For the last few years, we've been in partnership with global services provider Sodexo, providing workplace design services to their clients as part of their Vital Spaces proposition.

Sodexo has identified eight key steps to designing and realising a workplace that meets the present, and future workplace needs of both businesses and employees.

Today’s office must combine function with feeling, efficiency and empowerment – to offer something that working remotely can’t. If employees are to return to the office, they will expect an agile and flexible environment that enables interaction, innovation and collaboration. A space that reinforces company culture and seamlessly supports hybrid working.

‍01
Understand your employees’ needs
Identify what each office area will be used for, what employees need to carry out their work and achieve their goals, and how to create an inspiring and comfortable environment. Many organisations second-guess people’s needs and make assumptions about how space is used. Don’t fall into this trap when developing your future workplace.

02
Define goals for your future workplace
Your work environment goals should be an extension of your overall company strategy.
“If your company’s overall goals focus on wellbeing or efficiency, that should be at the heart of your workplace strategy.”
Harpreet Cheema, Head of Workplace Services, Sodexo

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‍03
Understand how design can help you achieve your goals
Technology-led, outcome-based models can be a powerful tool in helping organisations accomplish specific goals. Only data delivers objectively.

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04
Change project management
Change management is an integral part of every project, particularly when an employee’s environment changes. The secret to a successful transition and achieving employee buy-in is transparency and communication.

05
Sustainability & environment
Organisations need to consider the impact a building has on the environment, from building materials to energy usage, air quality, waste reduction and recycling. Start with your company strategy around sustainability, then look at three key areas which can be impacted: materials, build and day-to-day.

06
Implement the design and keep it running
Technology is key to monitoring whether a space meets your
company’s KPIs. Measure if the building is fulfilling its design goals, and use technology and data to alert you to anything that’s about to fail or needs attention.

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07
Engage with your employees
Companies will have to work harder to create an office experience that cannot be recreated remotely – one that incentivises people to commute and give up the extra time and autonomy they’ve gained. If they want to inspire their employees’ best work and connect them to the company culture, they need totreat them more like consumers.

08
Measure your success
Designing and implementing a carefully crafted workspace is not a finite process. Companies must monitor and measure the space to ensure it continues to deliver on employees’ needs, and that it evolves as the business changes.

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