Company Culture and the Workplace: A Symbiotic Relationship

As businesses reimagine their office environments in a new era of work, how an organization displays its culture through its physical workspace has never been more important.

A thoughtfully designed workspace, at least theoretically, should reinforce company values, foster collaboration, and make for happy employees.

But what are the nuts and bolts of an office space that help achieve this?

What do we mean by company culture?

Referred to by Forbes as “the shared values, belief systems, attitudes, and the set of assumptions that people in a workplace share,” you can condense the term into one word: purpose, whether that’s innovation, sustainability, or employee well-being.

Research by Deloitte highlights just how crucial purpose is, with 94% of executives and 88% of employees believing a strong company culture is essential for success. A positive workplace culture impacts employee retention, engagement, and overall performance.

But culture isn’t only defined by leadership, it’s also shaped by the experiences and contributions of employees.

How offices shape how we feel

Company culture isn’t just something employees read in a handbook. The office plays a critical role in reinforcing or undermining that culture.

Savills’ What Workers Want survey underscored this, highlighting that only 12% of employees believe hot-desking and open-plan layouts improve productivity. This reinforces the idea that the physical workspace directly impacts how people work, interact, and engage with the organization.

So, what does an office designed to strengthen company culture look like?

Embedding core values into design

Telling employees about company values is one thing; showing them through office design is another. A workspace should be an extension of a company’s mission, making employees feel connected to its purpose.

• Sustainability-focused businesses might incorporate green spaces, natural light, and energy-efficient materials.
• Organizations prioritising well-being should offer ergonomic furniture, wellness rooms, and recreational areas to support employees’ physical and mental health.
• Innovation-driven companies can benefit from flexible workspaces and creative collaboration zones that encourage idea-sharing.

Comfort and well being

With employees spending an average of 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, workplace comfort is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity.

The rise of hybrid working has made this more apparent than ever. Employees have tailored home workspaces to their needs, and consequently, offices must offer the same level of comfort. A Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report found that 90% of employees want healthier workplace benefits, including:

• Ergonomic chairs and desks
• Sit-stand workstations
• Proper lighting and air quality
• Relaxation or wellness areas

Businesses investing in high-quality, refurbished furniture should ideally enhance comfort while also reducing their environmental footprint.

What about recognizing achievement in the office?

Recognition is a key driver of employee morale and engagement. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work. Workhuman highlights that recognition is a psychological need, as it strengthens an employee’s connection to the organization.

Creating a culture of recognition can involve:

• Employee appreciation programs to celebrate work anniversaries, achievements, and contributions
• Peer recognition initiatives where employees can nominate outstanding colleagues
• Dedicated spaces for celebrating success, whether through company-wide meetings, digital displays, or communal celebration areas

For businesses with hybrid policies, technology should ensure remote employees feel equally included in these moments, fostering a culture of shared success.

Collaboration and teamwork: Are organizations missing a beat?

Collaboration depends on having the right environment as well as the right people. According to Forbes, employees spend an average of 20 hours a week using digital communication tools, and while remote work has increased reliance on technology, in-person collaboration remains invaluable. How does a company achieve this though, given that open offices may not have the answer? Here are three potential requirements we’ve discovered in our own research:

• Offer hybrid meeting rooms with high-quality webcams and microphones to support seamless virtual collaboration
• Provide modular furniture that can be easily rearranged for team projects
• Incorporate breakout areas and communal spaces that encourage informal conversations and idea-sharing

A workplace that prioritizes connection, both physically and digitally, helps employees feel more engaged and fosters a strong team dynamic. Remember, it’s often about giving employees space to breathe on their own as well as engage with others.

Design is at the heart of any office

As work models continue to evolve, businesses must ensure their office environments align with their core values and support employee well-being, collaboration, and engagement. By creating meaningful, well-designed spaces, organizations can reinforce their culture, attract top talent, and drive long-term success.

Ready to transform your office into a space that strengthens company culture? Get in touch with Crown Workspace today.