23037_PDS Office Fit-out Guide_v4

EMEA OFFICE FIT OUT COST GUIDE 2023

BEST IN CLASS OFFICE FIT OUT REQUIREMENTS

A focus on neurodiversity in the workplace

Occupiers continue to wrangle with complex issues across several fronts. Three years on, while occupiers are advancing new workplace strategies and policies, they continue to refine their space requirements and fit out designs to boost collaboration and innovation while also providing space for individual, focused work. Furthermore, additional sustainability as well as DE&I criteria are commonplace across new fit outs as corporates strive to meet their stated goals. Best in class fit outs therefore need to simultaneously consider four key factors: workplace strategy and change management, sustainability, procurement, and technology. Proprietary data from Cushman & Wakefield’s bespoke workplace strategy tool, EXPERIENCE PER SQUARE FOOT TM , has shown that the role of the office is increasingly focused on collaboration, innovation and social connection. However, at the same time employers should not ignore that focused work continues to be done in the office, which for most employees is still approximately half of their working day. This means the office needs to remain a dynamic environment, which is most readily seen through creating multi-functional spaces, such as using modular & flexible furniture to allow a variety of layout configurations that best fit the different activities, as well as implementing digital booking systems to secure collaborative or quiet spaces. The most important criteria here is to recognise that the move to hybrid, or flexible, working necessitates a quantum shift in how work is done, not just where it is done. Occupiers at the leading edge are making this shift through a combined approach of updated workplace policies, innovative office design, and thoughtful change management programmes. WORKPLACE STRATEGY & CHANGE MANAGEMENT

It is estimated that approximately 15% of the global population, or 1 in 7 people, is neurodiverse – which includes conditions such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD and dyspraxia. Accordingly, employers are increasing their focus on creating inclusive office environments which accommodate and embrace varied sensorial responses. Positively, there are myriad of simple design solutions that can be adopted. First and foremost is in offering a variety of workplace options as well as increasing natural lighting and therefore reduce dependence on fluorescent lighting. Further steps can be taken in considering office layouts to create unique spaces and visual landmarks, thereby reducing the need for signage, as well as adopting appropriate colour schemes and designs – especially on walls and carpets. Such solutions offer multiple benefits, regardless of neurodivergence, with studies showing including biophilia can increase employee wellness by up to 15% while dampening general noise improves work accuracy by up to 67%.

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MODERNA FIT OUT, WARSAW, DELIVERED BY CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD PDS 13

Cushman & Wakefield