Letting Employees Control Their Workspaces

Where do you like to do your work? Home, library, car, the actual office?

I'll be honest. The IG posts show people sitting on a beach at sunrise working happily. I want a chair, don't want to work while the sun is rising, and don't want sand in my laptop.

My ideal workspace includes my dog next to me, an open window, a cool breeze, and very few people around. Ruby on our team needs to be upstairs with the door locked so the kids can't come in and a secure container for her snacks. She says the lock and snacks are perfect productivity tools.

Of course, an idyllic-looking office sends a message to customers and prospective employees that the environment is perfect. However many employees these days prefer to work from home and customize their environments. Long commutes, high tolls and gas prices, and an environment where your immediate colleagues may not even be there is unattractive.

Idea 1: Give employees control over their own workspaces and even hours

We believe when companies give employees the resources to customize their spaces; great things happen. This means a budget for supplies and making the nook or office or cube stand out. Not rocket science, but still a practical idea. I laugh when I see Rick turn on his camera and he's on his couch with his dog on his lap.

Within reason, giving employees the ability to define when they can focus and crank out work is powerful.

Idea 2: Give employees the ability to create environments where they can think and watch good things happen

Giving employees control of their environments empowers them to test and see what works for them. A core insight is that employees who make their own minds up will always believe things more deeply than when told to do something or adapt to a specific environment.

For me, that includes seeing the pup relaxing when I get a coffee refill.

Idea 3: Give employees opportunity to think beyond physical space

My friend laid gas lines for a living across the US. Another friend travels for work in his truck managing residential properties. While these two couldn't control their work environments, they did control the clothes they wear, the extra pairs of socks, the right playlists and the best eye coverings for naps. This type of control even in small packages helped them feel better.

The perfect workspace is one you control

There are opposing forces in the American workplace. Employers are imposing restrictions and controls. While employees want flexibility and more of a focus on outcomes.

It's okay if Ruby needs a lock box for snacks and Rick may affect his posture while working with a 50lb dog on his lap. We all know what works for us as individuals.

Testing and Discovery Will Always Win

My ideal workspace can vary based on my mood, location, and demands. If Rick can have his couch, and Ruby her snacks, I want the freedom to work in multiple places that strike the mood and energy I need.