The way companies design physical environments is a direct reflection of their values and beliefs. Inequality is hardwired into the “standard” office layout, with perimeter offices and fixed desks offering limited settings for unstructured collaboration and recreation, further perpetuating the issue. Modern office design often favours extroversion and emphasises a hierarchy with values that benefit only a small portion of the overall workforce, contributing to organisation-wide imbalance. So how do we create more inclusive workplaces that can be leveraged as vehicles for change?

Building future-proofed work environments that value well-being, freedom of choice, and individualism for employees can help level the playing field and encourage progressive behaviour that ultimately benefits businesses. To establish a trajectory of positive, continuous change, the workspace must enable teams to push boundaries every day.

Business leaders and designers need to reassess on who workplaces are designed for, and what we want them to achieve for us – as individuals, teams and organisations. As workplace designers, we need to look beyond the challenges of today to the solutions of tomorrow to accommodate for the ongoing transformation of place, people and culture.

There are many ways that firms can go above and beyond to encompass health and equality issues, here are three areas to focus on first.

Harnessing the reason why

What gets your team out of bed in the morning? What drives them in their day-to-day routine? How are they inspired?

Understanding how culture, people and environment intersect is key to business success. There is no one route to achieving innovation in the workplace or creating the most desirable space to attract new talent. Sparked by the instantaneous gratification of an increasingly digital world, companies are often looking for the latest, quick-fix solution to their workspace challenges. What are competitors doing? What’s trending?

Businesses must switch focus to celebrate unique selling propositions and capitalise on competitive edge. If their people understand the bigger picture and what they are working to achieve, then they are empowered to drive towards a common goal. Creating purpose for people in the workplace by appealing to resolve and determination can have dramatic impact on productivity. This, in turn, benefits profitability and the ability to evolve.

By perimeter scanning and exploring internal processes, businesses can define their requirements ahead of rapid transformation. What are the needs of the future as a result of what is happening now

Functioning as dynamic melting pots, workplaces mimic the diversity of cities where a variety of different cultures and perspectives collide, stimulating innovation. However, while dense urban settings bring the benefit of access to skilled global talent, they bear the disadvantage of heightened stress coupled with strains on services – unless the design is thoroughly considered. Understanding why talent choose to work for you and how you can entice them to stay can positively inform these decisions.