When the office has a customized touch, it helps employees create a stronger, more meaningful connection to the workplace. It also fosters an atmosphere that attracts people to the office. In this month’s design news aggregate, we explore two key considerations in developing environments that inspire and engage today’s employees: personalization and thoughtful branding.
TOTAL PERSONALIZATION OF THE WORK EXPERIENCE
An article in Harvard Business Review recently stated that “we live in an increasingly personalized society,” and employers are making shifts to accommodate that desire. Some companies are allowing employees to write their own job descriptions. From tailoring the position to encouraging creative expression in the physical workspace, top companies recognize that a one-size-fits-all strategy is no longer the best approach. BDC Network adds to this viewpoint, highlighting personalization as a core strategy for companies to promote innovation.
Technology advancements also cater to this shift – Tech Republic, for example, notes that Amazon has announced new capabilities for the Alexa assistant, allowing for voice differentiation and better customization of the work experience. Moreover, with recent technology, one Amsterdam office building can change temperature and lighting settings based on staff preferences. Metropolis Magazine, meanwhile, discusses how architects and designers are studying workplaces in real time – using internet-connected furniture and other smart site elements to make strategic, data-based recommendations.
Bisnow shares that employee opinions are more important than ever in the office design process. Both employee input and careful consideration from architects and designers are needed to create for spaces that truly resonate with and support knowledge workers.
THOUGHTFUL BRANDING INSPIRES TODAY’S WORKFORCE
The development of thoughtfully-branded workplaces is closely associated with the movement toward personalization. Beyond allowing employees to have creative freedom in the office, architects and designers can develop settings that feel distinctively tailored to the organization.