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While the pandemic introduced us to amazing reserves of individual resilience, it also nudged us to introspect on how we wish to spend our lives—at home and at work. Now, as offices reopen their doors, this pursuit of well-being gains greater urgency, especially when viewed against the findings from <keyword id="1601181" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="steelcase" source="Orion">Steelcase</keyword>’s Global Report: Changing Expectations and the <keyword id="1967222" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="future-of-work" source="Orion">Future of Work</keyword>, which draws on perspectives of 32,000 employees in 10 countries. According to this <a href="https://www.steelcase.com/asia-en/research/articles/changing-employee-expectations/">report</a>, when asked to identify the key elements that their workplace should provide, people placed physical, cognitive, and emotional needs for comfort and well-being right on top of their heap of expectations. Data from another <a href="https://lifestyle.livemint.com/news/talking-point/gen-z-are-suffering-the-worst-at-work-due-to-the-pandemic-111616417585201.html">source</a> also reveals a disturbing trend. Gen Z, the freshest cohorts in every organization—the ones, who were inducted when the modern world was reeling under the greatest global crisis—have also reported the highest burnout. Juxtapose this saturation against their scarce experience in traditional office spaces, their zilch offline interaction with colleagues, and their heavy reliance on digital paraphernalia, and you have on hand a workforce that could redefine the very underpinnings of human resource management. However, there’s a sweet dichotomy in the findings on Gen Z—as much as they crave autonomy and a non-traditional office setup, they also long for social contact, face-to-face communication, and the pluralism offered by an office space. <div type="image" title="Steelcase 2" msid="90454485" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;In a non-traditional office setup, Gen Z employees long for social contact, face-to-face communication, and the pluralism offered by an office space.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> For companies to thrive in the post-pandemic world, this duality of expectations among Gen Z needs to be addressed effectively—especially because they are set to soon outnumber millennials and occupy 27 per cent of the global workforce. Culture over capital Now is the time when Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast”, sounds like an anthem. A hard-nosed strategic plan is of little consequence if the people driving it forward are denied a supportive work environment that makes them feel valued and understood. Fortunately, many Indian companies are quickly realizing how cost-to-company digits alone are no longer enough; millennials and Gen Z have their hearts set on the psychological gains, which come from a work environment that fosters inspiration, purpose, optimism, creativity, innovation, and freedom. More and more companies are increasingly willing to see the merit in responding to these subliminal needs and Gen Z’s quest for personal agency. According to our report, 87 percent of global leaders agree they will offer more choice and control for employees to work from home or elsewhere. As companies shut down satellite offices and gather on one campus, they are also making copious investments in learning and development programs to compensate for the vacuum in learning that blindsided them over the past 18 months. The pandemic has compelled companies to reevaluate their curriculum, so it better adapts to their changed work environment. Now, training content is not focused on product or function alone, but includes subjects that matter deeply to Gen Z, such as diversity, inclusion, and issues linked to environment, society, and governance. Radical candor Gen Z also feels more fiercely about the earth than millennials and Gen X—after all, they have been veritably raised under the intimidating specter of climate change. Consequently, they find an aspirational value in companies that extend genuine commitment towards causes such as hunger, sustainability, deforestation, pollution, gender equality, diversity, etc. Gen Z prefers being part of organizations that speak unreservedly about causes they are invested in. <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/true-gen-generation-z-and-its-implications-for-companies">Studies</a> reveal that, unlike millennials, they do not spurn diverse points of view either, even if those are at odds with their own. Mobility all the way With their aversion for stereotypes and their passion for individual identity, Gen Z is ardent about the hybrid model of working. They are disinclined towards assigned spaces, and more amenable to the idea of working from anywhere. They prefer cafeterias, lounges, sofa settings, pods, and biophilic design. In fact, they do not regard the cafeteria as a dedicated area for meals, but as a place to brainstorm and collaborate. It would help to redefine such spaces in the office with clever adjustments that allow for an easy ‘flip and tuck’. Steelcase meets this demand in more ways than one with a vast collection of furniture and accessories, which is designed for collaborative teams that seek flexibility and control to adapt their space on demand, be it a daily stand-up or a creative brainstorm. It places employees amid a floor plan that offers both privacy and a <a href="https://www.steelcase.com/asia-en/research/articles/topics/work-better/indias-gen-z-cant-wait-get-back-office/">sense of community</a>. Think work surfaces that can be pulled out when there is work and tucked away when you are done; portable and lightweight acoustic solutions and power stations; adjustable desks that can be pulled up (or down) to allow employees to alternate between standing or sitting, and move away from unhealthy sedentary forms. <div type="image" title="Steelcase 3" msid="90454493" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Steelcase’s Flex collection: Think work surfaces that can be pulled out when there is work and tucked away when you are done; portable and lightweight acoustic solutions and power stations; adjustable desks that can be pulled up (or down) to allow employees to alternate between standing or sitting, and move away from unhealthy sedentary forms.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> It is hardly surprising why all these measures are being eagerly received by Gen Z. Here is a generation that is hypercognitive and at ease while they connect the dots between multiple streams of information. One of their greatest strengths is that they have mastered the skill of integrating virtual and offline experiences, and are adept at deftly moving in and out of both spheres. This startling versatility can be an asset to any organization, if understood and harnessed appropriately. Disclaimer: Views expressed above are the author's own.

