Third spaces draw people in and encourage them to take a moment (or two or three) to pause from work, and this act of slowing down allows for chance interactions between co-workers, encouraging socialization and connection. Meet Minneapolis in Minneapolis by DLR Group. Photo by Brandon Stengel.

Today’s unprecedented talent shortage is compelling businesses and other organizations to get serious about employee attraction and retention. The current war for talent is amplified by a strong economy and a growing number of Baby Boomers nearing retirement age. Within this highly competitive landscape, the workplace can be a strategic asset that distinguishes an organization as an exceptional employer. For many employees, the physical work environment ranks among one of the top factors that influence their decisions to join a specific company.

As workplaces look to attract and retain the best and brightest, companies are turning to design to help differentiate their work environment, focusing on an increased understanding of the demographics and values of employees to home in on the most valued amenities. These amenities can range from on-site food and entertainment options, to pet daycare, to free parking; yet, amid all these amenities is one key factor that remains at the forefront of much of today’s workplace design: a need for human connection. Though younger employees represent a generation that grew up with social media and are adept at collaborating virtually, there’s still a strong desire to build face-to-face relationships and cultivate in-person connections. In short, people need people, even if they don’t think so.

Drawing Employees to the Office

The work environment of 2050 will look vastly different than it does today. Telecommuting offers employees an alternative to working in a traditional office setting. This trend combined with the number of hours people now spend online means individuals are interacting in vastly different ways than they once were. Remote work and the traditional office will not exist in the same way, and though there will be scheduled time for co-workers to come together as a team, bosses will trust that employees are completing work even if those employees are not in the physical office. Knowing that our future workplaces present a greater emphasis on virtual communication, how can workplace designers create physical spaces that encourage face-to-face interaction and speak to our innate need for human connection?

Many view the workplace as a second home, so employees are drawn to comfortable environments where they can work, socialize, and simply be themselves. Engaging workplaces integrate connection points and collaboration zones where people can interact with their colleagues. Designing a space that attracts (and retains) employees means creating an office that draws those employees back to the office. Quite literally, a magnet workplace where employees who might otherwise work remotely from home or in a coffee shop, choose to come and spend their day. There are already examples of this in co-working spaces like Fueled Collective, which undoubtedly blurs the lines between office and social venue.

The Magnet Workplace

How can workplace designers create a magnet workplace that attracts employees? For one, the space should make people feel good. Biophilia, landscape or nature views strongly impact productivity and behavior, and studies have shown that being surrounded by nature improves both physical and mental health. While a rain forest in the office is unrealistic, a more practical approach is a space that is tactile and has ample quality daylight. Living walls combined with natural materials bring a sense of the outside into the work environment. Biowalls used in conference rooms and other spaces that have high occupancy provide “home-made” oxygen and create a healthier workplace.