Onward and upward

Jennifer Doyle, founding director of Vangelis Consulting, explains how businesses can capitalise on their workspaces to engage their people.
 
The overlooked office stairwell. Hidden at the back of the building and used for fire drills or when the lifts are broken, it is an under-utilised engagement tool for businesses.
 
The lift is the quick route to the desk, or away from it. We frantically press the ‘close doors’ button when trying to escape the approaching boss and, once inside, stare intently ahead, secretly hoping no-one will ask us about that impending project deadline. Conversations in the work lift are limited to ten-second bursts and can be awkward if we feel self-conscious about the other lift users around us. Lifts are of course important in multi-storey buildings and have facilitated accessibility for those who cannot otherwise access the full work environment. But it’s worth considering whether the lift should always be the first choice.
 
By jumping in the lift and letting the cables do the work, we miss those moments of social interaction that improve office communications and brighten our day. We miss a great opportunity to get the blood pumping and the heart rate up a little, reinvigorating us for the work waiting back at our desks. We lose the opportunity to bump into colleagues we have been meaning to catch up with or meet new recruits who would appreciate an informal welcome.
 
The stairwell deserves a new lease of life. A fresh lick of paint, some pictures, better signposting and lighting. Savvy office developers keen to engender a lively, collaborative workspace are going further and designing office spaces with the staircase front of stage.
 
It’s time to think about the detail. Let Vangelis Consulting help you engage with your people.