5 tips for creating a commute-worthy workplace

June 2, 2023 2:55 PM

While employers debate the best way to ask people to return to the office, there is one thing they can do now that will show they are committed to making a commute worthwhile: Have a comfortable, tech-savvy space that will wow employees every time they walk in.

Employers should take note that employees are agreeable to coming into the office not just for time with their team, but for individual work as well. Unsurprisingly, 86% of employees prefer to host meetings and collaborate in an office setting, but more than half also reported being productive with individual and creative work if they have access to private space within their company's workspace, according to a poll from Industrious. A 2022 workplace survey from Gensler reports that 83% of workers would be more willing to return to the office more regularly if their ideal experiences were met.

Curating a workspace is like designing a home; it should be well-planned, aesthetically pleasing and cater to the needs of the workers who use it. Further, when an office includes the elements that matter to employees, it increases their sense of value and belonging.

"It's beyond just the physical space; it's now blending functionality," says Ebbie Wisecarver, global head of design at office space leasing company WeWork. "You have to make a space that's not just beautiful, but functions for everyone."

Offering move-in ready spaces with flexible leasing options for employers who don't want a permanent footprint, Wisecarver and her team have seen first hand what a difference the right layout, amenities and furniture choices can make in the mission to bring employees together.

Regardless of industry, employees have strong feelings about what a low-stress, successful work environment looks like. Wisecarver shares some of the ways employers can modernize an office space and make employees excited to show up.

Invest in comfortable furniture

You didn't invest in a physical wellness platform so your employees could relieve back pain from a low-quality office chair. Offering a variety of furniture styles that are inviting and meet the needs of a diverse workforce, including all heights, weights and health conditions can make the difference between people fighting the call to come in, and feeling like a space was created with them in mind.

"Offices used to be this sea of desks, and we noticed a massive shift to bring a lot of soft, flexible seating solutions," Wisecarver says. "You don't want to pick a beautiful chair that isn't comfortable for everyone."

Keep spaces organized and uplifting

No one likes an ugly office. Adding elements such as art, plants, soft lighting and soft music in lounge spaces, and making sure that spaces are clean and ready for use enhances workers' moods and helps them focus on their work — not what they are missing by not being at home.

"You start to get in a place where you can feed off the energy," says Wisecarver. "It's very important that when someone comes in, they feel like there's a little bit of everything for them and they feel like they can find what they need."

Read more:

Why plus size workers are losing out on jobs and money

Make it inclusive

From signage for inclusive bathrooms to wide doorways and lower countertops for wheelchair-bound employees, or even a designated music room, looking beyond the standard office setup helps employees not only to function easily throughout their day, but highlights the culture of inclusion within an organization, says Wisecarver.

"We have meditation spaces, we have prayer rooms where needed, we have mother's rooms, we [make sure] that people can reach the coffee mugs," she says. "This isn't just for one type of person; we've gotten a lot of feedback on that and it's become a very important factor of the design."

Make every space tech-friendly

Whether employees are in a common space, a meeting room, a lounge area or a quiet nook, access to charging stations, good internet connectivity, and tech-friendly furniture make their transition to the office not just seamless, but enjoyable. Tables with built-in outlets, lap desks for computers and a reliable WiFi signal are small things that mean a lot when it comes to moving from one space to another within a workplace.

"The division between relaxed space and workspace has a crossover," says Wisecarver. "It's this interesting blend — you want to be able to go in and have a cup of coffee, but also plug your laptop in and be able to connect to WiFi and do some work. How do we take our spaces and have them play a dual role?"

Offer a variety of work settings

Collaboration areas, quiet spaces for heads-down work, and moveable partitions and whiteboards are just some of the ways employers can make office spaces cover all of their employees' workday routines.

"Conversation rooms with a sofa and side tables, rooms with high top tables and a whiteboard — these encourage people to express themselves," says Wisecarver. "[People] want a breakout space, they want to be able to access the buzz and excitement but feel private. It is so critical to helping facilitate connection, and making your day a little better."