How your office can improve employee engagement

The most successful businesses pay attention to the physical working environment and the impact it can have on employee wellbeing. Engaged employees will be more productive and more likely to stay with the company. Instead of putting pressure on staff to work longer hours or achieve more with the same resources, focus on improving employee engagement to boost efficiency in a positive way.

A 2016 Gallup poll showed that just 13% of workers worldwide are actively engaged in their jobs¹. Furthermore, research from Steelcase has found a clear correlation between high levels of engagement and high levels of satisfaction with the work environment². It is impossible to underestimate the impact of the work environment on employee morale. According to Fellowes, a third (34%) of workers have admitted they have even considered moving jobs due to the negative impact of their work environment on their health³. Look for ways to strengthen employee wellbeing, relationship building and satisfaction by improving your office space.

Flexible working environment

According to Steelcase, 40% of workers say they don’t have enough informal spaces in their workplace². In an activity-based office, you don’t have one fixed desk location; instead, you choose your environment depending on your current task: perhaps standing up to work, sitting comfortably on a couch, concentrating in complete silence or brainstorming in a dynamic space? By offering diverse work environments in the office, you support different personality types as well as different roles in the company. It's an innovative approach that often leads to increased creativity, productivity and happiness.

Social spaces

It’s hugely beneficial for staff to have a breakroom where they can go to get away from their desks for lunch or a coffee. Having a dedicated space gives employees the permission they sometimes need to actually take this time for themselves, and research has shown that productivity increases when they do. Think about whether you can set up a few different social spaces so that employees can choose depending on their mood and what type of day they’re having: a canteen for socialising and eating, a quiet area for reading or meditating, and perhaps even a games room! Encouraging colleagues to socialise, in and out of the workplace, improves employee relations and morale.

Collaborative working areas

Similar to the need for social spaces, collaborative working areas give employees a place to work together in a more relaxed setting leading to impromptu meetings and brainstorming sessions. They can provide an opportunity for colleagues from different teams to mingle and inspire creative ideas that otherwise would never have had the chance to develop. Collaborative office furniture is ideal for the new human-centred workplace and will facilitate better social interaction as people seek more meaningful connections at work.

Active office furniture

We are all becoming more aware of the negative effect that sitting for long periods of time can have on our health and, with long hours spent at our desks during the working day, many people are worried about how to change this part of our lifestyle. One of the biggest recent developments to address this problem is active office furniture. This includes standing desks and active chairs designed to encourage staff to stand or keep moving throughout the day. Sit-stand furniture encourages greater levels of activity, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity as well as musculoskeletal problems, such as back and neck pain. Standing at work has also been linked to increased productivity, greater levels of creativity and improved mood. Good ergonomics in the workplace are an essential part of employee wellbeing, after all, healthy employees are happy employees.

Acoustics

High noise levels are one of the biggest complaints that employees have about their workplace. Noisy workplaces have been shown to negatively impact productivity, reduce concentration levels and increase stress. Look into acoustic solutions such as desk screens, acoustic wall panels and ceiling hanging panels. These are designed to reduce noise reverberation and, consequently, overall noise levels. Reducing surrounding noise levels creates a more welcoming environment for staff and clients alike.

Of course, it’s not just the physical office environment that affects employee morale and engagement, it’s the company culture that you create. In addition to a more flexible, staff-oriented office, consider introducing flexible working hours, company socials, and benefits such as free sports classes or gym membership. All of these things will make your employees feel valued and increase engagement and, subsequently, productivity.