Creating a supportive and inclusive learning culture enhances job satisfaction and motivation. To achieve this, your physical workspace should cater to your team's diverse needs. The shift towards remote working has accelerated the need for organisations to adapt to new technologies and ways of working. Embracing a learning culture that fosters a positive attitude towards change is essential for thriving in this dynamic environment.
Here are some strategies to promote a learning culture through workplace design:
Presentation Zones
Designate areas for hosting events and presentations to facilitate knowledge sharing among colleagues, clients, and external partners. Integrate AV equipment for video calls and use whiteboards or writable walls for brainstorming sessions to ensure participation from both in-office and remote team members.
Consider tiered seating for clear visibility or flexible seating arrangements that can be reconfigured. Thoughtfully placed sockets can prevent charging and connectivity issues.
Project Rooms
Every workplace benefits from creative spaces dedicated to brainstorming, problem-solving, and pitching ideas. These agile environments should allow teams to collaborate or individuals to focus.
Equip these rooms with movable desks, tables, and whiteboard carts to adapt the space to immediate needs. Multipurpose whiteboards are perfect for displaying documents, visualising concepts, and aiding in presentations. These can be portable, free-standing, or wall-mounted and can be moved into larger office spaces if required.
To minimise noise disruption, consider using acoustically sound glass fronts, textured wall panels, and ceiling baffles to prevent sound reverberation.
Private Booths
Private booths can help shield employees from distractions and support various tasks and personality types. These booths can be used for video calls, webinars, or group discussions, offering privacy in an open-plan environment.
Booths can include power points, floating desks, complete furniture packages, and AV equipment, depending on your organisation's needs. Design options range from subtle to statement pieces or even wholly bespoke solutions.
Work Cafés
Spontaneous interactions can spark ideas and solve problems, fostering a strong community culture. However, they are challenging to replicate virtually.
These experiences will shape our needs and expectations as we return to the office. Work cafés transform traditional corporate cafeterias into dynamic spaces for refreshments, collaboration, focus, and relaxation. They provide a place to step away from the workspace without leaving the office.
Boardrooms
Client-facing meeting rooms should offer acoustic privacy, necessary technology, and ample space for movement. Boardrooms are often the heart of a workplace, where crucial discussions and decisions occur. Therefore, they should authentically reflect your organisation's values.
For instance, our boardroom features a large worksurface for technical drawings, design mood boards, and fabric swatches. Careful space planning ensures easy navigation, good screen visibility, and adjustable lighting to support various tasks.
Integrating software like Microsoft Teams Rooms can seamlessly connect individuals across a hybrid workplace. Consistent training ensures everyone can quickly start or join meetings, share ideas, and collaborate regardless of location.
LinkedIn recently reported that technical skills have a relatively short shelf-life of less than five years. Digital skills can provide new ways of working and enable individuals to perform their jobs more efficiently. With 90% of emerging jobs requiring digital skills, ensuring access to relevant software and training can reduce stress, boost productivity, and give your business a competitive edge.