OPINION: Leaping into the future with Gen Z

We spend a sizable chunk of our time at work with our co-workers. In fact, a <keyword id="1601181" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="steelcase">Steelcase</keyword> study states that people spend nearly 37% of their day at work. While constantly interacting with our colleagues at our workplace, we encounter with different personality types. Some personalities at work are always perceived as strong leaders, while some are viewed as quiet, shy, or even poor collaborators who rejuvenate by being more on their own or in low-key environments. Although a variety of personalities at the office can cause an occasional challenge, designing a progressive workplace will help cater to different personality types, leading to a more balanced work environment. 
 
Hence, organizations need to start looking at designing a work environment which is fitting to different personality types, as it will help boost productivity and engagement. Here are some workplace design considerations for varying dispositions. 
 
1. The Wallflower: Some personalities at work have an ability to make themselves anonymous, as it frees them from the restraints incurred through normal social surveillance. Being unknown allows people to avoid interruptions, as well as express themselves in new ways and experiment with new behaviours. The key is that it’s strategic—individuals choosing when and why to make themselves anonymous. 
 
Examples: 
Going to work at a café or a place where you’re unknown 
Engaging in online discussions using an avatar or handle 
 
Design considerations: 
Incorporate informal, non-constricting environments with a home-like feel that will help break the corporate barrier. 
 
2. The Whisperer: Privacy isn’t just about being alone. We also seek privacy with selected others. When we choose to share personal information or our emotions with someone else, there is a measure of trust involved— an assumption that the other person understands that the shared information isn’t for general public consumption. But, in today’s mostly open-plan workplaces, it’s difficult to find places where such conversations can occur without being scheduled. 
 
Examples: 
Discussing a personal situation with a colleague or attending an important call 
Being in a performance review with your manager 
 
Design considerations: 
Create a mix of “I” spaces and “We” spaces so that people freely circulate in a shifting kaleidoscope of interactions. 
 
3. The Perceiver: Companies are now shifting to a mobile technology era, wherein organizations are providing laptops to employees instead of desktop computers. Here, the employees’ seating arrangements fluctuate according to their own wish and requirements as they do not have any fixed desking system. These personalities acknowledge a flexible style of working and are open-minded, adaptable, and spontaneous with such office environments. 
 
Examples: 
Getting used to a new desk at workplace easily 
Interaction with different set of colleague’s everyday 
 
Design considerations: 
• Create areas where people can connect with others without any distractions or interference 
• Provide ample and well-equipped spaces for mobile and resident workers to work individually or in teams so that they can interact with each other 
 
 
4) The back bencher: Isolation is a state of mind—it’s possible to feel isolated from a group while that group surrounds you. But solitude is physical: intentionally separating from a group to concentrate, recharge, express emotions or engage in personal activities. People in individualistic cultures, such as the United States, may take times of solitude almost for granted, but even within a collectivist culture, such as China, being alone sometimes is a fundamental need. 
 
Examples: 
Finding an enclave 
Sitting in the farthest empty corner of a large room 
 
Design consideration: 
Create spaces that allow personalization and individual customization, instead of tightly enforced workplace standards. Offer settings and affordances that help employees feel supported in their work. 
 
5. The invisibility cloak: Our innermost thoughts and feelings are our most personal information and our own quirky behaviours can only be revealed if we choose to do so. Some choose to reveal specific information to select group of people, while revealing different information to others. These personalities are in their own nutshell and prefer to uncover themselves only with certain people as and when required. 
 
