Gensler today announced the results of its U.S. Workplace Survey 2016, finding that optimal workplace design is a key driver of organizational innovation. Gensler 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, and found that a high-performing workplace—one that prioritizes both individual and group work—creates an ecosystem of innovation across organizations and is a crucial predictor of how innovative an employee sees their company to be.

In a survey of more than 4,000 workers across 11 industries, Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm, 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 when and where best suits their work needs.

“We are seeing that workplace design is a critical part of truly innovative companies’ success. On average, employees at innovative companies have better-designed, more functional workspaces that unlock creative potential,” says Diane Hoskins, co-CEO at Gensler. “Employees truly flourish when they have room to not only collaborate but also have space to focus, and are empowered to work when and how they work best—both within their workplace, and in other locations outside it.”