Gone are the days when uninspired office spaces that lacked personality and didn`t support their workforce were the norm.

Today, and especially in a post-pandemic world, functional workplaces that breath a sense of humanity should be on the list of all forward-thinking organisations.

While most businesses have been reopening over the last couple of months and more and more office workers have returned to the office, we thought is the best time to discuss about the post-pandemic office landscape and why a human-centred approach is the most suitable for the current state of affairs.

As we look to the future, we see an opportunity to reshape the office so that the workers feel less anchored to it and more connected and supported by it, as facilities focus on hosting experiences that the isolation of the pandemic robbed from us all.

· What is Human-Centred Design?

Human-centred design is a creative approach to problem solving and it can be seen as a process that starts with the people you’re designing for and ends with new solutions that are tailor made to suit their needs.

Therefore, a human-centric workplace is one that revolves around its people and considers their specific needs.

Using human-centred design, we can apply the theory to crafting our workplaces, starting with intentionally taking into account the desires and pain points of employees.

· Why is Human-Centred Design So Important?

Human-centred design is a powerful way to understand evolving behaviours, preferences, and pain points and to focus efforts in the right direction.

By unlocking the user’s perspective, designers can build solutions that work well in our new reality – whatever that ultimately looks like.

When employees are frustrated by a workplace that doesn’t support their needs, productivity decreases.

That’s why a people-centred design will never be a “one size fits all”.

3 Steps to Achieve A Human-Centred Workplace

People want to connect with their organisation and their colleagues, and workplace design is perhaps the most powerful tool to achieve this.

Here’s how you can implement a human-centric approach for a happier office landscape in 3 easy steps:

1. Integrate Technology and Choose the Right Products

Electric Height Adjustable Desking System from Moventi

Technology has been reshaping work for decades, but it took a virus to change the office landscape overnight.

Shifting investments toward furnishings and tools that fit into existing floorplans can optimise space to embrace change.

These kind of adaptable solutions will meet rising expectations for autonomy, choice and user control.

Going for sustainable choices and ergonomic designs is high on the list when it comes to choosing new items for an office.

Among contemporary choices focused on human-centred design you can find:

· Collaboration furniture that encourages a sense of community

· Adjustable height desks and chairs that act as tools for our bodies to stay healthy on the job

· Modern cubicle workstations that offer privacy

· Acoustic furniture for noise control, taking into consideration the fact that some of the workers might need “the sound of silence” to focus

· Biophilic features to reduce stress and liven up the space

2. Focus on Flexible Office Layouts

Modular Soft Seating Pieces from Moventi

The layout of your office affects how people work and interact in it.

To encourage the needs of a human-centric workplace, your office should provide a good mix of shared and private focus pods, meeting rooms, discussion spaces and social ares.

Building social spaces around your office will establish and maintain the company culture and help employees feel a sense of purpose and belonging.

By providing areas that encourage people to interact, your office can help re-establish the connections that we all lacked during the pandemic.

3. Design Employees Programmes

The pandemic proved us that wellbeing should be high on the agenda when it comes to the workplace we all spend such a big part of our lives in.

Employees who feel overworked or stressed typically don’t deliver their best work.

That’s why implementing wellbeing programmes such as workout sessions or emotional counselling is so important to support a human-centric office landscape.

Team socials and any other encouraging ideas such as a dream board are all welcomed in a people-focused design scheme.

Conclusion

As we consider the value of workplace design and its impact on people, we must remember that it is not simply an aesthetic improvement or cost consideration.

It is also an opportunity to improve the quality of life, to foster collaboration and innovation and to enhance the organization’s growth and development.

Next Steps

The office as we knew it before the pandemic is a thing of the past.

If you recognise the need to adapt your workspace but aren’t sure how, our workplace specialists would love to help you find the right opportunities to move your business and your people in the right direction!

In fact, we’re currently offering a free 1-hour consultation with one of our workplace specialists to help you get the ball rolling. Complete the form below to get in touch and we can get your session booked in!