Organizational Behaviour Research - Office Design and Productivity # 1

Summary of the content

The article "Design an Office that People Want to Come Back to" from Harvard Business Review discusses the challenges faced by organizations as they navigate the decision of whether, when, and how to bring knowledge workers back to the office amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights the shifting priorities and views of employees, with well-being, flexibility, and work-life balance taking precedence. The article draws on the experience of designing the headquarters for Hana Bank during the pandemic and offers principles and recommendations for organizations to entice employees back to in-person work.

One key principle emphasized in the article is naming the office space to reflect its purpose. Instead of viewing the office as a place for tasks, it should be positioned as a space for collaboration, creativity, and learning. Terms like "learning center" or "innovation space" communicate this intent and can shape design changes, attract talent, and influence behavior. Listening to employee needs and wants is another crucial aspect highlighted in the article. The pandemic serves as a catalyst for organizations to engage in conversations with employees about their preferences and expectations for the workplace. Flexibility, better technology, and incentives to come to the office are among the expectations that organizations must address.

The article suggests experimenting within the organization to create a more thoughtful office environment. Starting small with initiatives such as repurposing conference rooms, investing in new furniture, or refurbishing a floor can lead to meaningful changes. Incorporating multimedia technology, creating multi-use spaces, and prioritizing safety and sustainability are also recommended. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of partnerships based on insights to enhance the office experience. Collaborating with outside organizations to provide programming related to learning, socializing, community service, or continuing education can contribute to employee engagement and purpose.

In conclusion, the article urges organizations to seize this moment to improve work environments in ways that enhance employee engagement, well-being, attendance, retention, and talent attraction. The workplace trends that emerged during the pandemic are here to stay, and organizations should act now to create environments that align with employee preferences and needs.

My personal thoughts on the content

The covid-19 pandemic period made telecommuting a new trend in the way of working. Many workers have experienced the advantages of working remotely, which has led to some not wanting to go back to the old way of working in an office. I was inspired by the article's reference to the need for organizations to rethink the meaning of the workplace as more than a place for to-do lists. Putting myself in the shoes of an employee, I would enjoy going back to the office more if the company provided me with more opportunities for personal growth in the workplace, such as socializing, collaborating and learning.

Reference:

Andrea Vanecko, J. W. (2022, January 24). Design an Office that People Want to Come         Back to. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2022/01/design-        an-office-that-people-want-to-come-back-to