![\"Open](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1776877113\/25-0262860.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOrganizations are ramping up investments in the workplace, but most employees aren\u2019t feeling the improvement \u2014 yet. In the past year, 21% of employees say their primary workspace was
\nupdated, according to recent Steelcase research, yet when asked to give their overall workplace a grade, they only give it a C.<\/p>\n
The issue: Many offices fall short because they don\u2019t offer a range of spaces that truly support how people work or foster the sense of community and belonging that draws them in.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The global study of almost 5,500 office workers examined how workplace design impacts people\u2019s performance and wellbeing. A key finding \u2014 and opportunity for improvement \u2014 is that employees do not feel their workplace is highly effective in supporting the essential work activities they do every day: focus, collaborate, socialize, learn and rejuvenate.<\/p>\n
The data shows that while offices offer some support, it isn\u2019t enough to fully meet employees\u2019 needs. The research also points to what will make a difference. When people have a range of spaces dedicated to the different types of work they do throughout the day, they perform and feel better. These spaces, designed as zones or \u201cdistricts,\u201d support a primary way to work (i.e. focus, collaboration, etc.) but can also support other behaviors. They offer people a variety of ways to work, based on the tasks they need to do and their preferences.<\/p>\n
When workplaces have 3 or more districts dedicated to different types of work, people experience better work outcomes.<\/strong><\/p>\n Steelcase research found that employees with access to a variety of spaces* experience:<\/p>\n * 3-5 workplace districts<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Employees with access to 3 or more districts report stronger outcomes in key areas, such as engagement, which, in turn, impacts performance, such as productivity. But most employees lack meaningful choice in where and how they work. Globally, only 37% report access to three or more districts; 63% report access to two or fewer, according to the research. While availability varies, the broader pattern is consistent: most offices offer a limited set of environments to support the range of activities people perform throughout the workday.<\/p>\n Creating a workplace with a diverse range of spaces or districts is an essential part of the Community-Based Design<\/a> approach that Steelcase uses for its own workplaces.<\/p>\n We think of employees as members of a community at work, and we need to design workplaces for them that address how they actually work \u2014 their rhythms, their challenges and their moments of connection,” says Meg Bennett, Steelcase global design principal. \u201cWhen we design spaces to respond to these patterns, we draw inspiration from vibrant cities where a diversity of places \u2014 retail, homes and public spaces \u2014 coexist to support the needs of a thriving community. Similarly, in the workplace, we create an ecosystem of spaces that reflect the different ways people work. These environments enable people to build trust and drive meaningful progress together.\u201d<\/p>\n Community\u2011Based Design is grounded in research that shows how vibrant neighborhoods evolve and thrive over time. Communities with diverse, mixed\u2011use spaces naturally foster relationships, belonging and shared purpose \u2014 much like a city that grows stronger as its people interact, support one another, and co\u2011create its future. Bringing these urban\u2011planning principles into the workplace can help employees build trust, strengthen community and work together more effectively.<\/p>\n Steelcase research found that employees with access to a variety of spaces* are:<\/p>\n * 3-5 workplace districts<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Organizations have an opportunity to make research-backed improvements to their workplaces that give people what they need to build trust and work better.<\/p>\n Discover how common underperforming spaces can be transformed into places where people can maintain their attention, think creatively and feel a sense of community. See below the BEFORE + AFTER<\/strong> transformations.<\/p>\n .<\/span><\/p>\n Transform a single, large conference room into multiple spaces where people can collaborate, focus, rejuvenate and socialize.<\/p>\n .<\/span><\/p>\n A single large table or other more formal furnishings don\u2019t easily adapt to support different types of collaboration or diverse work activities. Large enclosed meeting spaces often use drywall, which is costly to reconfigure.<\/p>\n A standing-height table and integrated monitor encourage movement, connection and make it easy to share content in the open plan. Flexible architectural products allow for easy reconfiguration and can create a mix of open and enclosed spaces.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Large, formal boardrooms can feel intimidating, often discouraging people from speaking up or fully engaging. In contrast, smaller, more welcoming spaces create a sense of comfort and equality that encourages participation. These spaces make it easier for people to interact naturally, share ideas and collaborate openly, while also supporting a wider range of work activities and team dynamics.<\/p>\n .