Designing for Inclusivity: A Key Pillar of Transformation
Organizations are reimagining their workplaces to adapt to changing business needs and employee expectations. JLL produced a white paper examining the workplace and how organizations can define their office space in the new hybrid era.
Challenges in a Shifting Landscape:
Faced with exponential growth and a competitive talent market, a non-profit aimed to implement a new working method; however, leadership was concerned with employee acceptance and maintaining its core values. The organization sought a return-to-office strategy that resonated with existing and future employees while ensuring its culture remained intact.
Designing for the Future:
The non-profit collaborated with JLL to bridge the gap between leadership’s vision and employee preferences. The challenge was understanding the diverse workplace needs of its employee base, including those who had joined during the pandemic and never experienced the office environment. The focus was creating an inclusive work culture aligning with the organization’s mission and values.
Redefining Purpose and Priorities:
JLL conducted a series of interviews and focus groups to learn about employees’ work preferences. With this information, they created the ‘Future of Work,’ which helped drive decisions about office space and design.
Creating Engaging Workspaces:
JLL and the non-profit identified common ground between executives and staff regarding the core purposes of the office. Together, they crafted a hybrid work model catering to most employees. The workspace program included opportunities to enhance collaboration, training, and celebratory events. JLL’s design team was crucial in reshaping the physical environment to align with these objectives.
Diversity Drives Innovation:
By incorporating diverse perspectives, organizations can create workplaces that embrace their employees’ unique needs and preferences. Inclusive design isn’t just accommodating different physical requirements; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and empowered to excel.
The Path Forward:
JLL’s white paper provides a fresh perspective on creating workspaces that reflect the diversity of the workforce while still supporting an organization’s mission. It is essential to adapt continually towards inclusivity.
Click here to read JLL’s full white paper on “What’s working for the workplace now?“