Curating Workplace Experience That Matters

WHY WE SHOULD CARE? OUR DATA INSIGHTS SAY...

Our latest research from Cushman & Wakefield Experience per Sqft (XSF) reveals a mixed picture for 2024. While there has been a notable improvement in overall experience scores and employees’ ability to perform at their best, wellbeing remains a significant challenge.

Overall Experience 65% of respondents reported having a good experience in general, marking a 9% rise from 2023

Best Work 70% of employees felt they could do their best work, an impressive 11% rise from 2023.

Wellbeing 40% of respondents rated their wellbeing as very good or excellent, showing no improvement.

Creating a workplace where people feel valued and empowered requires more than isolated initiatives. It calls for a cohesive strategy built around five key interconnected factors - Neurodiverse Enablement, Sensory Considerations, Behavioural & Cultural Cues, Flexible Spaces & Services, and Technology Integrations . These elements shape environments where employees feel seen, supported and inspired.

To bring these principles to life, organisations should consider the following actions:

CONDUCT AN EXPERIENCE AUDIT

ENHANCE FLEXIBILITY AND CHOICE

Experience & Best Work Rebound; Wellbeing Remains Low

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Evaluate your current workplace through the lens of the five key factors. Use surveys, observational studies, data and visioning sessions to identify gaps and opportunities.

Reconfigure spaces to support multiple work modes. Ensure employees have access to a variety of settings that align with their tasks and preferences.

Trends of three critical employee outcomes

XSF Experience

Best Work

Wellbeing

73%

70%

69%

69%

66%

65%

65%

64%

59%

56%

55%

EMBED TECHNOLOGY INTO THE EXPERIENCE JOURNEY

DEVELOP A NEUROINCLUSIVE DESIGN FRAMEWORK

44%

Map the employee journey from home to office and integrate smart tools that simplify booking, navigation, and collaboration. These efforts should be guided by a robust digital workplace strategy that ensures seamless collaboration, enhances the hybrid work experience, and includes regular training to keep teams up to date.

40%

39%

39%

Partner with experts to embed neurodiverse design principles into your workplace strategy. Consider sensory zoning, transitions, and inclusive navigation.

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Wellbeing: % Very Good or Excellent

I can do my best work: % Agreement

Overall XSF Experience Score

ESTABLISH A CHANGE MANAGEMENT STREAM

ACTIVATE CULTURE BEYOND THE PHYSICAL

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Culture and behaviour change require structure. Build a dedicated stream to support awareness, training, and reinforcement of new ways of working, anchored by a clear change strategy that aligns people, processes, and purpose.

Be intentional in curating team calendars, and launch initiatives such as anchor days, skip-level coaching, and community events to strengthen culture and foster meaningful connections.

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We believe that most employees have adapted to new routines and rhythms in their workdays post pandemic. However, the persistent issue of low wellbeing is a widespread concern. This challenge goes beyond achieving work-life balance, as it is influenced by constantly changing macro factors.

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Cushman & Wakefield