Designing an Inspiring WFH space for Employee Engagement
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to switch to a remote work setup to ensure the safety of their employees. As a result, the concept of the “home office” has become increasingly popular. As we progress towards normalcy, many companies are continuing with remote work or offer remote work as an option to employees. This may be because of reduced overheads for the companies while productivity remains unchanged. However, working from home brings with it a plethora of unique distractions and challenges that aren’t present when working from office. Tackling these challenges and creating a workspace that inspires and promotes employee engagement is essential.
Design plays a critical role in creating a WFH setup that promotes employee engagement. The design elements should be thoughtful, functional and aesthetically pleasing. For example, choosing a desk that is large enough to accommodate all necessary work equipment and has sufficient storage space, can help reduce clutter and increase productivity. However, a desk that’s too large to fit in the space available to an employee renders the whole set up useless. Similarly, a monitor stand that adjusts to the user’s eye level can reduce neck and eye strain.
By customizing the WFH setup with their company logo and other identifiable graphic elements on the items, employers can also promote a sense of belonging and reinforce their brand identity. Learn about the impact of culture on product design.
Simple branding like printing the company’s logo on the headphones band, using company’s marketing images as background of the mousepads and painting the headphones stand to the color of the company’s logo are surefire ways to improve brand recall. Such subtle branding can be a simple yet powerful way to foster a sense of community and pride among remote employees. Employer branding through these items also reinforces the idea that the company cares for their employees among the employees’ friends and family who see the set up on a frequent basis.
Creating a WFH setup that inspires also requires selecting high-quality equipment using premium materials. Offering keyboards with pre-lubed keys, high DPI mice with smooth movement, and noise cancelling headphones as well as comfy chairs can help employees stay focused and engaged throughout the workday. A WFH setting that is customized to each employee’s needs can also develop a sense of gratitude and respect, which can have a big impact on employee engagement and morale. Such efforts can directly improve the Employee Net Promotor Score (eNPS) and improve the company’s standing among the general public.
Creating a custom WFH set up for employees is an easy and untapped method to improve employee satisfaction and engagement in the remote work era. HR leaders must look into creating customized WFH setups that offers a company branded work experience to their employees. By emphasizing their brand identity in the setup and choosing the items keeping design and functionality in mind, employers can create a workspace that not only inspires but also fosters a sense of community, belonging and pride among remote employees. Explore more of our Product Design Examples to get to know our work.
FAQs
A well-designed WFH setup helps employees stay productive and reduces the distractions commonly associated with working from home. Functional design elements, such as appropriate desk space and ergonomic equipment, minimize physical discomfort and improve focus.
Customizing WFH setups with company logos and other branded elements promotes a sense of belonging and reinforces brand identity. It helps remote employees feel connected to the company, fostering a sense of pride and community.
Essential design elements include a well-sized desk with adequate storage, ergonomic equipment like adjustable monitor stands, comfortable chairs, noise-canceling headphones, and high-quality peripherals such as a smooth mouse and pre-lubed keyboard.
How can companies improve employee focus and comfort in WFH setups?
Branding WFH equipment helps reinforce the company’s identity among employees, while also demonstrating care for their well-being. This branding can extend to subtle items like mousepads, headphones, or monitor stands, fostering a deeper connection with the company’s values.
A customized WFH setup tailored to individual needs can increase employee satisfaction, showing that the company values their comfort and productivity. This leads to higher engagement, improved morale, and a sense of appreciation among employees.
How can HR leaders improve eNPS through WFH setup design?
High-quality equipment, such as ergonomic chairs and noise-canceling headphones, ensures employees stay comfortable and focused. This leads to fewer distractions, less physical strain, and a more engaged and productive workforce.
A well-designed WFH space reduces distractions by providing ergonomic tools, such as monitor stands and noise-canceling headphones, and organizing the workspace efficiently with appropriate storage solutions, ensuring everything needed is within reach.
Thoughtful design, including the use of company-branded items and customized setups, can foster a sense of community among remote employees. These elements remind employees they are part of a larger organization, even when working from home, strengthening engagement and pride.