The old office is dead.
There, we’ve said it. And it should be no surprise - after all, if you know DesignTonic, you know our commitment to creating amazing workspaces that are both human-centric and future-proof.
Things in the working world have changed - and not just because of the pandemic (though changing mindsets were definitely progressed and strengthened by Covid).
Modern commercial interior design calls us to create spaces with insight and intention; spaces which strive to get the best out of the people who inhabit them on a daily basis.
And that’s the focus which has changed over the past couple of decades.
Modern office design ethos in full effect at Mackenzie Stuart, by DesignTonic
Old vs New
Old offices were pure function. You knew you had to be there between certain hours, you knew your colleagues would be there between certain hours, you knew where your desk was. It was routine and performative, inefficient and unimaginative.
The focus was in the wrong place - bums on seats, not ideas in minds.
In their place, new, employee-centric workplaces have risen, sparkling spaces that bring a multitude of benefits to businesses.
Their happier workforces are more productive and innovative; less anxious and absent. Their healthier culture drives better fairness and a stronger sense of belonging. And inside them, colleague engagement thrives.
In short, these are environments in which we can all do our best work, every day.
But how to nail the brief on a great, employee-centric office design?
What does good work look like for your business?
It’s surprising how many businesses fail to grasp how the best collaboration happens within their culture - but of course, understanding this is the foundation to designing a brilliant office space.
So, before you do any planning, take time to delve deep into what powers the best days of your staff.
What path/s do they take when collaborating on their strongest ideas?
What does (or will) make them want to be in the office?
Spark healthy debates to gather their views, and explore options as a group so that staff feel heard, and valued.
The insights you gain will not only help you create the perfect space for your company, but will build trust and secure staff engagement with the change from the off.
Reshaping expectations
One thing the pandemic definitely cemented was a drive to hybrid working that was much-needed for individuals and families struggling to deal with a work culture demanding “9-5 and more” commitment.
We know the greater flexibility, freedom and balance of hybrid working has immense benefits to both your staff and your business.
So, while your new office should be designed to encourage people to want to come in, it will also recognise and provide for those who are working in between office and home, with the right types of spaces to support everyone and their tasks, wherever they might be that day.
Solo, Team and Community Spaces
And what kind of spaces should they be? While there’s no hard and fast rule dictating what your office “must” contain, if you work towards these three elements, you’re sure to create a design that wows and works in equal measure:
Solo Spaces
Solo spaces are stations that facilitate private, focused work; from desks (hot or assigned) to private phone booths for calls and complete task immersion.
Team Spaces
These are areas that bring your team together to innovate, ideate and plan. Booth seating, sofa spaces and meeting rooms are all good options - and it’s crucial to ensure that some of these places are set up for connectivity so that remote and internal teams can work together seamlessly whenever required.
Community Spaces
Whether these are places to hang out together - think breakouts, bars, cafes and fitness spaces - or places to learn together, like mini-conference rooms, community spaces are communal to all within your organisation.
An excellent example of Employee-Centric design IRL…
Wondering how all these elements could fit together in real life?
In our latest office design for Mackenzie Stuart, we were asked to take employee-centric design to a whole new level!
This exciting and progressive firm wanted something truly special - a workspace that won’t just keep their existing staff happier than happy, but also makes them the place to be for the hottest new talents.
Sleek black finishes offset by brand colour pops in plush, opulent fabrics create a luxe feel with plenty of intrigue, brightening and personalising the space in one fell swoop.
A cosy central workspace facilitates both solo and teamwork perfectly, and leads into the piece de resistance of this incredible office - the breakout!
One of our all-time favourites, this stylish space features a (very!) well stocked bar, pool table, Playstation zone and inviting, velvety banquette seating which is as useful for rest as it is for informal internal or client meets.
But what shines throughout this entire design is Mackenzie Stuart’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
Plentiful biophilia, joyful colour and enviable rest areas are just one element.
Committed to making life smooth and stress-free for staff, Mackenzie Stuart have combined really thoughtful (dry cleaning drop off/collection points, anyone?) and really statement touches - asking us to incorporate both a yoga studio AND a golf simulator on site to bring respite to the busiest of days.
A design we’re truly proud (and a bit jealous) of, and a brilliant example of Employee-Centric design at its best!
