Can the place where we work determine the level of our productivity? Apparently, yes. Clearly, a noisy, crowded or dark place is not the ideal place to concentrate. But beyond these obvious premises, there are specific metrics to determine whether the physical space of an office, its design, conception and layout make a place a "high performance work place" or the opposite. And this is more important than you might think, because in addition to helping the team work better, a friendly workspace encourages inspiration, as well as attracting and retaining the right talent. 

An environment thoughtfully crafted to foster collaboration, creativity, and comfort not only enhances employee morale but also cultivates a sense of belonging and purpose. From open-plan layouts conducive to spontaneous idea exchanges to secluded areas for focused work, each aspect of the office space plays a vital role in nurturing a conducive working atmosphere where teams can thrive.

So much depends on the physical location? Yes, it does.  

A recent report from the global architecture and design firm Gensler looks at how offices are used and perceived around the world. The 2024 Global Workplace Study finds that workers are less concerned about whether or not they should go into the office, and more interested in how the office will help them do their work better.

The report is based on surveys with 16,000 workers in 15 countries and 10 industries. Gensler’s Research Institute has been studying and tracking trends in workplaces since 2005, but the past few years have been unprecedented in the ways that expectations around office space has changed. According to Gensler’s global director of workplace research Janet Pogue McLaurin, the focus has shifted to creating places that work better for workers while also helping them perform at their highest level.

“The people aspect has never been more important. There’s been a real shift from real estate metrics to people metrics,” McLaurin says. “It’s all about attracting and retaining the top talent.”

Measuring office performance

So, Gensler has developed specific metrics to measure how offices are working for people. One focuses on workplace effectiveness and how the space physically supports work. Another measures the human experience of the workplace and how it evokes a sense of beauty and inspiration. Offices that rate well in both these measures are what Gensler calls “high-performing” workplaces.

“It’s like two halves. One is function, and the other’s how we feel,” says McLaurin. “Think about it almost like the head and the heart. You have to captur. “If we start to create those environments, it’s going to help employers attract and retain the best talent,” McLaurin says. “It’s ultimately about helping people perform at their best.”

Survey respondents from high-performing workplaces report that their working environment improves the way their teams function, how they get along with their colleagues, and their overall productivity. These positive correlations were noted by more than 95% of respondents from high-performing workplaces, compared to only about two-thirds of respondents from low-performing workplaces.

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Creating a high-performing workplace will take more than just checking a few boxes, but this research makes the case for paying more attention to the types of environments workers are seeking. One surprising result from the survey is how few companies are actually trying to meet those needs. According to the report, less than a third of workplaces have been redesigned in the last three years.

High-performing workplaces have shared factors, according to the research. Common spaces in high-performing workplaces include those for informal conversations, for video conferences, for focused concentration, and for relaxing or recharging. These types of spaces exist two to four times more often in high-performing workplaces compared to what rank as low-performing workplaces in Gensler’s metrics.

Patrick Isitt, Office Design and Construction Specialist, summarises the elements that make up a high-performing workspace and mentions four pillars, in an article published in Oktra Magazine:

1. The Context: Grounding office design in context through a detailed design brief is crucial. This involves addressing key challenges and objectives, understanding current barriers to productivity, and planning for future needs and changes.

2. The Configuration: A clear workplace strategy is essential, considering factors like fixed, flexible, or hybrid working practices, and optimizing spatial configuration to support different modes of work.

3. The Programme of Events: Regular events like meetings and brainstorming sessions are vital for productivity. Designing spaces that can accommodate these events, including flexible areas and adaptable layouts, is important for supporting company activities.

4. The Education Piece: Continuously educating employees about the workspace design, etiquette, and evolving practices ensures efficient utilization of the space. This involves providing information about design features and technologies and fostering a culture where employees actively contribute to shaping the workspace.
   
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