The workplace should inspire the imagination.
But given today’s culture of hybrid working – it has become an increasing challenge.
What’s more, while some organisations are grappling with what the physical environment should look like, the emotional environment isn’t getting the attention it needs. From well-being and mental health, to purpose and a sense of belonging, gaining an understanding of how employees are feeling in the workplace is key if an organisation is to stimulate discretionary effort and deliver on its business goals. To quote the CIPD on their recent Wellbeing factsheet, ’To gain real benefit, employee wellbeing priorities must be integrated throughout an organisation, embedded in its culture, leadership and people management.’
So what should you measure to understand how your current emotional environment is performing?
There’s plenty to discuss here, but some of the highlights would include:
And there is plenty more besides….
After all, you can’t inspire your greatest strength unless you fuel their fire. Thomas Heatherwick from Heatherwick studio puts it beautifully when questioned on conceptualising ‘optimisation in the workplace’ for the new Google office in California.
‘The emotional engagement of one team with another is what matters. It’s about triggering your teams’ imagination and facilitating a sense of open-mindedness.’
If the average person spends a third of their lives at work*, then the environment they work in should support fresh thinking. Inspire their thinking. Fire up their ability to think differently.