GOOGLE LEADING THE WAY 

One third (33%) of office workers say that the design of the office would impact their decision to work at a company, revealed in The Human Spaces Global Report (2015). Technology giants are ahead of the curve in acknowledging that a work environment is critical to employee happiness and productivity and have incorporated biophilic methods into their workspaces. Google is one of the game leaders.

GOOGLE, DUDLIN IRELAND

Photos: Business Insider, Peter Würmli, Camenzind Evolution

GOOGLE, TEL AVIV ISRAEL

Photos: Business Insider, Itay Sikolski, Camenzind Evolution

FOCUSING ON EMPLOYEE HAPPINESS

The role of biophilia can significantly impact employer’s brand, which is a growing area of focus for businesses competing for talent. This is something that Google has also addressed. As one Google spokesperson told the New York Times, designers of Google offices have but one goal: “to create the happiest, most productive workplace in the world.” (Dunne, 2014). No wonder that Google is also leading the way in business!

Anthony Raviz from Google (Real Estate & Workplace Services) also discusses the strategies that help people perform at their best at Google in Human Spaces video blog. “Our workplace vision is to create places that just really feel wonderful at the end. Places that are vibrant and multi-sensory, and really touch our soul and make us excited and inspired everyday. But also that support not just doing work but support life.”

GOOGLE’S THREE PRIMARY STRATEGIES FOR WORKPLACE DESIGN

  • NATURAL ELEMENTS

  • NATURAL PATTERNS AND ANALOGUES

  • ELEMENTS OF THE SPACE AND THE PLACE

According to Anthony Raviz, Google’s three primary strategies for worksplace design comprehend design methods of biophilic design. Firstly, natural elements must be incorporated in the space. Daylight is one of the biggest factors of all, but also water features and living plants make a huge impact. Secondly, natural patterns and analogues, such as textile patterns, artwork, furniture and surfaces, create a cue to the brain that sparks the same sense of well-being. Thirdly, Google’s workplace design uses elements of the space and the place – providing obscured views, moments of mystery as well as safe shells.

IMPACTING WORKERS’ LIFE

Google truly understands the real needs and wishes of their employees and acknowledges how the environment plays a leading role in this matter. As Anthony Raviz puts it: “We know how busy life is. We know how much we expect from our people. And we know that it’s not just about how does it impact people when they are in our space, but we know that spaces that we create have a lasting impact on people throughout their entire lives. That’s a huge responsibility, but also a great opportunity for us to be the best company we can possibly be.”

Let’s follow Google’s example!

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