96 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 Workspace Variety in the Workplace Designing a more inclusive and universal workspace FEATURE In a world where workplace design is becoming more inclusive and universally driven, it’s important to consider the different needs of employees. The easiest way to do this is by providing choice and variety in your workplace. By doing so, you allow your employees to choose the setting that works best for them. This need might change on a day-to-day basis based on the task at hand. We all work differently. Some of us thrive in an open collaborative environment, and some of us need more focus. When we give people options to choose how they work, we see higher levels of employee engagement, innovation and returns. Collaborative Workspace As the office continues to change, it’s important to offer a variety of collaborative spaces. These range from meeting areas that support quick impromptu gatherings, to your traditional conference table. We all work and collaborate in our own unique way; therefore, we should design to accommodate these various styles of work. Flexible lounge seating might work best for one group, while a standard table and chairs works best for another. Providing a variety gives teams the ability to choose the work setting that fits their current needs. However, there is one common thread between these various spaces – the need for integrated technology. No matter the space, teams should have the ability to plug and play. We also want to give internal team members the ability to connect with those team members working remote. Individual & Focus Workspace Although collaboration with coworkers is extremely important, it’s also crucial to have spaces that support An example of a community hub created by Design Collaborative. focus on individual tasks. These single-seating areas provide an area of refuge. They can also offer a variety of privacy needs, from semi-private to a totally enclosed enclave. This variety allows users to choose the appropriate space that meets their needs for the task at hand and their style of work. These spaces support focus and reduce distractions. When creating individual spaces, also consider adding a few private offices that can be used on demand, by all. These spaces can also be mobile and have the ability to be located near windows for better connection to the outdoors in the workplace. Lauren Elliott Senior Associate Design Collaborative lelliott@designcollaborative. com Design Collaborative is an associate member of the Indiana Bankers Association.
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