Knowledge@ASB: Workspace Design

What difference does the physical working environment make to business outcomes? An edgy or slick architecturally designed office with ergonomic furniture, breakout spaces and built-in fun factors may lure employees and boost morale. But the opportunity to sit in a different spot everyday and become the ping pong champ at work only goes so far. It's the fundamentals that count, right down to good lighting and air quality. Activity-based working and open-plan still only suit some organisations some of the time. And spending up on a state-of-the-art headquarters when the organisation has a toxic culture is like putting lipstick on a pig, say the experts.