It is common when designing a new workplace that the client or company can get caught up in the idea and excitement of an open-plan office or a ping-pong table in the break room, they lose sight of the bigger picture. A new workplace design must work for all employees, and align with the company culture, objectives and goals, however it is natural that without the right guidance and leadership of the design, mistakes can be made.
This month, Wurkspace 7 will be taking you through four of the most common mistakes that are made when the bigger picture is lost behind the excitement and anticipation of a new office. Starting this series is the number one mistake: Not listening to employees.
Not listening to employees
The biggest mistake to avoid when designing and constructing a new workplace is not having the appropriate amount of communication between you and your employees. Without speaking to the employees prior to commencing the design process, there will not be a clear understanding of their current and future needs.
Are you aware of your workplace’s design performance gaps? Determining what works, and what needs to be changed or improved can be very vague and hard to grasp if there is no communication to the main users of the space. Considerations that can be impacted from this lack of communication can result in the below:
- Environment: The lack of natural light, heating and power usage,
- Privacy: The lack of visual and acoustic privacy,
- Amenity: The lack of an adequate kitchen, showers or breakout space,
- Flexibility: The lack of room to grow or re-structure, and
- Interactvity: The lack of opportunities to meet colleagues in different settings.
Further to this, not including staff in the design process may disconnect their engagement within the company and affect their productivity.
Listening to the employees is critical when designing a successful workplace. This is because the employees are the main users of the space, and the back-bone of the business; if they are not heard and moved into an environment which does not motivate, encourage or assist in the way they work, the project may not be a success.
Are you ready to determine what your new design, fitout or new location should be for your business? Contact Wurkspace 7 today for an obligation free consultation.
by Natassja Wynhorst
