JDDK Millmount News Winter Edition 2023 DIGITAL S8 (SINGLE PAGES) - Flipbook - Page 22
W H AT’S T O P I C A L
No ‘one size 昀椀ts all’
Fostering 昀氀exibility, wellbeing and productivity
The home working experience gave employees time to re昀氀ect
on what environment they need to feel their best and work
most effectively in. If employers apply these considerations,
they can create a space which retains and empowers
the talent in their teams. We are working with clients to
understand their teams’ requirements and design a space
that suits the individual needs of employees, creating of昀椀ces
that rebuild a thriving work community.
Due to the changing preferences of the workforce, the
varying attitudes across generations, and vital diversity and
inclusion legislation, one of the key considerations to good
of昀椀ce design today is designing for 昀氀exibility. By 昀氀exibility I
don’t mean hot desking – this is widely being left in the past
as staff prefer a reliable space to call their own – 昀氀exibility
in the of昀椀ce means designing the space so it can be used in
different ways.
For me, designing so users’ preferences are taken account of,
is just ‘good design’, and it’s how we’ve always done things
at JDDK. But effective design in of昀椀ces relies on our clients
knowing their employees incredibly well, and wanting to
create an environment that works for them.
A building design with lots of 昀椀xed services and walls will
quickly become redundant, whereas open plan spaces that
utilise partitions with bookshelves and plants can easily
be transformed for different purposes. Whether you need
everyone at a desk or an event space for a company-wide
meeting, an open plan space with movable parts can be
changed quickly.
There are various features emerging as must-haves in new
and improved of昀椀ces, some of which have already been
implemented by forward thinking businesses.
• Lots of daylight and adjustable arti昀椀cial lighting help lift
the look and feel of of昀椀ce space. Movable partitions make
desks suitable for private and collaborative work.
• A mix of of昀椀ce and exhibition space helps staff 昀椀nd space
suited to their needs.
• Bike storage spaces and showers help facilitate the
record-high number of those cycling to work.
• Delis, morning rooms and yoga spaces have been enabled
by employers partnering with service providers.
• Noise pollution is being limited by the use of the soft
furnishings and acoustic walls.
22 Millmount. Winter 2023.
It was discussed throughout the Workplace Design Show
that learning through osmosis is also cultivated by an open
plan layout where interactions between colleagues are more
frequent. From an interiors perspective, it is worth avoiding
昀椀xed furniture, looking at how 昀氀exibly you can design services
and whether you’ll be able to change colours and accessories
easily in the fullness of time.
Most employers now recognise that investing in employee
wellbeing translates into a more productive workforce. This
shift has resulted in employers doing more to encourage rest
and play as well as work in of昀椀ces.
Wellness amenities like comfy spaces for a break away from
working, accessible landscaped outdoor space, increased
cycle hubs and changing facilities are all valuable assets.
Of昀椀ces designed for 昀氀exibility, to suit a variety of working
styles, will enhance wellbeing and productivity.