Intentional workplaces increase collaboration, happiness and results

Workplaces are shedding sameness.

The redefined workplace is less about time on the clock and more about impact of the unique teams that gather there.

In the ever-evolving landscape, our workplaces have become more than mere physical spaces, they are vibrant ecosystems where branding, work culture, personal creativity, and collaboration converge.

As we move gracefully into the post-pandemic world, our work habits have metamorphosed, and the trends of our work environments have followed suit. Virtual communication worked, but nothing beats face-to-face interactions and that’s the environment we are focusing on in 2024.

Imagine spaces that not only align with your organization’s mission but also resonate with your personal aspirations and building connections. A space where organizational objectives harmonize with individual needs and also welcome clients to join in.

Welcome to the world of intentional workplaces!

This trend encourages people to work, relax, socialize with clients, and learn in different settings designed to spark creativity and provoke thought. This type of environment not only allows us to mix our past professional skill sets into a more creative atmosphere but also sprinkle in our new world of virtual meetings and podcasts in comfortable and beautiful spaces that speak to our professional and personal brands.

We’re crafting workplaces that breathe life into our purpose and create joy and happiness. Spaces for solving complex problems as a team, generating new ideas over a mocktail, and fostering a sense of community with lively conversations.

Professionals in commercial interiors understand that collaboration sparks when teams work in person. It boosts trust, empathy, and creativity. All those needs come into play as you can hear tone, see body language, facial expressions, and most importantly hear and feel the good vibes.

To facilitate this collaboration, employers need to provide inviting spaces that enable both formal and impromptu interactions effectively — spaces that allow for individual and group work with ease and time to work solo when needed.

Picture this: Laughter echoing across an area with comfy lounge-style seating, body language weaving narratives at communal tables, and solutions sparking in touchdown spaces. Also, across the room a quiet work pod for taking a client call. This is all in one indoor space.

In 2024, we are also bringing the outdoors in by incorporating nature into commercial designs, such as biophilic elements, like plants, natural materials, and lighting. All of which can boost mood, cognition, and creativity.

Our design and sales consultants are achieving this by adding low maintenance green walls and decorative lighting made of materials that provide proper acoustics to open spaces. Fresh air is also in, you’ll find employees outdoors in lounges and meeting spaces basking in great conversation and the sunlight.

These reimagined workspaces not only look and feel great, but they also increase results as they are more productive and achieve success through increased communication and innovation, which can improve performance metrics such as customer satisfaction, quality, and revenue.

According to a Deloitte study, among employees who collaborate in the workplace, 73% do better work, and 60% are more innovative.

So, let’s embrace the intentional workplace revolution in 2024 and beyond. Let’s design spaces that inspire, connect, and propel us toward greatness and togetherness. Because in this ever-changing world, our workspaces aren’t just where we work — they’re where we thrive, grow.

They spark creativity and innovate by bringing together diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences through free-flowing conversations. When thinking of these new spaces, think beyond aesthetics and view it as one curated for success. Employees today value work culture, community, and flexibility more than ever, and they seek employers who can provide them with these environments. Let’s redefine the norm.

• Kimberly Santana is the founder and owner of Impact Staging and Redesign. She also manages a team of designers and sales executives throughout the Chicago and Indianapolis markets for Kentwood Office Furniture of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as their regional general manager. Reach her at kimsantana@kentwoodoffice.com.