Stay vs Go- Half the Space, Twice the Experience with Woodalls Design
In a post- pandemic world, where work and living spaces are becoming more combined than ever, the decision for companies to Stay vs Go in their workplace, has become more pressing than ever. Woodalls hosted an event for clients and industry experts alike, to explore case studies and innovative approaches to choosing whether to stay in your current space or move to a new location. Greta Kraitovite, Design Principle, Woodalls, lead the discussion with Simon Davies, bringing together Wanda Oliver (WeTransfer), Warren Elliot (Kantar) and Mariana Rodriguez- Beltran (Adevinta). They covered points including;
Finding your WHY,
Prioritising the people, and
Why staying isn’t the worst option;
Read on to discover what our thought leaders had to say:
Finding, and understanding your WHY
As workplace designers, the importance of finding your ‘Why’, cannot be underestimated when planning a project. Understanding ‘Why’ is the cornerstone of creating spaces that truly resonate with and support their users, whether they’re in five days a week, or just one. At Woodalls, we work with our clients to go beyond aesthetics and functionality to deeply understand the motivation for changing your space, and the needs of the people that will spend the most time inhabiting them.
One size does not fit all
When companies have lots of similar problems, it can often be interpreted to mean the same solutions will apply. However, one size does not fit all. Solutions must be tailored to a company’s culture, as well as its input-output rate and the purpose and goals of the organisation. With each organisation having its own identity, as Greta points out, “what works for one might not be effective for another”. Flexibility in the solution will future-proof your success and multifunctionality is key to achieving this. Customising your office design, whether a refurb, or a whole new space, to reflect your business priorities will guarantee that your workplace meets your requirements. At Woodalls, our experts are dedicated to achieving your goals and create environments that truly empower your employees to excel.
Prioritise the People
Think about the people that are going to interact in, and with the workplace and make the move about them. Consider their diverse roles, requirements and personalities and let this guide your design decisions. Ensure the environment caters to their work styles for maximum productivity and collaboration. If you want to get people back to the office, understand their pain points, and resolve them. Be people centric and understand what they are getting out of this change in workplace. At Kantar we drove a 30% increase in office attendance by getting to the crux of the businesses and the needs of their employees. Click here to read more.
Eliminate individual barriers
The physical environment can often be a limiting factor for individuals, having the power to impact their abilities if not designed with inclusivity in mind.
To eliminate individual barriers, we carefully consider inclusive design that promotes equality, inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of the workplace. Multigenerational workforces mean we must cater for Gen Z but also be considerate of other age groups. Our approach to inclusivity takes into account the needs of individuals across various age groups and embraces diversity in personality and team dynamics. It is crucial to address and remove any barriers or challenges that individuals from different backgrounds or with unique abilities may encounter.
Staying is not the worst option
We have the power of completing transforming your existing space, so it feels new and exciting. By reimaging the layout, with modern amenities as well as incorporating original elements, we can breathe new life into your workplace. Staying put allows you to build on the foundation you’ve established while experiencing the benefits of a thoughtfully redesigned environment that inspires and supports your employees.
With the audience invigorated, inspired, and thinking about their next projects, its time to wrap up. One thing remains prevalent, whether you're contemplating a move or considering a transformation of your current space, the ultimate goal is to create an environment that truly serves your organisation and its people.