Office Spaces That Promote Innovation

A friend reached out with this question - "I have a client asking for 'exciting new workplace trends'. Your thoughts?" Pasted below is my response: I've been fortunate enough to have some awesome guests on Imagine a Place that helped to inform this list! My email below.... Based on my experience, I would tell them this -- "Exciting new trends based on office changes" can often steer people down the wrong path. At this point Sustainability, Wellbeing, Access, Belonging... Being human centered in your thinking -- These things are a given, they are not trends, they are just moral requirements... It's good design.... So... What else is list-worthy that is bigger than a "trend"?? Here you go -- this isn't a flashy list of trends, but I find these to be universal and never go out of style: 1) Do the work of asking and listening to your staff. It's exhausting at times, but gather lots of input and create the best sense of inclusion you can while setting the expectation that you may not be able to achieve everything on their wish lists. 2) Prioritize natural elements in the space -- Patterns, textures, colors, plants, props, daylight, views to the outdoors, respite rooms with outdoor scents or sounds -- It's critical to a healthy day indoors (and a productive/creative day). 3) Give up some control -- Create spaces that are easy to manipulate on the fly. Some of the meeting rooms should be multipurpose to serve functions from social gatherings, to ideation sessions and zoom calls. Individual spaces should allow for personalization through Height Adjustability, Task Lighting, and the ability to relocate. Hackability is key. 4) Create a change ready space -- This is a space that prefers soft architecture and uses furniture solutions to define space rather than formal architecture. The only thing that will never go out of style is the ability to adapt a space based on changing preferences and workstyles. AI will inevitably change the nature of our work, and space will need to adapt over time to foster more creative engagement and social connections -- We need to invest in floor plates that can flex with this change of how we will do our work.    5) Spend 85-90% of the budget you've planned and hold 10-15% back. Then... Over the next 18 months, get feedback and hear people's requests. Use that left over 10-15% to deliver on those changes. 6) A well designed workplace can feel like a very sophisticated tool when compared to yesterday's cube farm. You can't assume that everyone will know the best way to use this new tool. Investing in change management and communicating the purpose behind new space concepts will help users best know how to get the most out their new space. Office leadership also plays a key part in role-modeling new ways of using space. Want more ideas??? The You+ section of our website is a place where we've been curating content and thought starters just like this. #workplacedesign #interdesign

Do you have a place to bring your teams where you can work out the really thorny issues? Alongside the James River in Richmond Virginia there is a special space that exemplifies what I mean when I speak of "habitat". Sometimes I get push-back by the Edgar Schein purists who say that "artifacts" have little weight in organizational #culture. 👉 I say - humans are inextricably linked to their surroundings. A space can evoke excitement, productivity, or trust. A truly engaging space can even elicit belonging. Mark Brown, Christian Markow, and Alexis Spain showed a profound awareness as they facilitated moving more than 30 of us from space to space, room to room, in order to get at the issues dominating workplaces today, and how we might disrupt them through #thoughtLeadership and direct #engagement. DisruptRVA 🟦 One space suggested a focus on productivity, process: Roll up your sleeve and solve problems. 📐 The next space connected us with technology: It's a tool, how can we use it to bring about the future we hope for, and avoid the future we fear? 🟣 The last space was human. It felt like a library in someone's home: Five other strangers who had never met before that night begin exchanging in a way that only friends with shared experiences would. Alysse Ballou - contributing "perspective" - finding how the stories weave over each other to sum up how a collective in a work environment can grow. Together. Roxanne M. Brown closed the night by posing a profound question: ❓ "What if everyone in the company, on every team regardless of its individual function, was focused on doing one thing? And they all knew what that thing was because the purpose of the organization was so clearly communicated at all times? It begins with us thinking that something can be different. And then making it that way." 🎤 💧 If your company is within driving distance of Richmond, you owe it to your teams of people (not to mention the sustainability of your mission and purpose) to utilize what Lost Office Collaborative has created. (visit their page in the comments below. Their photos are much better than mine 😉) The science behind "habitat" - careful consideration of everything from light, color, sound, movement, even the food - gets planned into this experience. Think ➡️ Learning & Development workshop meets ➕ Event Planning on steroids. Tap the expertise of its founders to craft an experience that facilitates the kind of #designThinking that draws from the experience and ideas of your people like never before. Imagine the questions that come out of it, begging for an answer. Imagine the impetus toward applying answers to those questions. Visualize the engagement that sprouts from such a #Growth Laboratory. ☝️Engagement creates belonging. ✌️Belonging builds resilience. 🤟Resilience means you and your mission will stick around a long time, and affect the most people possible.

