Creating paths for chance meetings, including nooks, and designing agile, unique work spaces are solutions that designers say promote collaboration, creativity, and productivity in the modern office.
"In the last four to five years, we've all been focusing on sustainability and the impact technology has in an office ... Now there's a real focus on trying to maximize human potential, performance, and productivity." But what is productivity? It's no longer about sitting at your desk with your head down working all day.
Create paths for chance meetings
In the past, people used to have to sit at their desks if they needed to answer emails, but today, anyone can do that-or any other work-from anywhere. This means that, from a creative perspective, it's no longer necessary to make sure people are at their desks at all time ...
Build conference rooms directly in common areas
Instead of the boring walls that usually put people to sleep, glass walls in the middle of a busy area can help keep the mind awake ... People need to feel like they can go to a private area for a phone call or simply to work uninterrupted if they need to.
Create an agile workspace
"We're designing spaces today where every employee doesn't have to sit in a specific spot," ... agile designs make more sense because it feels more comfortable for employees. If you have a house, you go to the space designed for the task at hand instead of having to sit in one spot all day. This increases your movement, and creates an agile environment where people have choices, more control, and power ...
Have adjustable desks and conference tables
Research shows that sitting too much is harmful to our health and employers should be concerned about the health of their biggest asset: their employees. The solution to this problem is the adjustable desk, which is said to be a healthier alternative and can help people feel more alert throughout the day ... research also shows that standing meetings keep groups more engaged and less territorial than sitting meetings.
