The upcoming Workspace Design Show in London, scheduled for 27 – 28 February, will be packed with insights and innovations on workplace interiors. Among the many speakers scheduled to attend is Elaine du Preez, Senior Manager of Workplace Design for EMEA at Salesforce. This article will explore Elaine’s approach to workplace design, highlighting how Salesforce is leading the way in creating office spaces that balance the need for quiet focus with the dynamic requirements of collaboration and connection.
How do you see offices providing focus spaces, spaces that allow for reduced distraction and high concentration?
Employee engagement, collaboration, and connection have been strong focal points in the industry as we all return to the office post-pandemic. With increased activity and collaboration in offices, the demand for quiet, focused workspaces has risen to ensure the creation of a well-rounded work environment. The design team at Salesforce has developed a balance between group-focused quiet workspaces, such as a working library, and solitary quiet workspaces, like mindfulness rooms, striking a balance between working with colleagues on focused tasks and providing retreat spaces. By offering various work options for employees and empowering them with a choice in their work approach, you enhance both productivity and employee engagement within your office design.
Our theme this year is ‘Bloom: exploring the thriving ecosystem of work life.’ How do you see offices ‘blooming’ in current times?
The landscape of office design and the way we use our offices has changed significantly over the last couple of years. The pandemic accelerated this change for all of us by amplifying the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. A higher focus on flexible work settings and the availability of choice within the office are now requirements for an office space to function successfully. I believe that office spaces truly flourish when we activate the office as a place for connection, culture, and collaboration. We should still provide retreat spaces but also offer employees the choice to work flexibly and remotely when required, empowering individuals to choose how and where they are most successful in their work.