From Data to Decision: Leveraging Employee Surveys for Workplace Optimization

As they say, “the pendulum always swings back,” which appears to be the case with working onsite versus working from home. Post-pandemic, the needs of the workforce are changing, which will inevitably affect employee attraction and retention. In fact, many companies are inviting remote teams back into the office to establish hybrid or fully on-site schedules. 

To ensure that your company adjusts smoothly to this recent shift, it’s essential to regularly survey your employees to understand how (and where) they work best. According to a 2023 Gensler Study of 4,000 knowledge workers in 6 cities with over 100 staff, it is reported people feel they need to be in the office 63% of the time to be most productive, which averages to about 3 days a week.

As interior designers, we know that we can’t please everyone, but we always aim to get pretty close to it! However, designing a workspace that meets the diverse needs and preferences of employees requires more than just guesswork. Collecting data on employee feedback is one of the most important tools for the success of the organization. Let’s explore how to get the most out of employee surveys to boost workplace optimization.

Time Spent In Office Holds Weight

Offices are no longer seen as solely functional spaces where employees clock in and out. Nowadays, the workplace serves as a hub for creativity, teamwork, and social interaction. With remote and hybrid work becoming more prevalent, the time employees spend in the office holds even greater significance than before. Working on-site is not just about completing tasks; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and connection with the company and colleagues.

To ensure that your team is comfortable, productive, and happy at the office, it’s essential to provide them with a space for open dialogue about their experiences. This is where Relo Design a division of Relocation Strategies Workplace Productivity Analysis Survey® comes into play. 

The Workplace Productivity Analysis® is composed of custom-designed questions to identify the appropriate workspace changes for your company. On top of this staff-wide survey, Relo Design also hosts a series of one-on-one meetings with department heads and stakeholders to understand concerns regarding logistics and budget. With the help of our consultants and designers, we combine survey results, stakeholder information and extensive industry knowledge to make recommendations that suit your team’s needs.

How Workplace Preference Surveys Drive Satisfaction

Employee surveys offer a powerful tool for gaining insights into the preferences and needs of your workforce. By requesting feedback directly from employees, companies can tailor their office design and amenities to enhance satisfaction and performance. Here’s how:

Collaboration: A well-designed workspace can facilitate collaboration by providing dedicated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and social engagements. Through employee surveys, you can identify the types of collaborative spaces that resonate most with your team—whether it’s open-plan work areas, cozy breakout zones, collaborative pods, or quiet areas.

Engagement: It’s a well-known fact that engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and committed to their work. Workplace preference surveys allow employees to voice their preferences regarding office layout, furniture, lighting, and amenities. By incorporating their feedback into the design process, companies can create environments that inspire creativity and engagement.

Productivity: The physical environment plays a significant role in influencing employee productivity. Surveys can uncover factors that hinder or enhance productivity, like noise, which is currently the #1 complaint in the office due to team calls and not enough conference rooms. With this data, companies can optimize their workspace to encourage focus, concentration, and efficiency.

Reimagine Your Workspace with Relo Design

At Relo, we understand the pivotal role that office design plays in shaping employee experiences and driving business outcomes.

Whether you’re planning an office relocation or seeking to revitalize your current workspace, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you reimagine your workspace and unlock your team’s full potential. Reach out today to learn how our services can help you create a workspace your staff will love

Increase Employee Engagement by 25%

Everyone works differently and your workspace matters! Reimagine your workspace into a flexible, engaging work environment that suits the needs of all of your employees.