The Essential Skills For Future Workplace

The world of work is experiencing a seismic shift. Automation, globalisation, and technological advancements are reshaping the business landscape at breakneck speed. To stay ahead in the game, businesses need to not only equip their employees with the right skills but also design and build offices that foster the right set of skills to support the future of work and the needs of the future workplace.

With that in mind, let's explore the essential skills your workforce needs and how your workplace design can nurture them, creating a future-proof environment for success.

5 Future Workplace Skills Everyone Will Need

Empathy: The Power of Understanding

Tomorrow’s workplace demands empathy as a crucial skill. However, it goes beyond mere sympathy; it’s about understanding others' emotions, respecting their needs, and designing an office that reflects that understanding.

Empathy translates into incorporating elements that cater to diverse working styles, personalities, and perspectives, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being for all when we talk in the context of office interiors. This includes modern workplace concepts like open office layout, adaptive spaces, adjustable furniture, variety in work settings, gender-neutral spaces, access to wellness amenities, and more.

Collaboration: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

According to a study, 75% of employers rate collaboration as "very important”. Additionally, collaboration has many faces, each with its unique characteristics. There is no one definition of ‘What is collaboration?’, as it includes various interactions and methodologies tailored to different organisational objectives.

Embracing collaboration in workplace design boosts productivity and efficiency thought. Think of collaboration hubs, breakout zones, comfortable seating, and coffee nooks that facilitate informal conversations. Or quiet zones and phone booths that facilitate individual focus time. By prioritising collaboration in workplace design, we move beyond simply providing a place to work. We create a thriving ecosystem where businesses and people can truly flourish.

Critical Thinking: Think Outside the Box

While "critical thinking" might sound abstract, its impact on workplace design is tangible and specific. 57% of respondents in a survey highlighted the importance of critical thinking in achieving long-term success.

Critical thinking isn't just a skill—it's a cultivated habit that helps employees navigate ambiguity and innovate solutions. Think of innovation zones with ergonomic seating, writable walls, brainstorming tools, and access to the latest technology and equipment. This isn't just aesthetics; it's understanding how workplace design choices impact employee behaviour, productivity, and ultimately, organisational success.

Communication: Speak Clearly, Listen Actively

With 86% of employees and executives citing a lack of proper communication as a primary cause of workplace failures, creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to share their ideas becomes essential.

To cultivate communication in your workplace, design must cater to diverse needs. Include open hubs for brainstorming, quiet zones for focus, and flexible meeting rooms. Integrate tech like video conferencing and interactive whiteboards. Moreover, encourage active listening with comfortable seating and dedicated feedback areas, all bathed in natural light and transparency. Remember, it's not just about the space, but fostering a workplace culture where everyone feels heard and empowered to connect.

Adaptability: Embrace Change, Thrive in Inclusivity

71% of executives in a survey identify adaptability as the prime quality of leadership. The ability to adjust and embrace change thus becomes indispensable. In today's challenging work environments, a proactive willingness to tackle diverse tasks is more crucial than ever, requiring individuals to shed ego-driven resistance in favour of innovative solutions.

Promote adaptability by designing flexible work arrangements: think modular furniture, movable walls, and integrated technology that seamlessly works for various work styles. Encourage collaboration spaces that foster diverse perspectives and a willingness to experiment with new ideas. Remember, a culture of adaptability thrives in spaces that are dynamic, responsive, and open to change.

Designing A Workplace That Nurture Essential Workplace Skills

Recognizing the crucial link between workplace design and essential skills, Verizon, a leading telecommunications giant, sought to go beyond providing a mere workspace. Collaborating with Space Matrix, they created an environment fostering skills like collaboration, empathy, critical thinking, communication, and adaptability.

Verizon's workplace showcases how design can nurture these essential skills. Open-concept layouts, communal workspaces, and collaboration zones promote spontaneous interactions, fostering a collaborative culture. Integrated technology and flexible furniture enhance communication and idea exchange. Thoughtfully designed spaces prioritise comfort, encouraging empathy and consideration for others' perspectives. 

The result? Verizon's office evolved into a thriving ecosystem where collaboration, empathy, and innovation flourished. Employees felt empowered, engaged, and equipped to navigate the ever-changing world of work.

This is just one example of how design can be a powerful tool for shaping the future of work. By understanding the essential skills needed in today's workplace, companies can create spaces that nurture these skills and empower their employees to thrive.

Embrace the Future, Shape Your Space

Remember, these are not just skills; they're the building blocks of your future workplace. By cultivating them through design, you'll create a space that empowers your employees to thrive in the ever-changing world of work. So, grab your imagination, embrace the future, and reimagine your workplace as a symphony of skills and design! Let it be a space where talent flourishes, collaboration thrives, and innovation takes centre stage.

Wondering what other essential skills or design strategies are crucial for the future workplace? Speak to our Workplace Expert to learn more.