Your Office Needs Touchdown Spaces
Touchdown spaces are flexible solutions that allow work to be done outside of formally assigned desks. They are perfect for employees that are not at their desk most of the day, as well as those that do not have an assigned space, such as remote employees and visitors. According to an article in MIT’s Sloan Management Review, the average employee spends six hours a week in scheduled meetings, but senior managers attend nearly 23 hours of meetings every week. That means managers are away from their desk over 50% of their work week!
A touchdown space can be used by employees who are away from their desks to quickly respond to emails and calls. While a modular workstation is the most obvious type of touchdown furniture, open lounge areas, booths, private nooks, and standing desks are great alternatives. Remember that some team members may be most productive in an open space while others may need a more calm and private space to focus.
The Essentials of Touchdown Spaces
A “Plug and Play” Space
To be truly touchdown, the space needs to allow for anyone to be able to quickly sit down and start using it. The easier a space is to use, the more your employees and guests will use it. A few good things to include:
- Strong wireless connection
- Laptop docking stations (universal for all computer types)
- Charging stations and extra phone/computer cords
- Ergonomic workspace (offer both sitting and standing options)
- Combo Printer/Copier/Scanner
Spaces/Stations Near Meeting Rooms
The most wasted time is the time in-between meetings. Having spaces that allow employees to be productive before and after meetings is key. In addition, it allows those waiting for an occupied room to have a space to quickly answer emails instead of just standing and waiting for an available space
A Variety of Spaces to Boost Productivity for All Employees
Everyone is different, and employees perform their best in a variety of environments. Some employees prefer a traditional desk setup, others prefer lounges. Some employees loved when the open space concept became the trend, while others need more privacy for their conversations (think HR or while giving employee feedback). Some employees and teams need the opposite—a large enough space for their team to gather and easily collaborate with one another. Think through the different ways that your teams work throughout the day to create the best set-up for their needs.
Looking to create touchdown spaces in your office?
