July 5, 2017 by

Design News You Can Use—Productivity Prowess Edition

Looking for a major dose of news you can use? In this edition of Design News You Can Use, Workplace Strategist Joelle Jach explores the power of design on productivity, efficiency and teamwork.

Hardly working: Around the office, we’re always interested in productivity. How can we become better and more efficient at our jobs? Technology is a big piece of the puzzle, but even as technology continues to advance, gains in productivity are slowing down. Head to NPR for the full story.

Open for business: In talking about the office of the future, the open office is a popular solution for collaboration and efficient space utilization. However, according to some studies, an open work environment may be the worst thing for our productivity.

The comeback kid: Once known for their vast encouragement of remote work, IBM has been held up as a pioneer by many in the push for more flexible and mobile ways of working. However, in a drive for more in-person collaboration and on-the-ground customer support, IBM has begun to call workers back into the office.

Open and shut: While startups and forward-thinking companies are stereotypically known for having big, open workspaces, some CEOs are coming to realize the need for some enclosure in the workplace. Whether it’s acoustics, visual privacy or the need for concentration, executives are beginning to learn some of the benefits of enclosed workspace.

Generation gap: It’s hard to have any discussion in the workplace without talking about millennials, and many folks view millennials as detrimental to the workplace. However, as Mary Donohue argues, we should stop focusing on millennials—and boomers, for that matter—and start focusing on Gen X.

Tech talks: It’s pretty hard to talk about the workplace of the future without mentioning technology, and from the looks of it, technology trends will continue to be big drivers in shaping the workplace. Curious about the next big thing in workplace tech? Take a look at Herman Miller’s predictions!

A good fit: In the market for a new job? You will want to start updating your resume, getting recommendations lined up, and… dusting off your running shoes? In search of new talent, some employers are incorporating a gym session into the interview process. Better brush up on those jumping jacks! Big thanks to Kristin Tilley for sharing!

Getting to know you: While personality fit is an important factor in any team, it’s also important to be aware of team members’ work styles, particularly if you are a manager. Understanding work styles can help unlock better management and response tactics to improve your team’s potential.

Tear down this wall: Whenever we talk about the open workplace, we inevitably discuss walls coming down and everything becoming more transparent. While transparency at work is a good thing, it brings some cultural challenges that may cause subtle changes to ways of working.

Light bright: As we head into warmer weather, you may feel yourself start to perk up more, and you may even feel more capable on the job. We know that natural light is good for us, and a recent study corroborates those findings, saying that natural light is a big factor in presence and engagement at work.