Now, more than ever, employers are looking closely at what influences their results — to optimize every process and to make the most of their resources. One such influence is workplace design, which can play a large part in the productivity, morale and a company’s overall culture. But is it really that important?
Some experts argue that office design directly affects employee health, well-being and productivity within the workforce. From architecture and lighting to furniture and computer equipment, all impact the varying job functions that employees carry out on a daily basis.
According to the U.S. Workplace Survey 2016 by Gensler, one of the world’s largest architecture and design firms, optimal workplace design can be a key driver of organizational innovation. In fact, the company’s research uncovered a statistical link between the quality and functional make-up of the workplace and the level of innovation employees ascribe to their organization.
In the survey of more than 4,000 workers across 11 industries, researchers found that the most innovative companies provide their organizations with a diversity of well-designed spaces in which to collaborate and to focus, as well as empowering employees with the ability to work in a setting that best suits their work needs.
According to the Gensler’s Workplace Survey, the most innovative employees have the option to work in a wide variety of spaces to maximum effect — whether they need an individual space to focus or “open office” to collaborate and learn a new skill.
In this edition of the Business Magazine, we’ll explore some of the design changes that are impacting businesses today, such as the $23 million investment unveiled by Presbyterian Homes of Lake Erie, an affiliate of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, as well as how educational design programs, such as the Art & Industry Project, are bringing together educators and employers in a powerful way.
In this issue, we’ll also examine workplace safety and training topics that can benefit your organization. The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), for one, offers a variety of professional development courses tailored to contractors and OSHA compliance topics. To learn more, visit www.mbausa.org.
