Dive Brief:
- The physical space of the office ranks among the most important talent management investments, according to Talent Management.
- The article makes the case that office space design is at the forefront of driving both productivity and engagement. Unless they are telecommuting, employees spend a large part of their lives in the office.
- The challenge, according to the article, is that HR leaders and other talent managers are not quite sure what makes for the optimal office design required for collaboration and engagement, especially when it comes to younger workers who may not be comfortable with typical office setup.
Dive Insight:
The article outlines some key issues in creating the best possible office. Bottom line, there is no single answer, as what might work well for one employer will not for another. Often, the type of work being done can often dictate the design. Design experts in the article believe HR leaders should focus on three criteria for the best design: functionality, flexibility and beauty.
Among other ideas, the article mentions that two critical design elements are flexible workstation options and large amounts of natural light. But in the end, the article notes that collaboration between the employer and its designer – with input from the workforce at all levels – usually results in creating the best possible work environment.