The importance of design in creating a safe and motivating post-Covid workplace

Creating a safe, nurturing and motivating workplace is critical for a smooth transition back to the office. Many employees will have been away for more than a year. For some staff the return to the workplace will be exciting, for others it will be hugely anxiety provoking. The working landscape has also changed with many people preferring to work within their own home comforts, sometimes at the kitchen table, sometimes on the sofa or in the study. Making employees feel at ease doesn’t stop with the wellbeing team or by implementing social distancing measures and leaky bottles of hand sanitiser. Workplace design has a significant impact on wellbeing and productivity.

The luxury of choice

A multitude of options are required to match the needs of the individual and to allow people to flex between spaces and implement activity-based working. This could be through the introduction of more private individual working spaces mixed with collaborative, open spaces for people to interact, or even a whole re-think of the building setup. Businesses should look into how they can provide a range of spaces, for example, remote meeting rooms in out of city hubs. Spaces must still connect to the brand but can be spread geographically.

Think small, not big

We have been cooped up in our homes for a good part of a year and have become accustomed to our home comforts. Open-plan offices with rows of cold, hard desks scattered across large open spaces may feel intimidating and somewhat exposed and unsafe. Business leaders must make sure the level of comfort and privacy is increased to mirror the home working scenario people have been used to and in order to allow people to relax and enjoy the space they are in. This might be through the addition of private working or breakout spaces or lowering featuring lighting pendants so they hang closer to the user to create more intimate settings. Increasing soft furnishings such as rugs, cushions and drapes throughout the space can help to integrate warmth and a touch of home.

Colour

Colours can physiologically affect the way that we feel within a space and influence our mood. Green and blue are soothing colours, reds and pinks are motivational and yellow is stimulating. Colour affects us more than you may realise. Colour can be added to workspaces to suit all budgets. From the walls as a physical finish, or something a little more personal to the immediate workstation area, such as decorative items, plants, and artwork. Again, incorporating a blend of homely touches. Watch out for the more traditional ‘white-wash’ - white, grey and beige tones can often lead to feelings of sadness, discomfort and emptiness. Colour may also be used through soft furnishings, so overlaying comfortable areas with colours such as blue or green will add another level of comfort, balance and harmony.

Flora

Planting also has huge benefits when it comes to improving our environments and connecting us to nature. Greenery can cleanse the air, improve productivity and creativity whilst also reducing stress. Involving your team Now more than ever, it is so important to listen to your tribe. Listen to your people. Create opportunities for your employees to get involved - from how they are feeling about returning, to how they would feel most comfortable in their workspace. Gaining their trust and confidence in the approach will ultimately help them feel more comfortable and encouraged to return to work. Sometimes its key to listen more than we speak. This is undoubtedly one of those times.