Is Your Workplace Supporting Productivity?

Assessing Your Work Environment
The first step in evaluating workplace productivity is assessing the current environment. This includes examining the layout, understanding your workplace occupancy, how you are using the space, and the overall atmosphere.

👩‍💻 Are your team equipped with the tools they need to perform their tasks efficiently?

🎧 Are there a variety of spaces to support different tasks such as collaborative spaces and quiet areas for focused work?

🔉 Are the adjacency of spaces working? Have the noise level and acoustics been considered?

💭 People don’t want to be sitting in a sea of empty desks - Do you have the right size space for your team and the activities they are doing? 

The answers to these questions can reveal a lot about the effectiveness of your workplace. 

Bringing the Team Along for the Journey 🤝

Staff engagement is key to creating a workplace that truly works for its people. Employees want to feel heard, knowing their feedback has shaped the space they’ll use every day. A well-designed workplace isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about function, comfort, and how it supports the way people work.

We’ve found that fostering a high level of engagement through regular communication, surveys, and interactive workshops is invaluable. These tools allow us to listen, learn, and tailor solutions that meet each client’s unique needs. They also help set clear expectations, ensuring teams understand upcoming changes and how to make the most of their new environment.

When employees are part of the journey, they feel a sense of ownership, turning a workplace into their place.

More Than Just a Workplace: Designing for Culture and Connection

A workplace is more than just a place to work, it’s the foundation of company culture. In today’s world, culture isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a driving force behind employee engagement, satisfaction, and success. People want to work in an environment where they feel valued, take pride in their contributions, and are supported to do their best.

As designers, we have the power to shape these environments and be catalysts for change. Thoughtfully designed spaces can foster collaboration, connection, and learning. Large lounges and social hubs encourage the spontaneous conversations that spark ideas and build relationships. Open, dynamic layouts create opportunities for learning through osmosis, where employees naturally absorb knowledge from peers and mentors simply by being present.

A strong company culture isn’t just a perk — it’s essential. When people feel connected to their workplace, they stay longer, perform better, and contribute more meaningfully. By designing workplaces with people at the heart, we’re not just creating offices; we’re shaping the future of work.

⚡ One size does not fit all when it comes to workspaces. Providing a variety of work environments, from open-plan areas to autonomous spaces allowing your team to choose the setting that best suits their task. Flexibility in workspace design can accommodate different work styles and preferences, leading to increased productivity.

🖥️ The integration of the latest technology is crucial for a productive workplace. Ensure that your people have access to the right technology to share and collab with ease and connect to those not working in the office helps to promote productivity.

💌 A workplace that prioritises employee wellness and ergonomics can reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. Comfortable seating, proper lighting, and spaces for relaxation can contribute to a healthier and more focused workforce.

🌿 We all want to be in a nice comfortable environment, and this is where an aesthetically pleasing designs, comfortable furniture, and greenery all contribute. A visually appealing workplace can enhance employee mood and productivity.

Ultimately, a well-designed workplace not only supports the tasks at hand but also has the potential to do so much promoting collaboration, innovation, and well-being. As we continue to adapt to the evolving nature of work, we need to continually review, refine or change our workplace to make sure our people are doing their best work.

Is your workplace doing all it can to support productivity? 

With Catalyst’s expertise in workplace strategy, you can rest assured that your workspace will reflect a strong understanding of your teams' needs and culture and optimise productivity.

Reach out to our team today:

Tessa Leonard | Design Team Lead - Wellington
📬 [email protected] | +64 21 118 0420

Lana McCormick | Designer, Workplace Strategist
📬 [email protected] | +64 27 243 5511

Ben Price | Commercial Manager - Auckland
📬 [email protected] | +64 27 241 7926

Check out some of Catalyst's recent projects:

Local Wellington Government Agency
After a rigorous tender procurement process, Catalyst were honored to be awarded the Design Build contract, thanks to our strong track record in government projects, transparency in costing, commitment to timelines, and a collaborative spirit. This project for a local government agency allows our vision and expertise to converge, creating a space that reflects community values and enhances functionality.

You can read more about this project here.

Dinosaur Polo Club
This gold award winning project prioritised staff wellbeing, comfort, flexibility, and multifunctional transformable spaces. The design incorporated natural materials and a muted color palette to create a cohesive, calming environment that reflects the brand's values.

The space features a full-scale green wall, tiered seating, sliding whiteboard walls, and bespoke feature lights. Lighting is adjustable to suit different activities, and the cloakroom has moveable pegs for flexibility. The overall design prioritises people, wellness, accessibility, and diversity.

You can read more about this project here.

Gallagher Insurance Auckland Flagship Office
Gallagher Insurance, formerly known as Crombie Lockwood, were keen to get their Auckland central teams working from one flagship office, having been in two central city locations for many years. This required a complete refit to accommodate both locations and various functional teams together and also presented a perfect opportunity to showcase the planned rebrand to Gallagher.

You can read more about this project here.