Engineering Inc. - September/October 2016 - 36

The new building, which opened in August 2014, was designed with productivity in mind. Traditional office elements, such as low-walled cubicles, blend with modern modular furniture, light-filled workspaces and open gathering areas. "We had some really good insights of what was going on in the industry, but we also didn't want to be so trendy that two years from now "We debated the workspace wouldn't be workable having all open anymore," Culver says. space with little While the firm had no difficulty to no private attracting young talent before the move, the new space made a strong space but first impression. "Having all the new decided that furniture, the natural light and our total openness open gathering spaces has made a would not be difference when people come in for interviews," she adds. "They see what good for JMT." kind of workspace they would be in." SANDY SAWICKI As the economy improves and engi- JMT ENGINEERING neering firms expand into new, longawaited digs, designers are seizing the opportunity to incorporate plans that enhance health, wellness and well-being in addition to productivity. Offices have also become an important component in recruitment, says Randy Fiser, CEO of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). "The design of a workspace is becoming more influential, particularly in younger generations who are making decisions about where they will go to work," Fiser says. "They will actually choose a workplace based upon its design and its sense of connectedness to who they are as a person; they may even choose that over a job that pays better." Studies show innovative workspace designs also correlate to productivity and well-being for current staff members, Fiser says. For starters, access to natural light in the design of a space has direct connections to productivity and engagement. It may even give workers a better night's sleep because natural light has the ability to affect the body's circadian rhythm, which impacts sleep cycles and other bodily functions, he adds. Acoustical comfort is important too-the level of noise in a space can be distracting. "It doesn't have to be zero noise, but it needs to be a level of noise that's not distracting," Fiser says. "That doesn't mean you can't have an open concept," he adds. Soundmasking systems, ceiling tiles and other materials that manage sound within a space are critically important to that acoustical comfort and productivity. Interacting with nature-either outdoors or simulated indoors- also helps employees perform at their highest level, Fiser says. "Their emotions, level of stress and other things are impacted by those types of elements being built into the space," he says. "We're now spending 93 percent of our time indoors and 70 percent of that time seated. That's not what our bodies are designed to do." Employees, therefore, must have the opportunity to get up and move, he adds. "Find the Lost Dollars is one of those business books that provides a resource for succession. I plan to insure that our key staff receives this book and will encourage them to read it and absorb the information. None of us in a CEO role today in A&E firms went to CEO school. This book provides guidance to the next generation-those succeeding the current leadership in our firm." - Wes Guckert President, The Traffic Group Complimentary eBook for every Engineer, Inc. reader at: www.AECBusiness.com/ACEC1 36 ENGINEERING INC. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 http://www.AECBusiness.com/ACEC1 http://www.AECBusiness.com/ACEC1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - September/October 2016