Energy is something we all strive for and crave more of.
In most instances, the place which requires the largest doses of energy from us is the office. This is where we need to be creative, strategic and come up with great ideas, as often as possible.
Consequently, it is important that businesses devote resources to creating high energy zones that support their staff from both a mental and physical point of view. In other words, providing spaces that generate energy.
Space to Perform
In today’s world, business is moving so fast that often employees are not empowered to keep up with the 24/7, breakneck pace. Without a doubt, business becomes more challenging as the pace accelerates. So business leaders have to keep up with the changes. Most businesses collaborate these days and offices need to provide collaborative zones. Employees expect it and perform far better in these zones.
Choice and freedom
Essentially, collaborative zones provide the best place to do the work that fits what the individual is doing. It provides employees with choice and freedom – two key aspects for younger workers and new generations of employees. This enhances communication and culture, as well as creativity.
The Work Cafe
Collaborative zones can take on a number of different forms and functions.
You can establish a work café, for example. This can be seen as a place to eat, drink coffee and hold internal or informal meetings – or simply just to step away from your desk and work. It provides people wanting to chat in open plan with a welcoming space to go and have strategic or social discussions.
A work café could also be a zone in your communal canteen that is designated as a space where people can work and eat at the same time. It is designed to suit individual preferences and can be a space that doubles up for work and relaxation. In addition, it can be used for staff on the road who want a place to meet.
Ultimately, it is designed for making connections, dining, working, meeting, communicating and just re-energising!
The power of face to face
Very often, we negate the purpose and the value of face to face interactions. These areas allow people to interact with individuals they otherwise would rarely see. It also shows the brand of a company and carries it through the organisation. However, thought and care needs to be devoted to this space – it can’t just be the usual dining or canteen area.
A café can be divided into four zones that are designed to support all needs. It can have a food zone, a communication or interaction zone, an energising or refreshing zone and a work and concentration zone. Each zone needs to fulfil its role and provide the support it promises.
A food zone is used for eating and socialising.
A communication zone needs to have technology that provides portals of interaction with the outside world. This could be a TV or a media set-up for people to log onto their laptops, tablets, etc.
Refresh zones are for just that – refreshing and rejuvenating. They enhance a ”workstyle” – the balance between work and life.
A work zone is a space to work either interactively or privately. There can be collaborative spaces to work as a team or docking spaces to dock down and concentrate.
A work café is a zone to create and set the tone for your own unique atmosphere and culture in your company.