Great workplaces are driven by a shared vision—the blend of an organization’s culture and a strategy for how people can do their best work. This shared vision inspires people to thrive, and as a result their organizations thrive. Placing the wellbeing of people at the core can create a happier and more productive workforce, increasing the chances for people to succeed within the organization’s culture and “live out” the vision.
Within an organization’s workplace vision, many factors are in play, including the shift from employee wellness (fitness) to wellbeing (holistic health), equity and inclusion, technology and smart buildings, multiple generations, and visual branding and design aesthetics. Balancing emerging trends and key design issues is at the core of a well-researched workplace design—achieved through a continuous dialogue between the project owner/leader, user groups, designers, vendors, and builders.
Below, we share insights on four pillars for how to plan and design effective workplaces. These pillars can be used to establish a dialogue between your internal team members and your design team as you envision changes in your office space.