Examples: 
Opting for a telephonic conversation instead of a video conference 
Choosing which personal items to display at a workstation 
 
Design considerations: 
Create spaces that help people connect with others one-on-one and eye-to-eye, and not just through their technology devices. Also, design areas that allow workers to control their sensory stimulation and choose if they want to amp it up or down. 
 
(This post has been authored by Mr. <keyword id="3570449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="praveen-rawal">Praveen Rawal</keyword>, Managing Director, <keyword id="3539312" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="steelcase-india">Steelcase India</keyword> and Southeast Asia)

What is your personality at work?

The purpose of <keyword id="4682636" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="art-and-design">art and design</keyword> is not only to represent the outward beauty and appearance of a space but it is also a tangible way to enhance the culture of an organization. When you travel or even go watch a movie, you’re going to get an all-consuming, immersive experience. Your brain gets to take a break from the real world and science tells us that’s a good thing. By giving our brains a break, we improve focus, sharpness and motivation. Why not use the fusion of design with work to support creativity in the workplace? In the face of a crisis, the first thing an organization thinks of is rarely their office design. Creating human centric experiences through art is essential in the midst of rapid change. An elegant way to express the essence of your culture and brand is through the physical mood of the space. Creativity is finding that big idea and having the work ethic and dedication to sit down and execute it. You need it whether you’re an accountant, filmmaker or a doctor. The presence of artwork around, creates an aesthetically pleasing workplace which in turn fosters engagement, innovation and the essence of working from home. Here are some reasons to infuse art and design at workplace: 1)Enhances employee well-being even in high-density <keyword id="144992" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="workplaces">workplaces</keyword> Work today is both physically and cognitively demanding, and work environments should be designed to help people deal with the stress it causes. You may not be able to make the space less dense but you can do things that will make it a better experience for the people working there. Adding a splash of color, incorporating informal, lounge like settings, and dedicating more space to bring out the personality of the organization is key. 2)Boosts employee engagement and involvement Creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging is what helps attract and retain your best workers. Data from a recent <keyword id="1601181" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="steelcase">Steelcase</keyword> commissioned study conducted by the global research firm IPSOS of 10,500 workers in 14 countries throughout the world provide a wake-up call for any leaders who think work environments are not a high priority—employees who are highly satisfied with the places they work are also the most highly engaged. Colors, vibrancy, and inspiring creations can bring about a change in a bland corporate space and bring life to work life. 3)Positive psychological effects of color How form, color, materials and intuitive user interfaces influence well-being are a hot topic now and set to get much hotter. We’re drawn to places based on emotional responses. Green is often chosen for healthcare environments because of its psychological effects. But reactions to colors often vary by geography, culture, history and, of course personal preferences. It’s more important to have options so people can use the materials and colors that will evoke positive emotional responses. In workplaces designed for well-being, every detail counts. Architecture that connects us with nature and natural light, open offices that facilitate communication with colleagues and other overarching strategies provide the framework for our <keyword id="621615" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="work-environment">work environment</keyword>, but it’s in the details where a workplace becomes our work home. The spaces we work in and the products we touch and interact with can lift our mood, make us less stressed, more stimulated. They can inspire, absorb and captivate. (The article is authored by Praveen Rawal, Managing Director, South East Asia and India, Steelcase Inc.)

How art and design can change the way you work

At this time and date, one thing is for certain- how happy and productive your employees are often depends on how beautiful your office looks. 
 
Gone are the days, when the company’s workplace was regarded as a place which merely housed employees as they went about their daily set of responsibilities, thus being of little significance- design wise. 
 
Today, that has completely changed and now, the workplace is the king. 
 
Companies are slowly starting to realise that the way to a employee’s heart is through a beautiful workplace and are as a result investing much more on ensuring that their workplaces walk the talk and reflect what they stand for. 
 
From the big boys like <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=google&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Google</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=facebook&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Facebook</a> to startup newbies such as <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Hike-just-unveiled-its-new-headquarters-and-trust-us-its-gorgeous-HikeHQ/articleshow/50925928.cms">Hike</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/After-Hike-Freecharge-and-Lookup-prove-that-the-way-to-an-employees-heart-is-through-a-cool-office-space/articleshow/51011733.cms">Freecharge</a>, employers are going out of their way to ensure their offices look less like a workplace and more like a vacation. 
 
