Jo Staffelbach Heinz

There’s no disputing it now: Space really does matter. It has taken an inordinate amount of time to achieve quantifiable and measurable proof that the quality of the work environment does increase productivity, efficiency and well-being. And that doesn’t even include the additional benefits cited with recruitment and retention.

Maybe it’s just the fact that we needed time to compile adequate data, or maybe we have just improved in the areas of what to measure and how to measure it, but the metrics are developed. We can now say assuredly that space is vitally important to a company and that it is worthy of careful investigation and investment.

Creativity is important to every business, and creativity flourishes when you bring people together. When people are excited about coming to work, and when their work environment stimulates collaboration and delivers results, amazing things happen:

• People are proud of their workspace.

• Clients see and actually feel the brand.

• Work takes on new energy and focus.

• The work environment supports how people work.

All of this is possible by developing workplace strategies that reflect the unique and individualistic needs of a specific entity. A “deep dive” into a company’s DNA will unearth what makes that company special, what differentiates it from its competition, and what it requires to do its work.

This information then forms the basis for ensuing design solutions that celebrate the company’s culture, achieve functional objectives, deliver sustainable merit, and make the space really work for its occupants. A real balance of real estate, culture, performance, and brand—a “ROWE,” or Results-Oriented Work Environment that delivers ROI.

Bringing these elements into balance allows a company to leverage its space to achieve meaningful results. Space can truly deliver measurable and tangible results!

Jo Staffelbach Heinz is President and CEO of Dallas-based STAFFELBACH. Contact her at jheinz@staffelbach.com.