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Text: Mr. Sammeer Pakvasa, Managing Director and CEO, Eleganz Interiors, Mumbai and Bengaluru

Company culture blends shared values, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and practices that shape an organization’s identity and operation. Its influence extends to job satisfaction, employee engagement, and overall organizational success. Essentially, company culture shapes the collective persona and spirit of the organization, profoundly shaping how its members think and behave.

A thoughtful office design is integral to company culture, and it impacts employee productivity, creativity, and performance. Beyond appearances, it directly affects how employees interact, engage, and flourish within the company’s culture. Therefore, this is a method to create a workspace that actively shapes a positive and inspiring culture.

Employee engagement

Employees are the most significant resources of any organization, and therefore their opinions matter. By involving employees in the design process, one taps into their insights and preferences, creating a sense of co-creation. This involvement can foster a feeling of ownership and pride in the workspace, leading to a stronger connection with the company culture.

A dynamic environment with movable furniture and adaptable layouts empowers employees to tailor their workspaces to their tasks and moods. This autonomy in setting up their work area enhances job satisfaction and allows for a seamless transition between individual and collaborative work.

Biophilic design

Incorporating elements of nature, such as plants and natural textures, resonates deeply with one’s innate connection to the environment. This design choice reduces stress, boosts creativity, and deepens the company’s commitment to employee well-being.

Abundant natural light reduces energy consumption and highly impacts mood and productivity. Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep and heightened alertness during working hours.

Color scheme and acoustics

Calming shades like blues and greens in breakout spaces foster relaxation and contemplation, while energising accents such as oranges and reds in collaborative areas invigorate discussions and brainstorming sessions.

Strategically incorporating sound-absorbing materials and thoughtful spatial planning minimizes noise disruptions. Dedicated quiet zones and soundproof rooms provide employees with a focused environment for deep work and concentration.

Collaboration spaces

Designing spaces that encourage spontaneous interactions and teamwork nurtures a collaborative culture. Open lounges equipped with whiteboards and technology-rich breakout rooms facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge-sharing.

Seamless technology integration supports efficient communication and innovation. High-speed internet, video conferencing facilities, and interactive displays enable remote collaborations and digital brainstorming, regardless of geographical barriers.

Breakout spaces

From zen rooms with comfortable seating for quiet reflection to game zones with engaging games and fun activities for social interaction, these areas contribute to stress relief and mental rejuvenation. Infusing the office design with visual representations of your company’s mission, vision, and values creates a daily reminder of what the organization stands for. This alignment nurtures a sense of purpose, connecting employees to the company’s goals.