Afterall, the right kind of environment makes as much as a difference as the right kind of people. 
 And, believe it or not, according to <keyword id="1601181" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="steelcase">Steelcase</keyword>, which has been the workplace consultant for top companies such as <keyword id="6355629" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google">Google</keyword> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=IBM&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">IBM</a>, the office environment is an essential element that not only influences an employee’s productivity, but is also vital to create an employee experience. To ensure, companies and start-ups have all the information they need, we talked to Praveen Rawal, Managing Director of <keyword id="3539312" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="steelcase-india">Steelcase India</keyword> about the trends in <keyword id="3539313" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="workplace-design">workplace design</keyword> and how important it is for employers to customise their workplaces. 
 Here’s what he said. CEOs of companies and founders of <keyword id="6362513" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Startups">startups</keyword>, we’d advise you take note. 
 
 
 
The right environment is important to attract the right kind of people who in turn do the right kind of work for your organisation: 
 
“It goes without saying that the right kinds of spaces can help people collaborate, share knowledge, learn together, and build the social networks of trustful interaction that are so critical for solving big challenges in any company. And, this is why organisations should rethink their strategy and create a unique experience for employees at office so that they feel comfortable to work in office rather than at home or at a coffee shop.” 
 
 
 
 
Recent trends when it comes to workplace design: 
 
“Earlier, the only thing that helped in retaining employees was compensation, however now what also matters is creating an employee experience, a community and build a sense of connection with them. The goal should be to develop an office work environment that is flexible and adaptable to support the businesses they serve. 
 
New work trends, especially the introduction of tablets, smart phones and other touch-based technologies—present a new set of challenges for worker’s health and wellbeing. Therefore, organizations are now designing the office furniture to suit these varied needs and provide easy solutions to everyday work activities. 
 
Additionally, organizations are increasingly adapting to the open office culture. For many companies, it now appears that there is too much emphasis on open spaces and not enough on enclosed, private spaces. Hence, there are various office furniture designed to suite the growing needs of open office culture. However, we suggest that, a mix of open and enclosed areas, “I” spaces and “We” spaces should be implemented. Instead of providing only open-plan work settings, organizations should “create settings in which people are free to circulate in a shifting kaleidoscope of interactions. 
 
Also, we see the start-up culture is evolving rapidly across globe. India’s successful start-ups have specifically designed their offices to break-free from the traditional and conventional corporate set up. So, a huge demand for smart, quirky and innovative office furniture is observed as it is not only helping them to boost productivity but also engage employees at the work.” 
 
 
 
 
The reason companies should prioritise workplace design 
 
“Within many organizations, engagement is alarmingly low, and there’s growing awareness that workplace design is contributing to the problem instead of helping to solve it. In many of today’s workplaces, it’s very difficult for individuals to find moments of privacy. This reality negatively affects stress levels, job performance and engagement. According to a research by Steelcase, due to the lack of privacy at workplace, employees experience an overall impact on their ability to deeply engage in their respective work. It also decreases the thinking capacity of an individual hampering their growth and productivity. 
 
Hence, as workers are putting in longer hours and performing creativity- and knowledge-based duties more than ever, the office has become a venue for personal expression, rather than a purely functional space. The office’s overall design, and amenities play an important role in how employees perceive their work environment. Creating an employee experience at the workplace is necessary to inspire and motivate employees to work. The right kinds of spaces can help people collaborate, share information, and build the social connection with each other which in turn will help organizations to keep their employees happy and also contribute to their success.” 
 
 
 
 
A successful case study: 
 “For instance, TV broadcaster <keyword id="94550" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tata-Sky">Tata Sky</keyword>, a joint venture between the Indian conglomerate Tata and Fox’s Sky Television, created a space for its headquarters housing 190 employees that features designated areas for game playing and socializing. Its unusual circular floor plan gave a feeling of openness, with the company’s branding prominently displayed. The effect was a vibrant space designed to encourage creativity and spontaneous interactions, while instilling a strong sense of company pride.” 
 
 
Image credit: Indiatimes

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OPINION: Leaping into the future with Gen Z

Praveen Rawal

What is your personality at work?

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How art and design can change the way you work

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Google’s workplace consultant reveals the secret behind beautiful offices that every company should note

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