The remodel was massive... an old building transformed into a sleek, open space meant to spark innovation. As employees stepped into the freshly revamped office, the vibe was all about fostering collaboration. But wait... in the corner of one of the glass-walled cubicles was a small sign that read, “SHHH… WORKING!” The irony was hard to miss: a space meant for open interaction was already reverting to old habits. It’s proof that just because you build it, doesn’t mean they’ll come, at least not how you hoped.
The Build-It-and-They-Won’t-Come Problem
Too many companies think, “build it, and they will come.” They assume that a fancy redesign will automatically drive cultural change. Sure, a new open space office looks nice, but if the culture behind it doesn’t shift, you’re just changing the scenery, not the story. It’s like buying a new pair of running shoes and thinking you’ll be ready for an Ironman overnight.
Take Yahoo for example. Yahoo’s open-plan redesign aimed to foster spontaneous interactions and creativity, but it backfired as employees struggled to adapt. The open layout felt cramped to those used to remote work, leading many to retreat into solo work habits.
Here’s the thing: culture isn’t just what you see; it’s what you do. New spaces may encourage collaboration, but if employees aren’t motivated, nudged, or even rewarded to act differently, it’s like having a brand-new gym you never step foot in. Culture isn’t just an extension of your walls (or the absence of them), it’s the heartbeat of your team.
The issue becomes more complex when considering neurodiversity. Open offices are often promoted as the ultimate collaboration space, but for employees with ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent superpowers, they can be a sensory minefield. Bright lights, constant noise, and unpredictable movement can overwhelm rather than inspire. To support diverse working styles, spaces should offer variety: quiet rooms for focus, collaboration corners, and flexible layouts. The goal isn’t to accommodate for accommodation's sake; it’s to foster an environment where all brains can thrive.
So, How Do You Truly Transform Your Workplace?
It starts with the inside, not the outside. Before rolling out new floor plans or trendy furniture, you need to build the cultural foundations that drive real change. Once your culture is defined, the right space can amplify it. Here’s how to make space an extension of your culture:
- Behavior First, Design Second Think of space as an enabler, not the solution. Define the key behaviors you want to see and craft spaces that amplify them. Want more collaboration? Set up casual seating areas that encourage spontaneous chats. Need focus time? Offer noise-canceling pods.
- Don’t Just Build, Co-Build The biggest missed opportunity in workspace design? Trying to build without the builders. Make your team part of the process from day one. Let them co-design elements that reflect their actual work habits. People don’t resist what they help create; they champion it.
- Make Room for All Brains Open spaces may scream “collaboration,” but for neurodiverse employees, they can mean “chaos.” Design spaces that offer a mix of noise levels, lighting, and layouts to suit different working styles. Incorporate quiet zones and sensory-friendly areas to ensure everyone can perform at their best.
- Adapt, Test, and Refine Just like culture, space needs to evolve. Regularly assess how spaces are being used and adjust based on feedback. If a collaboration area becomes a solo hangout spot, it might need a refresh. Be agile with your design, think of it as an ongoing experiment rather than a fixed setup.
- Add a Twist of Fun A little surprise goes a long way. Whether it’s a whiteboard wall for impromptu brainstorming, a "quiet hour" light signal, or playful décor, design can set the tone for an engaging workplace.
The Real Stage of Change... Your People, Not Your Space.
Great workspace design doesn’t automatically create a great culture, it just sets the scene. Your people, behaviors, and strategies are the real actors. Align them, and transformation goes from “possible” to “inevitable.”
Let’s Design the Next Workplace Transformation
The “SHHH… WORKING” sign is a reminder that people create culture, not just walls or the absence of them. A workplace that fosters collaboration isn’t defined by its layout, it’s defined by the actions, values, and inclusivity of its people.
At twopoint0, we’re redefining workplace transformation, aligning space with strategy to create lasting change. We believe it starts with people, and spaces that reflect their needs.
Ready to align your culture with your space? #LetsDesignTheNext
