We spend a lot of time at work and with our colleagues, so it’s vitally important we work in an environment that we are comfortable with, that we enjoy being in and that can help spark that creative idea and moment of inspiration, enabling us to work smarter, which is beneficial to not only us and our colleagues but most importantly to our clients.
So, what should that environment be like?
On one hand, the space needs to be clean and tidy, with well-maintained infrastructure and services available without disruption. On the other hand, it needs to be perceived as a community workspace that’s more than just a few desks, fast internet and free coffee.
For that to happen, we are working hard on the culture of the space. We do this by counselling the opinion of our team and helping them feel ownership of their space.
It’s very important to have a workspace where you can get your head down, and be focused and productive. But ‘co-creation’ spaces also need to provide people with conditions in which it’s easy to socialise with one another and work together on projects and let the creativity flow. Done well, it has the potential to create huge value for the people we work with and the projects we deliver. Natural light and plants are critical to creativity. Plants increase oxygen levels in a space, and natural light helps people think with a clear head and focus better.
We also encourage everyone that they don’t have to stay in the agency… go where you need to go to get creative and throw ideas about.
Indoors or out — the workspace should empower the team to meet the creative goals of both the company and their teams and respective projects. The best work environments put the teams work and health needs first, lifting spirits, providing clear and organized spaces for both thinking and doing, and giving them the mental space to create.
About the author.
Dean Morris is the Communications Director at Fuel Integrated.