In this episode of Design for an Agile World, host Joe Walker sits down with Dr. Tracy Brower, PhD, MM, MCRW, VP of Workplace Insights. Steelcase is known for its innovative workplace design ideas that go beyond furniture and focus on how the environment can move the needle.
Dr. Brower emphasizes the significance of designing places that create the conditions for people to do their best. Her research highlights the importance of work in people's lives and how the work environment can affect and influence them.
Joe and Dr. Brower discuss the importance of providing employees with choice and control over their workspaces to increase engagement and discretionary effort. They suggest that adaptable spaces can help remove friction and make it easier for employees to flow between collaborative and individual work. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating a culture of choice that allows employees to work in a variety of spaces that suit their needs.
Highlights:
2:49 – Designing workplaces for people
11:23 – Importance of dimensionality, identity, and well-being in workplace design
12:58 – Exploring agile design in a post-Covid era
16:32 – The relationship between workplace design and employee well-being
20:21 – Workspaces for psychological safety and innovation
25:48 – Stress and learning in the work community
32:55 – Create a culture of empathy in the workplace
34:33 – Work/Life blending
Connect with Dr. Tracy Brower
Dr. Tracy Brower is a Ph.D. sociologist and vice president of workplace insights for Steelcase. She is the author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life, as well as a contributor to Forbes and Fast Company. Her work has been translated into 18 languages, and you can find her at tracybrower.com, LinkedIn, or any of the usual social channels.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracybrowerphd/
Steelcase - https://www.steelcase.com/
Tracy’s Website: https://tracybrower.com/
Connect with Joe Walker
Walker Architects: https://walker-arch.com/
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