The debate rages on about RTO and hybrid work, with big tech companies returning workers on-site. However, I have seen with my team that hybrid is ideal for sparking creative thinking. Innovation thrives on collaboration. There's no replicating those organic “water cooler” chats when you’re together in the office. That sense of energy and serendipity gets the ideas flowing. However, evaluating these ideas requires focus, and our home offices provide fewer distractions than the traditional workspace. We can contemplate ideas, research solutions (using Gen AI), and develop innovative solutions at home. A hybrid schedule gives us the best of both worlds. Brainstorm and collaborate in the office. Analyze and evaluate from home. This balances creative socialization with thoughtful incubation. I've seen it work with my own eyes. Our hybrid data science team at Guidehouse generates twice as many proofs-of-concept and MVPs as entirely on-site staff. They also report higher job satisfaction. That well-being fuels greater creativity. Of course, hybrid isn’t a panacea. It requires clear communication, designated in-office days, and understanding from leadership. But the data is clear: given the proper structure, hybrid models drive innovation. The future of work is here. Organizations must be open to new approaches that allow in-person camaraderie and individual focus. This best equips teams to ideate, evaluate, and deliver breakthroughs. #HybridWorkModel #Innovation #TechIndustry #AWS #FutureOfWork

Did you know that when I'm in London, my office is at the V&A Museum? That’s right! The Victoria & Albert Museum becomes my workspace, divided into quadrants where I conduct meetings surrounded by awe-inspiring objects of art. It’s not just an office; it’s an experience that enriches conversations and connections. When colleagues choose a favorite artifact or react to a piece of art, you learn so much about their dreams, fears, and inspirations. It’s a profound way to see beyond the professional masks we wear. In our tech-saturated world, where we often feel more isolated despite being constantly connected, setting aside digital distractions to engage deeply in person can be incredibly powerful. It reminds me of Thomas J. Price’s sculpture "Signals," located in V&A, which depicts a man isolated amidst a world of signals. As we head into the weekend, I invite you to reflect on a few questions: Have you ever held a meeting in an unconventional setting? What was the impact? How can physical spaces influence our interactions and understanding of one another? What insights can we gain about someone from the type of art they are drawn to? I’m looking forward to reading about your experiences and thoughts! #Leadership #Innovation -------- 💥I am Olga. 🔺Providing tips for in-house lawyers. 🔺Educating about disruptive technologies. 🔺Delivering keynotes on the intersection of business, law, and tech. Like this post? Want to see more? 🔔 Ring it on my Profile Follow #DailyOlga 🔝 Connect with me 🔝 Subscribe to Notes to My (Legal) Self newsletter

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟱: 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅-𝗖𝗘𝗢 – 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 Hey everyone! It’s Day 5, and I’m coming to you from my office and my basement creative zone. I’ve been reflecting on how our surroundings fuel creativity. As I’ve been revamping my basement, it’s clear how the right vibe can spark ideas. Whether it’s new speakers or a better tool layout, these tweaks really matter. It kinda reminded me of the amazing office my good friend and Chief Design Officer Jack Dixon built for Ceros. We were hands on and obsessed over ever detail, even adding a massive fake British pub. It wasn’t just an office; it was a playground for our imagination, and would go on to become a place of inspiration for hundreds of awesome creative people. So, here’s a tip: before starting something new, give your workspace a little love. Make it a place that gets you excited. For me, this ritual is a game-changer, igniting creativity and innovation. This isn’t just about the physical space; it’s about getting your head in the right place. When I walk into my revamped office or basement, I’m not just entering a room—I’m stepping into a realm of possibilities, ready to tackle whatever comes next. Whether you’re in a bustling office or a quiet corner at home, think about how your environment affects you. A few tweaks can make a big difference and might just lead to your next great idea. Enjoy your Friday, and let’s keep crafting spaces that inspire us. See you next Monday for more ramblings from this ex-CEO’s diary. PS: For the nostalgic and or curious.. you can see said office and pub at this link - https://lnkd.in/edFZ9H7S #creativitymatters

