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Transforming the office into an engaging workspace

News Article – 99acres

 

 

The look and feel of contemporary workplaces have witnessed a rapid transformation. Today’s workplaces are becoming increasingly trendier and aesthetically appealing. The good old conventional office setup featuring rows of chairs, desks, and identical cubicles is now being replaced by customized workstations.

For Generation Z, job satisfaction comes from experiential factors such as a delightful office environment wherein they are able to relax, socialize, and get reasons to stay excited about work. This becomes even more crucial for the Indian workforce which is becoming increasingly workaholic in nature. It is a fact that today people spend more of their time at offices than homes. Hence, it is vital for companies to emphasize employee wellness. With extensive work hours and demanding timelines, the need for customization of workplaces is being felt more than ever. It is important for companies to focus on workplace stress management among employees. The market demands are leading to workplaces where people feel refreshed and engaged even after long days of work.

Most of the world’s leading corporations are now setting the trend of bespoke workspaces that are employee-centric. While in the past, the emphasis used to be on utilizing every possible nook and corner of the office space for productivity-related needs such as placing the maximum possible desks and machines, today’s workplace designs take into account employee needs like rest and recreation as well. The employee-centric focus has led to many businesses transforming their offices to give their workers a home away from home.

The concept of experiential design integrates everything ranging from workstation design and cognitive control to the overall aesthetics of the office and health of the employees. Factors like ventilation, unobstructed movement throughout the building, and purification of internal air quality, etc. are in vogue. Some experiential ergonomic concepts include the following.

Custom Workstations: The experiential offices feature workstations and cubicles that offer customization according to employee preferences and comfort. For instance, their height and privacy are adjustable according to the creature comforts or privacy requirements of the end-user.

Alternative workspaces: Instead of maintaining uniformity, the concept of alternative workspaces consists of rooms featuring different themes and moods. There might be pastel tones with contrasting palettes and soft textures in common areas where a lot of activity is witnessed. On the other hand, conference rooms might feature walls with brighter colour combinations. Different seating arrangements: The good old rows of chairs and tables are no longer the ideal seating arrangement. Today’s workplaces offer a variety of seating options such as couches, bean bags, customized seating areas, and abstract desks that inspire and provide physical comfort throughout the extensive work hours.

Greenery: Integration of strategically placed indoor plants, desk planters, hanging planters, vertical gardens, etc. has become the hallmark of modern experiential interiors. Apart from enhancing aesthetics and enthusiasm, the plants also help maintain superior air quality indoors. This helps in boosting employee productivity and health. Breakout rooms: Modern offices feature breakout rooms on all floors which have relaxation and recreation facilities for the employees. It gives them vital time to relax, rejuvenate and socialize with others.

Cafeterias: Modern offices feature trendy cafeterias that serve food assortments designed keeping the health and wellness of the employees in mind.

Wellness: Modern offices, especially in large corporate houses integrate spaces like yoga and meditation rooms, gymnasiums, gaming areas, etc. that allow employees to unwind whenever they feel the need to get some ‘me’ time.

Offices around the world are welcoming this mindful transformation towards a futuristic workplace that evaluates the overall employee experience.