"Workplace choice is just one part of a broader culture of autonomy. With the support of organizational policy, and the right alignment of tools and technology to optimize productivity, it allows workers to optimize their own job performance, leaving them more satisfied, motivated, and creative…"-Diane Hoskins, Co-CEO, Gensler
The beauty of implementing word pods to restore autonomy in the open office is that it
gives employees control over their work environment at three distinct and essential levels.
- What kind of pod do I want to work in? Large or small? Open or partially-closed? Sitting or standing?
- What conditions do I want to set in my pod? Bright or dim lighting? Binaural beats music or ambient silence? Medium or high ventilation?
- Which pods do my project team need more of to support our work patterns next month? Two more conference pods? One more partially-closed collaborative pod? One more solo pod for our new cold call outreach campaign?
Envision: a bright, open office outfitted with a variety of strategically-placed portable, mobile pods. Solo pods line the walls. They brilliantly sound-insulate your top sales reps' video conferences, allowing them to bring a self-assured presence to important client connects. Meeting pods of various sizes and designs are set up beside individual pods. These pods embrace the free flow of collaboration by design (group autonomy matters, too
). And a handful of semi-open pods complete the array. They offer a hybrid of 'separation from' and 'connection to' the broader environment, allowing the flow of energy from the office space to permeate and invigorate impromptu, electric meetings. These semi-open pods are excellent for those who need a little bit of chaos to brainstorm.
In this perfect scenario,
each employee is empowered by choice. They can choose what kind of pod they want to work in, picking the size and atmosphere that will best support their task. And they can adjust the environmental conditions of the pod to suit their preferences.
BoostcubesMeet.open – a partially open pod. Available in a range of sizes to accommodate 4 people
What's more, with Boostcubes,
your team has an active role in shaping the design of your office. Simply issue a routine survey gauging satisfaction with the current layout and areas for improvement. If changes are needed, add to, relocate, and expand your Boostcubes pod family to accommodate. This is autonomy on the next level.
"…the physical environments that employees experience in office buildings affect employees' well-being, satisfaction, and efficiency… the work environment should be designed in a way that motivates people who work within it toward better behavior and outcomes."-Perceived Level of Personal Control Over the Work Environment and Employee Satisfaction and Work Performance. Performance Improvement. 2015.