The human-led design strategy that makes hybrid a success

Some of the world’s best design is drawn from the intentional application of art and science. The integration of design principles with sociology, anthropology, ergonomics, and biology, goes beyond aesthetics to consider how spaces influence human emotions, behaviors and interactions. By blending these human factors and social dynamics with creative vision, brand understanding, and market data, companies can design workplaces that give teams what they need to thrive.

Human-led design is not a new concept, but its relevance has grown significantly amid seismic changes in the way people work. JLL research showed that the average number of days in the office is increasing steadily, but hybrid working remains the employee preference worldwide with employees averaging 3.1 days per week in the office. While hybrid work has indeed become the norm, most companies are still working to get it right—including how much time people spend in the office and how that space can best support their efforts. It’s gotten harder to answer questions that used to be relatively simple, like how much space to allot for focused work, versus open, collaborative work.

After all, the simplistic view that focused work should be done at home and collaborative work in the office has been complicated by years of real-world experience. Many employees face challenges working from home, such as distractions from family and a lack of suitable workspaces, especially during times like summer when school’s out. The successful hybrid workplace should offer a mix of spaces that together support people wherever, whenever, and however they work. 

How to achieve this holy grail of hybrid workplace design? That’s where the science comes in.

Human-led design puts people at the center of the design process, leading to spaces that meet the practical needs of employees, support their productivity, and foster a deeper connection and sense of affiliation with their work. 

This means nailing the ratio of heads-down space to collaborative areas, along with other types of space like social areas for casual engagement and wellness rooms. Research shows many organizations have a long way to go in this department: According to JLL’s Human Experience surveys, 55% of office workers still believe that their home environment better supports focused work, while 45% believe their home environment is better for their productivity overall. Meanwhile, 22% still complain about the lack of privacy for virtual calls.

It’s clear that considerable challenges still lie ahead for increasing day-to-day office utilization. Whatever the menu of spaces may include, every organization must balance the need to create a supportive and engaging environment with up-front cost considerations as well as return on investment. 

JLL’s Design Trends and Cost Guide provides valuable insights into how companies can make informed decisions without compromising on the quality of the workplace experience. The report projects that design and construction costs will climb by about 2% in some U.S. markets this year. Good news: overall fit-out costs are expected to stabilize. Less-good news: supply chain and construction labor issues remain. 

With detailed cost data for various projects in different markets, organizations can ensure they make the best use of their fit-out budgets. For instance, prioritizing investments in videoconferencing technology and flexible furniture can yield high returns in employee satisfaction, as well as productivity improvements by helping facilitate seamless collaboration between remote and in-office employees.

Every organization will require a unique design to meet its specific needs. But following are some rules of thumb on the path to a hybrid workplace that delivers on human and organizational value.

1. Understand your workforce: First and foremost, take time to understand the people who will use the space. What inspires them? What supports their individual work style? What do they need to do their best at the various tasks before them on any given day? Use observations, surveys, interviews and workshops to learn how the workspace can better support their daily tasks and overall experience.
   

   And keep the process iterative along the way, too. Co-creating the workspace with employees ensures that it meets diverse needs while fostering a sense of ownership.
    

2. Invest in flexibility, strategically: Drawing on what you learn from step #1, mastermind a layout that supports the right mix of collaboration and quiet. Keep that space adaptive by choosing modular furniture and integrating technology to support seamless connectivity whether people are working synchronously or not.
    

3. Prioritize well-being: Incorporate natural elements and ergonomic furniture to provide a comfortable and healthy environment. Spaces dedicated to relaxation and mental well-being can enhance overall productivity and employee morale. For example the benefits of designing with natural elements range from lowering stress and blood pressure to improving mood. Residential design elements are finding their way into more offices now.
    

4. Emphasize brand expression: Go beyond splashing brand colors and the logo on the wall. Articulating your company’s culture and values through design elements and storytelling can spark pride and unity for employees. And those sentiments go hand-in-hand with a positive human experience of work.

A well-designed hybrid workplace can enhance collaboration, foster innovation, and improve overall productivity. By understanding the art and science of effective hybrid workplace design, companies can create spaces that are not only functional but also resonate on a personal level. They can help ensure employees feel valued and engaged, directly contributing to better business outcomes. And they can ensure their business stands ahead of the competition for top talent recruitment and retention. 

Embracing human-led design is not just a trend; it’s a strategic imperative that can lead to a more engaged, innovative, and successful workforce. For more insights on how JLL can help you implement human-led design in your workplace, explore our design solutions.