Workplace Strategy: What Is It?

Whether you’re looking into an office overhaul with your growing company or starting from scratch with a new company, you’re bound to come across the term “workplace strategy.” So, what does that mean? Who needs it?

Workplace Strategy 

Workplace strategy, simply put, is the consideration of how the physical office environment affects the company’s business strategy, goals, and culture. Although it’s gaining more attention now, it’s actually not a new concept. The 1995 book Workplace By Design talks specifically about how office design and business strategy go hand in hand. We’ve known for a while about this connection, so why are we only hearing about it now?

Employee Experience

The biggest reason that workplace strategy is “trending” has to do with the realization that maximizing the employee experience has the most positive impact on the company as a whole. As it turns out, making sure employees are happy and healthy at work increases their productivity…who would have thought? There are many studies on this! Plus, it’s the best way to attract AND keep top talent. Work is no longer just about a paycheck. Employees want to feel a sense of contribution and meaning in their jobs. They want a social connection with others (emotional health) and ways to stay healthy while working (physical health). Workplace strategy is a way to create an employee experience that has the best return – better performance. Essentially, it’s a win-win situation. Much more than just a trendy idea, it is a wise investment. 

Components

Workplace strategy encompasses many parts of office life as it relates to enhancing the bottom line, but several key areas are:

• Desking/Seating – does your company benefit from people working together and sharing ideas? Do you need meeting areas? Private spaces for focused work? 
• Location of Social/Communal Areas – do you have a cafeteria or employee lounge? Where should it go? What about a copy or printer room? 
• Active Furniture – most people benefit from active working options like sit-to-stand desks and ergonomic accessories. 
• Technology – what networking needs does your company have? How is everyone connected?

Putting It Together

Workplace strategy is about looking at your company as a whole and making choices about the office design, layout, and furnishings to best suit your goals. Today’s office is a mix of well placed collaborative space and private areas. Employee lounges are a nice perk with the added bonus of being a casual place to share ideas. Active furniture keeps people moving, creative, more engaged. This type of flexibility and intentional design is usually the result of a good workplace strategy. The subtleties depend on each individual business and their unique needs.

Businesses of all sizes can benefit from workplace strategy, and it’s worth consulting with a professional before making decisions about your office space. ROSI is here to help! We will take you through the process step by step, considering all aspects of your business before coming up with a custom workplace strategy. Contact us today for a free consultation!