Tuesday Tips: Designing Workplaces for Boosting Productivity and Culture. A Conversation with Rebecca Swanner

Rebecca is the Workplace Sector Leader of HED, one of the largest architectural and engineering design firms in the US, serving clients nationally in a broad range of market sectors including Healthcare, Higher Education, Mission Critical, Housing and Mixed-Use, Pre-K 12, Science, Manufacturing and Product Development, Workplace, Community and Government.. 

 

Her sector specializes in designing workplaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and a supportive team environment that promotes the brand, products and services, and culture of the client.

 

Pivoting to a new hybrid work style, HED’s LA office recently designed its own innovative workspace that features a HUB — an open activity space with material libraries, interactive projection walls, and intentional meeting spaces — to facilitate the team’s working and communication dynamics.

 

Rebecca is a licensed architect with 15+ years of experience leading projects for national and global brands, including BELKIN, Kennedy Wilson, Disney-Marvel, and Apple and Beats 1 Radio.

 

She has a depth of insight into design strategies and styles that can impact company culture, productivity, and the recruiting and retention of talent.

 

On the podcast, Rebecca discussed:

 

How to downsize your office space the right way: understanding right-size building selection for the necessary amenity mix to draw employees back to the office.
How intelligent workplace design can combat burnout and reduce in-office frustration.
The fastest growing and most popular office building and workplace amenities.
How HED LA office design and amenities facilitate company culture and productivity.

https://www.hed.design/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-swanner-b8a9a55/
https://www.officelovin.com/2021/12/a-look-inside-heds-new-los-angeles-office/

Quick recap
Summary
Evolving Office Design for Post-Pandemic Workforce
Rebecca, a workplace sector leader for Harley Ellis Devereux, and Michael discussed the changing trends in office design in the wake of the pandemic. Rebecca expressed her interest in the concept of wellness in the workplace and how design can respond to the changing workforce population post-pandemic. Michael emphasized the importance of authentic employee feedback in design. They also discussed the flexibility of the podcast format, with Michael assuring Rebecca that any potential gaffes could be edited out.
Evolving Office Spaces for Hybrid Work
Michael and Rebecca discussed the evolving office space and design in the context of the hybrid work era. They noted how the pandemic has altered the way people work and interact, leading to early retirements and a shift in the workforce. They underscored the importance of considering both how people work and how they live in the new office spaces. Rebecca presented the concept of designing spaces that cater to different needs, such as socializing in a "prairie" setting and feeling secure in a "woods" setting. Michael concurred, highlighting that options like these could accommodate different work styles and personalities.
Creating Safe Workplace Spaces for Excellence
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of creating a 'safe space' in the workplace to foster individual and team excellence. They agreed on the significance of understanding employees' work styles and personalities to optimize their work environment. Rebecca emphasized the need for thoughtful and intentional workplace design, keeping in mind that employees are not constantly present, but should still feel ownership over the space. Michael shared his own experiences working in shared spaces, highlighting the importance of the space feeling like a 'guest's home' when visiting other locations.
Understanding Individual Differences in Office Design
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of understanding individual differences in work environments and incorporating these insights into office design. They highlighted that everyone has varying needs, with some preferring minimalistic setups. Michael emphasized the need to communicate with employees to design spaces that benefit everyone. Rebecca added that gathering information from the entire workforce, not just the C-suite, is crucial. She also pointed out a common fear among employers regarding open-ended surveys, as they worry employees might ask for things they can't provide.
Employee-Driven Workspace Transformation
Rebecca emphasized the importance of having open, honest conversations with employees about their needs and how the workspace can accommodate their changing work habits. She pointed out that such discussions can lead to innovative solutions that go beyond superficial perks like yoga balls, while also acknowledging the potential constraints, such as budget or location limitations. Michael agreed with Rebecca's approach and shared his own experience of reducing turnover at a healthcare organization by implementing changes based on employee feedback. Both stressed the significance of making employees feel valued and creating a positive work environment.
Creating Productive Work Environment Strategies
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of creating a productive and healthy work environment. They emphasized the need for leaders to be vulnerable and open to feedback, particularly regarding workspace and office design. Rebecca highlighted the necessity of data-driven decision-making, using a workplace strategist to understand the company's culture, schedules, and demographics before making changes. Michael expressed concerns about employees' reactions to changes in office space, stressing the potential for burnout if the new layout is not designed appropriately. Rebecca agreed, noting the importance of proper change management and employee education in effectively using the new space.
Designing Spaces for Work-Life Balance
Rebecca and Michael discussed the importance of work-life balance and the need for intentional space design to promote rest and rejuvenation. They explored the concept of designing spaces that can be used for various activities, such as exercise, relaxation, and social gatherings. Rebecca shared her ongoing project for a new building's interior design and programming, where they are soliciting input from their employees on the desired functionalities of the space. Michael concurred, highlighting the potential for a variety of spaces to suit different needs.
Addressing Office Space and Employee Well-Being
Michael shared a humorous story from his past about the issue of unevenly sized offices due to the building's unique design. He explained how, with approval from the CEO, they ensured that all offices had the same number of ceiling tiles, despite their differing shapes. Rebecca and Michael then discussed the importance of focusing on employee well-being and the functionality of their working space, rather than trivial details like the number of ceiling tiles. They emphasized that a thriving work ecosystem involves providing employees with the tools and environment they need to succeed, and not just a uniform office layout.