office you have the opportunity to share ideas with those around you, gain insights into different roles and departments, communicate quickly and effectively, and acquire valuable knowledge that you might miss out on when working at home alone.

Kate highlights that “deeper, strong relationships are created when you meet somebody face-to-face”, compared to those formed through a screen. This is emphasised by the work of Professor Bobby Duffy who agrees that “Development often comes from observing others and opportunities from chance connections made when people get together,”

“We all know that deeper strong relationships are created when you meet somebody face-to-face” – Kate Paterson

Inclusivity and wellbeing

To encourage employees to return to the workplace, it’s essential to create an environment where their needs are prioritised.

One such aspect is the layout of the workspace. Kate mentions that “having paths through offices that aren't straight lines so that there are spaces where naturally you stop, and you have a chat”, allows for serendipitous interactions and natural movement throughout the space. By incorporating open areas, employees can engage with a wider variety of colleagues, enhancing the sense of community within the workplace.

“There’s also great value in serendipitous interaction and about having paths through offices that aren't straight lines so that there are spaces where naturally you stop, and you have a chat” – Kate Paterson

Another aspect is lighting: office lighting is notoriously harsh and bright. Kate suggests that it should be adjusted to accommodate the needs of neurodiverse individuals who may find it overwhelming or uncomfortable. By adopting lighting solutions that provide a balance between functionality and sensory sensitivity, organisations can also align with the Net Zero carbon agenda – a win on both counts.

Staff retention

It is important to recognise that designing a building solely to impress clients is fundamentally different from designing a space that fosters strong relationships and employee satisfaction.

Creating an environment where people can better connect goes beyond the physical design. It involves boosting a culture of collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect.

The saying: “people don’t leave bad jobs; they leave bad managers and bad relationships” holds significant truth. I believe that the energy and the way you bounce off each other when you’re together is much more challenging when you're on screens. The absence of personal interaction often creates a disconnect and ultimately drives employees to seek better relational experiences elsewhere.

The quality of workplace relationships plays a vital role in employee retention. Thus, by providing spaces that encourage socialisation and effective communication, organisations can create a workplace that employees are proud to be a part of, where they can thrive both professionally and personally.

The physical workspace offers unique benefits that remote work cannot replicate. By prioritising these aspects, organisations can create an environment that empowers their workforce, bolsters collaboration, and drives success in the post-pandemic era. Harness the power of design and bring the workforce back to the office to unlock your organisation’s full potential.

Watch Kate’s full interview here, or explore more of our Building Futures: Career Conversations series to uncover more valuable insights shared by leaders in the construction and property industry.