Refresh, Redesign, Re-engage

How an office redesign could mean savings for your company

Certain aspects of employee physical wellbeing are covered by the employer’s duty of care, which can range from an injury caused by a workplace hazard to high stress levels of overworked employees. Any and all aspects of employee’s work, and work environment would fall under an employer’s duty of care.

The idea that an employee’s physical environment enhances satisfaction, mood, and motivation is not a recent development. Investing in the aesthetics of the workplace is not only important for employees, but it can also help the company itself reflect their values to the wider community.

While an office redesign might be costly, it’s important to consider the savings that can be made by optimising the work environment.

1. Office renovations often allow for the implementation of new tech, which can help to improve communication, workflow and productivity.
2. A redesign is also an opportune moment to reconsider the spatial needs of the workforce, allowing for the use of less floor space, which is not only good for the budget, but can also have a positive impact on the environmental footprint of a company. Which can help you save money, stay competitive and become more efficient in the workplace.
3. 72% of employees believe their office environment has negatively affected their physical or mental wellbeing (Oktra, 2019). An office redesign is an excellent opportunity to reconsider how the environment is impacting the wellbeing of your employees. More natural light anyone?
4. You might be tired of hearing it, but Generation Z are set to revolutionise the world of work (sort of). They’re looking for more flexible work opportunities and a strong workplace culture. Creating a collaborative and flexible design with breakout spaces is a great way to revamp your company culture, motivate your team and improve the overall experience of your employees.

With 70% of employers having improved their physical environments for the purpose of encouraging healthy behaviours, it is clear that the aesthetics of the workplace can have a huge impact on employee wellbeing (Willis Towers Watson, 2016).

Personal Group Case Study

Personal Group’s Head Office in Milton Keynes hadn’t been updated since it was built, 20 years ago. There had been small amounts of decorative work and changes, but as Personal Group increased their headcount considerably during that time, the office was in need of a complete refurbishment.

Additionally, the company completely re-branded in 2015, yet the office colour scheme had not been updated to reflect this change.

Personal Group found Apleona to be the best fit for their needs, and their journey began with a series of interviews with employees to understand their needs, alongside the needs of the company. The focus during the design was to make better use of areas for hot desking, and to provide break out areas for informal meetings.

As the company grew it also became important to offer a space in which employees could relax, eat and generally get away from their desks. It’s still early days but staff are starting to make use of the different spaces available to them, and they have already received positive feedback from employees.

From increased productivity, to reduced rent, and much more, redesigning the workplace is a great investment in employees and profit alike. If you would like to know more about how to help your employees work Hapi, subscribe to our blog, or contact us today!