Wellness: Future of Workplaces

We have seen the trends in the past few years—from healthier, people-centric designed offices to increasingly flexible workspaces. But what is the future of Workplace Design in Toronto?

Health - The growth and success of any entity is reliant on the productivity, knowledge and skills of its human resources. As a result, “health” remains an important factor in optimizing performance at work. This is starting to be a higher priority in workplace design with ideas such as Biophillic Design, sit-stand desks, food & nourishment, wellness programs, increased physical movement, and WELL certifications.

Communal - From experience, we understand that future of workplaces need to move towards co-working spaces. More traditionally the only real example of this has been a medical office building. Doctors refer business to other specialists often located in the same building. This concept is extending into other industries. Co-working spaces, naturally provide a form of curated communities. They create the loose connections and fringe businesses that stimulate new ideas, innovation, and new opportunities. The ability for neighbouring companies to share new ideas will lead to innovation and create future value those buildings and environments that provide that will enable more business, increasing in value.

Flexibility -  We are living in an environment where technology is rapidly changing the way we connect. In order for businesses to better manage themselves, communicate, and share ideas, that information must flow outside of traditional hierarchal structures. Organizational structures are rapidly evolving, but the flow of information should not be inhibited. New workplaces are increasing in variety and types to accommodate a much broader range of function, and people are moving to the space that best supports their work.

Customized - Branded office spaces are popular tools to help communicate messages and ensure the growth of any business. We see the leadership of organizations use their workplace to reinforce and align that message and use the workplace to move their business forward. Moreover, the idea that ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to work environments is no longer viable. The workplace and all of its accoutrements have to support the leadership goals of the organization first. What’s important to understand is that each organization is different and has a set of unique requirements needed to achieve maximum performance. And their space should accommodate their unique needs, reflect their mission and align with their intent.