The design of an office is more than just an aesthetic consideration; it is a strategic element that can significantly influence employee productivity, well-being, and overall organisational performance.
With the rise of modern work environments and the growing emphasis on employee satisfaction, understanding how to measure the impact of office design is crucial for businesses aiming to create efficient and positive workplaces.
Why is office design so important?
Whether you’re looking to move to a new space or make changes to your existing office, numerous studies and case studies have highlighted the significant benefits of good office design:
- A study by the Design Council found that strategic office design can lead to a 20% increase in employee productivity.
- A 2019 study by Dell found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of UK office workers would consider leaving their organisation if their workplace environment didn’t inspire them to fulfil their role.
- A study by the American Society of Interior Designers found that those workers who liked their office environment are 31% more likely to be satisfied in their job.
- Research published in the Journal of Facility Management Education and Research (JFMER) showed that high-performance lighting can boost productivity by 6.7%, while natural light and window views can increase it by up to 12%.
- The Human Spaces report on the Global Impact of Biophilic Design found that integrating natural elements into the workplace can increase productivity by 6% and creativity by 15%.
Actionable Steps to Measure the Impact of Office Design
Measuring the impact of office design involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, from employee surveys to productivity metrics and health indicators.
We’ve highlighted the best ones below.
Employee Surveys and Feedback on Office Design
Design Comprehensive Surveys:
Create surveys that cover various aspects of office design, such as lighting, noise levels, ergonomics, temperature control, and overall satisfaction. Include both quantitative (rating scales) and qualitative (open-ended) questions to gather detailed insights.
Frequency of Surveys:
Conduct these surveys periodically, such as quarterly or bi-annually, to track changes over time and identify trends.
Anonymous Responses:
Ensure that surveys are anonymous to encourage honest feedback without fear of reprisal.
Follow-Up Interviews:
Complement surveys with follow-up interviews or focus groups to delve deeper into specific issues or suggestions highlighted in the surveys.
Action and Communication:
Act on the feedback received and communicate to employees the changes being made in response to their input. This not only improves the work environment but also shows employees that their opinions are valued.
Examples:
Google Forms/SurveyMonkey: Utilise online tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to create and distribute surveys efficiently.
Feedback Platforms: Consider platforms like Officevibe or TINYpulse, which specialise in gathering and analysing employee feedback related to workplace satisfaction and design.
Productivity Metrics
Define Key Metrics:
Identify key productivity metrics relevant to your organisation, such as output per employee, task completion rates, project delivery times, and quality of work.
Pre- and Post-Design Change Analysis:
Collect baseline data on productivity metrics before making any design changes. After implementing changes, continue to monitor these metrics to measure any improvements.
Productivity Software:
Use project management software like Asana or Trello to monitor task completion rates and project timelines.
Benchmarking:
Compare productivity metrics against industry benchmarks to assess whether improvements align with or exceed standard expectations.
Examples:
Asana/Trello: Implement project management tools to track task assignments, deadlines, and completion rates.
Time Tracking Software: Use time tracking tools like Toggl or Clockify to monitor how employees spend their time and identify areas for improvement.
Health and Wellbeing Indicators
Monitor Absenteeism:
Track absenteeism rates and reasons for absence (e.g., health-related issues) before and after design changes.
Health Surveys:
Conduct periodic health and wellbeing surveys to assess how employees feel about their physical and mental health in relation to their work environment.
Wellness Programs:
Introduce wellness programs that promote healthy lifestyles. This can include things such as yoga classes, mental health support, and regular health check-ups, and monitor participation and outcomes.
Ergonomic Assessments:
Regularly assess the ergonomic quality of workstations and provide training on best practices to prevent musculoskeletal issues.
Examples:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Implement EAPs to provide mental health support and counselling services.
Wellness Initiatives: Launch wellness initiatives like step challenges or on-site fitness classes and track participation and health outcomes.
Engagement and Retention Rates
Track Turnover Rates:
Monitor employee turnover rates and conduct exit interviews to understand if office design and work environment factors contribute to employees leaving.
Engagement Surveys:
Use engagement surveys to measure levels of employee engagement and job satisfaction. Include questions about the physical work environment.
Recognition Programs:
Implement recognition programs that highlight the importance of a positive work environment and reward teams for maintaining an engaging workspace.
Career Development Opportunities:
Provide opportunities for career development and growth, as employees are more likely to stay engaged if they see a clear path for advancement.
Examples:
Stay Interviews: Conduct stay interviews to understand why employees choose to remain with the company and how the work environment influences their decision.
Creative Output and Innovation
Idea Tracking:
Use tools to track the number and quality of new ideas generated, such as innovation management software (e.g., IdeaScale or Spigit).
Innovation Metrics:
Define and monitor metrics related to creativity, such as the number of patents filed, new products developed, or creative projects completed.
Creative Spaces:
Designate specific areas for creative thinking and brainstorming, equipped with necessary technology, whiteboards and comfortable seating.
Workshops and Training:
Conduct regular workshops and training sessions focused on creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Examples:
Collaboration Spaces: Establish collaboration spaces or creative hubs within the office where employees can work on new ideas and projects.
Creative Sprints: Organise creative sprints to encourage innovative thinking and collaboration.
To Conclude
By implementing these actionable steps, organisations can effectively measure the impact of office design on various aspects of employee performance and well-being.
This data-driven approach enables businesses to make informed decisions and continuously improve their work environments for optimal results.
Need help designing your office for optimal business performance? Get in touch with our team at info@constructivespace.com.
