When It Comes to Workplace Design, Beauty Drives Performance
Date Posted: January 9, 2025
Posted In: Discussion,
From Gensler: At Gensler we have always taken pride in delivering workplaces that are rooted in a human-centric approach — spaces that provide a dynamic experience for employees. The world has changed rapidly over the past few years and as result, how we think about the workplace, productivity, and employee experience has also shifted. We have started to see that the workplace is no longer an obligation (nor should it be) but a destination that provides space for people to work and enables them to be the best versions of themselves. This is how the workplace of the future will grow and support the talent of the future.
Gensler has been researching the workplace for almost 20 years and, during this time, we have seen rapid changes to the strategies implemented for designing the workplaces of the future. Our most recent Global Workplace Survey reveals the various drivers needed to create a high-performing workplace, highlighting new ways to consider the spaces and places we design. These aren’t only focused on effective drivers such as lighting, meeting room space, etc., but also on drivers that influence the experience of employees in the space. I was fascinated that the data revealed that beauty played a crucial role in the success of a workplace.
As a designer, I enjoy being able to curate the space people experience and beauty often plays a key role in my work. I don’t intentionally set out to design a ‘beautiful’ space, but I do consider how the space will make people feel. In many instances, a traditionally ‘beautiful’ space has the power to evoke emotion in those experiencing it. As we as designers continue to refine our design practice to create workplaces that meet the needs of the next generation, I believe beauty will be a new driver that will impact how these spaces perform in decades to come.