Incentive - January 2009 - (Page 29)

Things to consider when redesigning your workplace • State-of-the-art Internet and “A well-designed workspace creates an atmosphere for that employee to be more effective, more productive and more satisfied.” because their bosses are more satisfied. “It goes back and forth, but it is all those elements about the design that, when improved, create a more productive environment.” Johnson outlines a few design do’s and don’ts that companies can incorporate to cultivate a better working environment and boost their overall performance. throughout the company. • • • • DO: Install a raised floor, which creates a cavity where air vents can be installed below an individual’s working space that can be controlled by them. This system does not consume any more energy than traditional air-circulation systems. DO: Improve lighting. DO: Provide as much access to natural light as possible for everyone, not just those in private offices. DO: Enable some individual control of lighting with task lights at each person’s desk. DO: Install motion-sensored or timed lighting (usually required by building codes). DO: Consider furniture and layout. Both function to promote socialization and collaboration work modes while allowing for infiltration of natural light, and not at the cost of employee productivity. DON’T: Use the traditional 65-inch, high-paneled layout for workstations. phone connectivity system Air-delivery system for maximum individual control and comfort Lighting—both natural and artificial. Improve access to increase efficiency Furniture that is compatible with technology and to cultivate productivity Layout of formal and informal work spaces DO: Implement a state-of-the-art connectivity system, which increases the opportunity for collaboration and impromptu socialization while enabling workers to easily transition back into focus work mode. DO: Provide wireless access to network throughout the workplace Ensure that all employees have laptops with a battery life that goes beyond just a few hours. Instead, opt for a maximum of three panels at 54 inches or less. DO: Build the private offices at the center of the workspace with windows, to enable natural light from the perimeter to filter into those working areas. If private offices are around the perimeter of the workstations, build with glass fronts to allow light to penetrate the entire office. DO: Build informal, “loungey” team areas near work stations for impromptu meetings that also provide individuals with another setting to work in focus mode. DO: Foster a corporate culture that is progressive enough that if people go into the more informal lounge areas to work, the organization understands they are still working and being productive. I incentivemag.com DO: DO: Install voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) eliminating the need for the traditional, stationary phone set, allowing workers to use the telephone network through their laptops wherever they go | January 2009 | Incentive | 29 http://www.incentivemag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Incentive - January 2009

Incentive - January 2009 Contents Editor's Note: Rewards Must Be Sustainable Headlines Cover Story: Responsibility's New Role Incentive Interview: Patrick Lencioni Family Rewards: Who They're Working For Primer: Working Design Leap of Faith: Religion in the Workplace Cook Up Engagement: Kitchen Teambuilding My Turn: Procurement Possibilities Motivation@Work: Hard Times Recognition Legal Ease: The Tax Facts on Corporate Gifts Travel News: Where to Go and What to Do The Bahamas: Islands in the Sun Field Reports: Four European Destinations Golf: Around the World in 18 Holes Potentials Here and Now Watches and Clocks: Strike the Pose Golf Merchandise: Awards with a Solid Swing Computers: Digital Delights Retailers Band Together for Gift Card Market Gift Cards: The Prepaid Reward Spectrum Advertiser Index On the Web www.Incentivemag.com

Incentive - January 2009

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