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In recent years, businesses have shifted from a ‘standard desk, chair and computer’ mode to embracing new real estate strategies aimed at empowering their workforce. Today, the office must not only support business goals but also engender adaptability and flexibility to keep employees engaged and motivated. However, crafting a performance-optimised workplace is more complex than it seems.
A truly performance-optimised environment transcends physical space. It's about creating a workplace that aligns with employees’ sense of purpose, reflects the company’s core values, and promotes meaningful engagement and connection among colleagues. With 59% of employees globally ‘quiet quitting,’ building an office that captivates and motivates teams has never been more crucial.
How Do We Define a Performance-Optimised Workplace?
Different perspectives exist on what defines a ‘performance-optimised workplace.’ For some, it’s about attracting and retaining top talent; for others, it’s synonymous with value creation and financial return.
At Studio DB, we believe that performance-optimised workplaces thrive where people, technology, and innovative design converge. These spaces are designed to meet today's demands and adapt seamlessly to tomorrow's challenges.
With the help of Studio DB, T&G Global was determined to take a unique approach from the outset, prioritising collaboration to design a workplace where people and the environment were central. The outcome is a vibrant, cooperative space that features sustainable finishes in an earthy, natural palette.
The Core Elements
Designing a performance-optimised workplace extends far beyond the physical space—it necessitates a culture of involvement where every employee actively contributes to shaping their future workspace.
These elements are not merely design tips; they serve as foundational principles to guide your approach. They offer a framework for thinking about how the office can best enable high performance for your teams.
Creating a performance-optimised workplace starts with a detailed design brief to ensure the office meets the business's needs and objectives. A design brief should address key challenges by asking:
At Studio DB, we use these questions to help our design teams create solutions that maximise performance and align with our client's goals. A thorough brief identifies critical requirements like occupancy, space types, storage needs, and space usage, while also considering future adaptability.
This is exactly what Studio DB was able to do for one of our Auckland clients. Their previous space on Queen Street had been unchanged for 20 years, highlighting the need for a location that better suited the organisation's needs. The move was driven by connectivity, continuity, and collaboration.
The new workplace design creates a sophisticated, warm, and welcoming environment with a hotel-like feel. Strategic use of colour and timber adds warmth and contrast, establishing a unique and appealing atmosphere for both employees and visitors.
A high-performance office relies on a clear workplace strategy, centered on spatial configuration. This strategy evaluates how often employees are on-site, whether working practices are fixed, flexible, or hybrid, and the variety of work modes.
Hybrid and flexible working have reshaped office interactions. JLL predicts that “by 2030, 30% of office space will be flexible”. Companies are reconfiguring spaces to optimise use and reduce costs. Businesses must review current space usage and address any friction points. Key considerations include:
The programme of events in a company is essential for productivity. Regular sessions like lunch-and-learns, town halls, brainstorms, and end-of-week wrap-ups keep employees well-informed and engaged.
The workspace should be designed to support these events. Businesses should use interior design to improve their event programme, incorporating dedicated areas or multi-use spaces. Many companies such as Roche, now use informal overflow areas for large events or central kitchen and coffee spots that also serve as meeting venues. Internal spaces with sliding partitions can be flexible, expanding for large gatherings or contracting for smaller meetings.
An office's effectiveness hinges on its users, making education a crucial yet often overlooked component of a high-performance workplace. This extends beyond initial onboarding to continuously updating employees on design features, etiquette, and evolving practices. Well-informed employees utilise the space efficiently, fostering productivity and collaboration.
Educating staff about design details, technological tools, and collaborative spaces ensures they can fully leverage the environment. This is particularly important in hybrid working models, where physical presence varies. Education can include simple informative materials or detailed onboarding programs that provide insights into office design.
Conclusion
Creating a performance-optimised workplace is about empowering your business from the inside out—it's about designing a space where employees can thrive. From detailed design briefs and optimised layouts to strong event programmes and continuous education, every element plays a critical role in achieving this goal.
Ready to transform your office into a performance-optimised environment? Contact Studio DB today and let’s chat about how we can help you create a workspace that drives engagement and business growth.
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