Hey LinkedIn crew! 👋 Let's talk about the underestimated power of aesthetics in boosting productivity. 🌈 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞: I recently decided to pump my workspace game up a notch by changing the visual appeal of my walls, incorporating colors, and adding elements I enjoy. The impact is nothing short of amazing! (Bonus: it can be changed up for novel value in the future!) Here's why it matters: 1️⃣ 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲: Did you know that different colors can affect your mood and productivity? I swapped out my plain desk surface for calming blue and energizing gold- it's like working in a serene oasis. Experiment with colors that resonate with your work vibe! 🎨 2️⃣ 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤-𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜: Peel-and-stick wallpapers are a game-changer for those who can't commit to a permanent change. I added a vibrant, geometric pattern to one accent wall, instantly transforming the whole room. It's the perfect blend of style and flexibility! (Budget friendly too!) ✨ 3️⃣ 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝: Can't commit to a whole-wall refresh? Create an inspiration board using a whiteboard or bulletin board. Pin up motivational quotes, images, or even your goals. It's your daily reminder of what you're working towards. (Kanban boards work for this too!) 💯 4️⃣ 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬: Add your personal flair! I adorned my space with quirky desk accessories, and I'm adding framed photos, inspiring quotes, and artwork from my daughter. It's these personal touches that make my workspace uniquely mine. 🖼️ 5️⃣  𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬: Let there be light! Good lighting is key. Natural light is ideal, but if that's a challenge, invest in quality artificial lighting. It reduces eye strain and creates a vibrant work atmosphere. I have a monitor lamp, open my blinds when working, and swapped out my old bulbs for efficient daylight LEDs. 💡 Remember, your workspace is your canvas! Experiment, personalize, and find what fuels your productivity. What's your favorite workspace hack? Share your tips in the comments! 🚀💼 #ProductivityBoost #WorkspaceInnovation #WorkSmart #LinkedInLife P.S: I used to run a t-shirt and vinyl printing business- to the right are my supply cubbies for that~ --- Hi, I'm Melissa! A certified #scrummaster & #productowner that uses #projectmanagement and #agile in the #education field to improve collaboration, communication, and success for all. After a successful 14+ year career I'm ready for my next big adventure! I post about PM at work, in daily life, and in schools. I share resources, course reviews, and tips for current #teachers & #transitioningteachers . Follow or connect with me for more! 🔔 #30DayStats day 13

A nice article about creating hybrid remote work strategies. These are three specific tips that led me to share it: "One organization identified that there are three kinds of work their employees do. Heads down – focus work; Heads up – training, meetings, etc; Heads together – collaboration, creative. They begin redesigning office spaces to create areas that would be uniquely valuable for different kinds of work, particularly the Heads Together work." "Several organizations are designing spaces around the needs of the employee and the work with the goal that employees would choose to come to these spaces because they are so valuable. One leader said they are working to “earn the commute” from employees." "Regardless of where your organization is today or how you got there, it’s not too late to learn from what’s working as you move forward. And it starts with trust. If your leaders don’t trust employees, start there. If employees don’t feel trusted at work, it doesn’t matter where, when, or how you work."

So much has been debated about #hybrid work, but so little about what employees want when they work in a #hybrid work environment. The recent research from Cisco and the real life experience of Allstate suggest what companies can do to create a trusting and enriching hybrid work environment. Here are three ways to do this: 1. Create choice by offering a mix of work spaces One size fits all work spaces are a thing of the past. Employees want a variety of work spaces to fit the type of work they are doing. They want work spaces where they can collaborate in huddle rooms, do focused work in quiet spaces, and access small or large meeting rooms with high-tech video and audio connections, regardless of where they work, whether in-person, hybrid, or distributed. Only 47% of employees believe their work space is suited for hybrid work. Allstate has done this with its creation of "pods." These are work spaces intentionally designed to fit various types of work, such as a library area for heads down work, a collaboration space for driving innovation and creativity, and a café for connecting with team members. 2. Invest in technologies to enhance the hybrid employee work experience We focus so much about the physical employee experience, it's time to focus on creating a rich hybrid work experience, since hybrid is the future of working for many workers. Jeetu Patel estimates 98% of the meetings in the future will have at least one participant who is not in the same location, yet only a third of all conference are equipped with adequate video and audio. This makes participating on a level playing field impossible for hybrid workers. 3. Trust your employees to work from anywhere There is a "trust gap," in the workplace PwC research finds 86% of business executives believe employee trust is high, but only 67% of employees highly trust their employers. Trust is crucial for healthy organizations, especially in hybrid working environments. The role of the office is no longer a place to get work done but one that provides employees with rich and memorable experiences to understand the company vision, know their peers on an intimate level, and build trust needed to do extraordinary work. Article is here: https://bit.ly/3TEA3ah Jeetu Patel Robert Toohey Cisco #wearecisco Allstate Rob Sadow Scoop PwC

🌇 We are building offices for the way people work today. As the future of the workplace evolves, I’m proud to be a part of a company that puts people first and is intentional with how we use our spaces. I recently spoke with Forbes’, Jena McGregor about how Salesforce Tower Chicago provides meditation and library spaces for employees to focus and is inclusive of the needs of our neurodivergent community. From social lounges and community spaces to focus pods and libraries, there is purpose in every aspect of our office design. Throughout the building, we’ve prioritized flexibility and employee choice to ensure every individual and team can be successful. Read more of my conversation about how offices are evolving to meet employees’ needs: https://bit.ly/4cGv14N #salesforce #futureofwork #cre