Creative Workspaces

By: Kristina Shrestha Hada

With evolution of wireless technologies and the Internet people are capable of working wherever they are and whenever they want. There are many people who are moving towards new concept of “Work-at-Home”. This is possible because of the wireless technology and Internet. People make business deals while standing on line or while sitting on a couch. With time the definition of a work place is also changing.

As we already know that many offices prefer cubical work spaces. On the other hand, high tech offices are moving towards open spaces. For example, companies like Google, Facebook, Airbnb and YouTube have open plan offices which would allow more interaction between employees and motivate employees to perform quality tasks [1].

The world is getting more competitive and people are always looking for new, creative and innovative products. Innovation can range from a simple toothbrush to latest computers and smart phones. Creative products grab attention of consumers. For example, most people in United States are using creative products. So, where does the companies get their creative products?  “Today nearly two-thirds of Americans own a smartphone [2].” Although two-third of people in US own smartphones [2], every time when Apple Inc. launches a new iPhone models, we can see a long line of inquisitive and enthusiastic buyers who are willing to be first to experience new products. It is the creative product which gives its consumers a unique sense of satisfaction ultimately changing them to loyal customers. So, who are creating these creative products?  A simple answer is the employees of these companies which produce such creative products. They are the ones who come up with great ideas and changes the dream into a reality in the form of creative services and products.

Can we motivate employees to be creative? This arises another question, i.e., “can a work space play an important role to create an environment where employees get motivated and be creative?”  In other words, can we design a creative space? Space has many possibilities and potentials. We can create sacred spaces, isolated spaces, and social spaces. So, why can’t we create a creative space?

In a workspace, many things play vital roles in determining the creativity of an employee. The things that encourages creativity are i) the amount of light used in a workspace, ii) the color of the workspace, iii) work space where they interact with other people, iv) space where they can relax, and have a leisure time, and v) furniture used in workspace.

Google is the forerunner in providing creative spaces for their employees. They have adopted open plan workspace. They provide employees with play time and leisure areas where they can think better. Google is designing offices differently so that it could allow its employees to have best spaces which would boost their creativity, “to create the happiest, most productive workplace in the world,” according to a Google spokesman, Jordan Newman.” [3]. When people are asked, where they get their best ideas; most people responded with walking, in social gatherings, etc. Some of today’s well-known companies started their early journeys from garages, or in pizzerias but now these companies are looking for creative spaces.

With existing examples and trends, there are no doubts that creative workspace can boost creativity of a person. It helps people to interact more about their ideas and provides a comfortable environment where they are free to explore the world of endless possibilities.

References

1.      Kaufman, Lindsay, “Google got it wrong. The open-office trend is destroying the workplace.”, https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/12/30/google-got-it-wrong-the-open-office-trend-is-destroying-the-workplace/, Accessed on November 7, 2015

2.      Smith, Aaron; “U. S Smartphone use in 2015”, http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/01/us-smartphone-use-in-2015/, Accessed on November 7, 2015

“Looking for a lesson in Google’s perks”, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/16/business/at-google-a-place-to-work-and-play.html, Accessed on November 9, 2015