<\/span><\/p>\n Beautiful spaces often sit empty because they lack what people need to get work done, and people feel uncomfortable in spaces that are too open.<\/p>\n .<\/span><\/p>\n Without screens, people can feel exposed which can make it harder to have a conversation, relax or focus. An absence of markerboards or video displays limits collaboration.<\/p>\n Stool-height, lounge and perch seating offer relaxed posture options which promote movement, helping to spark greater creativity and new ways of thinking. Integrated technology and markerboards let people share content during brainstorming sessions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This lounge setting makes it easy for people to come together for both scheduled and impromptu meetings and encourage spontaneous conversations, relationship-building and idea sharing. This helps teammates feel more connected to one another and the organization. It enables people to solve problems together \u2014 and in doing so, build and strengthen trust.<\/p>\n .<\/span><\/p>\n Many caf\u00e9 spaces offer basic hospitality and are used primarily for brief interactions or dining. It\u2019s functional but not inspiring.<\/p>\n An uninspiring single purpose space fails to draw people in, remaining empty most of the day. Limited seating options and furniture do not support socialization or allow people to use the space for collaboration and individual work.<\/p>\n Lockers give people a place where they can start their day and safely store their belongings. Steelcase research shows the presence of social hubs can increase engagement and belonging by 10%.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This vibrant hub blends the comfort and energy of a caf\u00e9 with the functionality of a workplace. As more organizations move to shared workstations, this space supports people\u2019s new routines. At the start of their day, it provides them with a place to store personal items, grab a coffee and socialize. It also draws people together throughout the day \u2014 for casual conversations, dining, See how underperforming spaces can be transformed to boost focus, connection, creativity and wellbeing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37261,"featured_media":169827,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"topic":[14234],"class_list":["post-169843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-hybrid-work"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\nMore choice, better results<\/h2>\n
\n
Designing for the full workday<\/h2>\n
\nThe impact on employee experience<\/h2>\n
\n
Changes that matter<\/h2>\n
The Underused Conference Room<\/h2>\n
\n![\"Conceptual](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/v1784542335\/26-0268782.jpg\")
What\u2019s not working:<\/strong> Large conference rooms account for nearly 60% of all meeting space, but 80% of meetings involve only one-to-three people. These more traditional rooms occupy a lot of real estate yet often sit empty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Workplace](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1784542342\/26-0274586.jpg\")
What to do:<\/strong> Shift from a single enclosed space to multiple workspaces that support a range of activities, giving people more choice and control over where and how they work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nBefore<\/h3>\n
After<\/h3>\n
How it helps create community<\/h2>\n
![\"Steelcase](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1784543422\/26-0273719.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
The Low-Performance Lounge<\/h2>\n
\n![\"Modern](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/v1784543623\/25-0252417.jpg\")
What\u2019s not working:<\/strong> Lounge spaces become underutilized when they lack key performance elements, like technology integration and access to power. Humans unconsciously avoid spaces situated in open areas because they feel exposed and vulnerable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Illustration](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/v1784543767\/26-0273728.jpg\")
What to do:<\/strong> Add boundaries to create a sense of greater visual privacy and provide a display surface to make it harder working. The organic-shaped lounge provides varied seating options and postures for social, collaboration and focused work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nBefore<\/h3>\n
After<\/h3>\n
How it helps create community<\/h2>\n
![\"Flexible](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1784543184\/26-0273720.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
The Blas\u00e9 Caf\u00e9<\/h2>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1769203517\/26-0268790.jpg\")
What\u2019s not working:<\/strong> Furnishings support conversation, but don\u2019t encourage lingering or collaborating. Storage space takes up a larger footprint that could be used to promote more connections.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1769203580\/26-0268791.jpg\")
What to do:<\/strong> Create a versatile caf\u00e9 that provides a welcoming touchpoint and encourages chance encounters that can build trust and culture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nBefore<\/h3>\n
After<\/h3>\n
How it helps create community<\/h2>\n
\nfocused work or impromptu collaboration.<\/p>\n![\"Steelcase](\"https:\/\/images.steelcase.com\/image\/upload\/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024\/v1784544125\/26-0273721.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n