Summary of the Gensler 2016 Workplace Study

Workplace StudyWhen one understands how, and where, employees get their work done, they are better able to create work places that improve performance and encourage innovation. For a decade, Gensler’s Workplace Study has cut through the noise to get to the root of what employees want. To fin out their needs in their workplace. To this end, the 2016 report has recently been released. Based on responses from over 4,000 office workers in 11 industries across the U.S., the report discusses how the work environment affects employee’s experiences as well as how workplace design impacts the entire organization. Following is a Summarize the Gensler 2016 Workplace study to help employers better understand this issue.

Background

According to Gensler, most of the workforce in the United States is disengaged. In fact, it is at least two-thirds of them, or a whopping eight out of ten. Despite the efforts of companies to incorporate new technologies and co-working trends, it’s estimated that up to 40 percent of the country’s workforce will be self-employed by the year 2020. These factors are compounded by the fact that the work environment often times stifles productivity and innovation. However, innovative companies are finding ways to mitigate these issues and improve employee engagement, productivity and job satisfaction.

Workplace Design

With a growing emphasis on collaboration in the workplace, while still retaining the individuals need for private workplaces, it’s not surprising that innovative companies offer better designed work spaces. This applies to every space, including meeting rooms, individual workspaces, common areas, and even restrooms. Employees that work for innovators spend less time at their desks. the spend the majority of their workdays in collaborative environments such as conference rooms and common spaces. Additionally, they often do their work outside of the workplace altogether, spending only around 74 percent of their time there. that is compared to  86 percent for those working with less innovative companies.

Workplace Study Conclusions

Gensler discovered that innovative companies offer their employees better designed and more functional workspaces, whether they are open, or not. What’s more, an open office is often just as effective as a private one. Employees of the most innovative companies in the study also report having access to a better variety of workspaces both in, and out, of the office. They are less likely to work in the same spot every day. This ability to work anywhere, once only reserved for top management, allows employees to connect with their purpose, and that of the organization more easily. Therefore, working for a company that understands workplace design and the ability to choose, helps with employee engagement, encourages individual growth and inspires innovation at all levels.

If you decide you need new office space after reading the Gensler Workplace Study, please contact us. We will be more than happy to discuss options that will allow you to improve your workplace and offer suggestions as to how you can incorporate the conclusions of this study into it.

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