The design of an office is more than just its appearance, I believe it has a significant impact on how employees feel, think, and work. Workers develop an understanding of their organization’s identity from the environments in which they spend each day, becoming knowledgeable about the company’s beliefs and values.
As Deborah E. Pratt, an expert in organizational psychology, notes:
“Employees become cognizant and emotionally connected to their company through the visible, physical, and tangible elements they encounter. A thoughtfully designed office, therefore, serves as a tangible representation of the company’s identity (…) for employees to grasp and interpret.”
Research in environmental psychology has demonstrated that the physical environment plays a crucial role in human behavior and overall well-being. For instance, one of the studies revealed, that employees who had influence over the design and layout of their workspace were up to 32% more productive and experienced higher levels of well-being compared to those who had no say in the design.
Companies establish a collection of principles and a purpose statement that acts as an ethical guide directing the internal conduct and decision-making procedures of a company. Businesses aim to display these internally ingrained identity elements through the layout of their workplace. Office design, in this way, is a form of communication.
A study by Gensler, revealed that 70% of workers consider the workplace a significant factor when evaluating a job offer. This highlights the growing importance of office design.
Take a look at the most popular corporate values and how they translate into office design.
Transparency and openness
Transparency is a core value for many modern companies, representing honesty, communication and trust. To mirror this value, office designs often include glass walls, open floor plans and common spaces. These features not only facilitate open communication and collaboration, but also create a sense of inclusion.
PRACTICAL TIP: Replace opaque barriers with glass partitions and design open-plan layouts to encourage interaction and transparency. Make sure common spaces are centrally located to serve as hubs for spontaneous gatherings and exchanges.
Innovation and creativity
Companies that prioritize innovation and creativity benefit from spaces that encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
PRACTICAL TIP: Include flexible spaces that can be easily reconfigured to suit different activities and creative workflows. Use vibrant colors, unique furniture and artwork to spark creativity and provide areas for people to brainstorm and relax.
Well-being & sustainability
Biophilic design communicates a dedication to employee well-being and environmental sustainability by integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and sustainable materials into the office environment. This signifies the company’s commitment to promoting employee health and environmental responsibility.
PRACTICAL TIP: Maximize natural light through large windows and skylights. Introduce indoor plants and use sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled wood in the office decor. Create quiet zones with comfortable seating and access to greenery for relaxation and mindfulness.
Diversity & inclusion
Creating environments that embrace diversity and inclusivity means establishing areas that meet a range of needs and preferences. This might involve implementing gender-neutral restroom facilities, designated spaces for prayer, and workstations specifically designed to accommodate a variety of body types and physical capabilities.
PRACTICAL TIP: Conduct surveys to understand the diverse needs of employees and design spaces that meet those requirements. Implement height-adjustable desks and chairs, provide quiet rooms and ensure accessibility throughout the office.
What it looks like in real life? Let’s look at examples of how global companies have created environments that not only look good, but also align with company values.
Airbnb, San Francisco
Airbnb’s core values of belonging, creativity, and community. The workspace includes themed meeting rooms inspired by actual Airbnb listings from around the world, creating a sense of connection and global community. Open communal areas and flexible workspaces encourage interaction and collaboration, mirroring the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and inclusion.
Google, Mountain View
Google’s headquarters, known as the Googleplex, values are innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. The Googleplex features open-plan layouts, numerous recreational areas, and spaces designed to foster creativity, such as themed meeting rooms and colorful, flexible workspaces. One of the key design elements at Googleplex is the emphasis on employee well-being. The campus includes extensive amenities like fitness centers, healthy dining options, and outdoor spaces, all aimed at promoting a healthy work-life balance. This commitment to well-being not only attracts top talent but also ensures that employees remain happy, healthy, and productive.
Microsoft, Redmond
The Microsoft campus reflects the company’s values of innovation, diversity and sustainability. The campus is designed to encourage collaboration and creativity, with open spaces, collaboration centers and advanced technology infrastructure. Microsoft has also prioritized sustainability in its design, with energy-efficient buildings, extensive use of natural light and green spaces. Inclusive design at Microsoft is evident in features such as accessible workspaces, gender-neutral bathrooms and quiet rooms for focused work or relaxation.
You can now think about how to reflect corporate values through office design. You can do this during the design process for a new office space, but also very easily, at any time, just by adding branding elements or artwork.
- Engage workers in the planning process: use surveys, workshops, or focus groups to gain insight into how employees imagine a workspace that represents the company’s beliefs and supports their work habits. This creates a feeling of ownership and commitment to the space, leading to increased employee contentment. By linking design with fundamental beliefs, organizations can establish a work environment that not only draws and retains talent, but also motivates and empowers employees to embody those beliefs in their daily tasks.
- Narrative through space: use the arrangement and usefulness of the space to communicate the company’s story. For instance, a company emphasizing teamwork might have an open floor layout with numerous shared areas, while a company emphasizing individual focus might incorporate private workspaces and quiet zones.
- Material selection: material choices signify more than just aesthetics, they also represent values. Eco-friendly companies may use recycled materials or natural elements like wood and stone, while high-tech companies may opt for sleek, modern materials such as glass and steel.
- Branding through design: integrate the company’s logo, color scheme, and brand messages throughout the office. This establishes a unified visual identity that reinforces brand recognition, not just for employees, but also for clients and guests.
- Art: select artwork that matches with the company’s values and mission. Local artwork can support a company that focuses on community, while thought-provoking installations can encourage innovation in a company that prioritizes creative problem-solving.
PRACTICAL TIP: When it comes to branding or art elements, plan their placement as early as the design development stage. This way you’ll avoid haphazardness, and you’ll be able to build some kind of story around these interior design elements, creating a comprehensive look & feel.
