Our environment can shape our behaviours and corporate culture, either consciously or unconsciously. This can clearly be elaborated by the contrasting moments when we step into a library and a coffee shop. Hence, having a social space (also called breakout room or collaboration space) in the workplace can unquestionably help to achieve part of corporate objectives, shaping the intended behaviours, culture and improved staff wellbeing (read: Tips for Green and Healthy Offices).
From workplace filled with cubicles to open floorplan to remote working and hot desking, office trend keeps revolving. The once very popular open floorplan office was disapproved for its poor acoustic nature after years of implementation by companies. Same for corporate social space, we witness the tends come and go. From simple furnishing like coffee table and comfy sofa to ping pong or snooker table and game room, business owners may wonder the effectiveness of these facilities in improving the business performance (return on investment). Here are the basic aspects we need to look into when designing a social space.
It Sparks Inspiration
Innovation and creativity do not solely refer to newly invented products or services. It can also imply new ways of doing routines in a more productive or simplified way while delivering equally good if not better outcome. A social space which has access to a nice landscape view, natural light and equipped with ergonomic furniture or exercise equipment is an inviting space for people to have face-to-face meetings. Learn how to help your staff to be more creative here.
Access to Food
It is a common practice for a company to combine social space with pantry to provide staff a convenient access to food and drink while having a less formal meeting there. A social space is a place for staff to recharge. Head to our blog Stimuli in the Workplace and Work Performance to know more.
The Location
Constructing a social space next to Chief Executive’s office hinders the utilisation rate. Having it adjoined to quiet or focus zone is another bad decision unless a sound acoustic control is in place to minimize undesirable disruptions. We understand how challenging it is to devise a great corporate space planning given a constrained area. Nonetheless, it does not mean that it is unattainable.
Conclusion
A truly functional social space is more than placing a few gigantic pilates balls or a carousel there. It requires full support and faith from the management to believe that a well-defined and human-centric social space is capable of shaping the intended corporate culture and encouraging creativity.