The Evolution of Work: How to boost employee engagement and prepare for the future

In the past, a good salary might have been enough to retain talent. But with the millennial generation, which will hold 75 percent of jobs by 2025, many companies need to re-evaluate employee experience to boost engagement and attract new team members. In addition, today’s employees are more mobile and more flexible, and want to work in environments that allow them to thrive personally and professionally.

As such, it’s essential to develop a work environment that makes them feel engaged, empowered, and productive. To help established companies transform themselves amidst shifts in the workforce, WeWork has introduced various solutions, providing consulting, analysis, design, construction, and operations services, that help companies increase productivity and engagement, as well as enhance efficiency.

For example, in our customized, enterprise workplace project in Hong Kong last year, we helped a leading global bank create an efficient and engaging space. It features a pantry for lunches or team gatherings, a large communal area as a flexible event space or hot desk area, and a versatile classroom that can be used for yoga and different types of business meetings, as well as other functional meeting rooms. In addition to executing the full design and buildout, WeWork also operates the optimal environment for the bank’s employees. Not only does an energizing workplace help companies hire and retain talent, but it also increases overall productivity and generates innovation.

Ready to start transforming for maximum engagement? Here are a few essential strategies:

1. Design for experience, productivity, and engagement

Office design directly influences how employees feel. Therefore, space should be beautifully and intentionally designed for experiences. From working closely with our enterprise members—large corporations who leverage WeWork—many redesign their spaces with the goal of fostering collaboration and connection among employees.

In a survey conducted by WeWork and Ipsos last year in France, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S., Most satisfied employees rank “opportunities to work on a collaborative team” as the best way to boost their careers. More than half of all happy employees collaborate with five or more people at their office on any given day. The results not only showed that people prefer a collaborative workplace experience, but also that regular collaboration can enable employees to feel more productive.

Companies can create a workplace where employees can connect, collaborate, and accomplish different types of tasks. Dynamic lounges can facilitate collaboration, while breakout spaces are perfect for brainstorming. With functional and nimble design, such as reconfigurable classrooms for trainings, and cozy, comfortable spaces for one-on-one connection, new ideas will thrive. Moreover, there should be quiet rooms for deep focus or private spaces for phone calls or conversations that require higher privacy.

2. Foster community and humanize the way we work

The rise of technology such as laptops, mobile phones, and instant messaging, have, to a certain extent, disconnected people. As people are pursuing purpose or impact in their careers, we should humanize the way we work and cultivate a sense of community. While work and play increasingly collide, employees appreciate a work place with consideration for their career aspirations and well-being. That is why at every WeWork location, there is a dedicated Community team for organizing events such as breakfasts, lunch and learns, and “Wellness Wednesdays” sessions, as well as volunteering activities to engage members. Companies may consider hosting thought-provoking industry events, group workout classes, meditation workshops, or simply a spacious lounge where teammates can take a break together.

These are also great ways for enterprises to shape corporate culture and engage employees with missions and values.

3. Explore flexible solutions that enhance efficiency

As a company grows, their office will too. WeWork can help companies to mitigate construction and real estate risk.

Moreover, with flexible terms and locations all over the world, WeWork enables companies to grow and expand to new markets, at the speed of business, without compromising on employee experience.

According to WeWork’s Global Impact Report, in major cities, WeWork provides flexible, high-quality spaces at a significant cost savings. Globally, a company of four can save 35 percent on average over traditional commercial real estate.

The way of work is undergoing a significant transformation. Companies have to be agile for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Human capital is one of the most valuable resources of a company, and the above strategies will increase employee productivity, facilitate engagement and hence drive impact to their businesses by unlocking the potential of their teams and creating organizations that embrace the evolution of work.

Alan Ai

Tag: Evolution of work Employee Engagement WeWork productivity workplace Millennials