When Office Standards Fall Short
Walking into an office that feels inferior to other company locations can negatively affect employee satisfaction and business relationships. Inconsistencies—whether related to outdated technology, non-intuitive workspace design, or subpar amenities—subtly erode the employee experience and impact talent retention and recruitment.
“The fundamentals matter most in workplace design. Every employee deserves an equitable workplace experience—from ergonomic seating and height-adjustable desks to consistent technology and intuitive meeting spaces. These elements are the cornerstones of a productive, people-centered workplace strategy,” explains Georgina Pater-Bell, UK Real Estate and Workplace Director at JLL.
The Goal of Workplace Strategy: Consistency Without Homogeneity
For organizations managing offices across various cities or countries, the objective is clear: ensure every employee benefits from the same quality experience, regardless of location, while avoiding sterile, franchise-like environments. A robust workplace strategy fosters connection and authenticity at every site.
Three Pillars of a Successful Workplace Strategy
A well-defined workplace strategy centers on three core principles:
- Standardise Where It Counts: Define non-negotiable standards such as desk sizes, screen specifications, chair quality, and meeting room technology.
- Design for Your People: Develop environments that support employee needs, from intuitive layouts to ergonomic features.
- Celebrate Local Identity: Integrate local materials, colours, and cultural influences into each office’s design.
JLL’s UK portfolio exemplifies this approach. “We’re not replicating identical offices everywhere,” says Amina Akhtar, UK Design Director at Tétris. “Each workplace has its own character, tied together through common features—think of them as siblings within the same design family.”
Laying the Foundation: Consistency As Baseline
Developing a clear workplace strategy starts with establishing a baseline experience. This includes standardising critical elements so employees in Manchester enjoy the same seamless tech experience as those in London. Consistency also covers day-to-day essentials like fruit, water, coffee, and tea—seemingly simple touches that reinforce a caring workplace culture.
Embedding Inclusivity into Workplace Strategy
A forward-thinking workplace strategy embeds inclusive design by default, not as an afterthought. Multi-faith rooms, parenting spaces, and amenities such as menopause comfort cabinets respond to the varied needs of a diverse workforce. This holistic approach reflects continuously evolving employee priorities and drives belonging.
Adapting to Space Limitations
Workplace strategy also demands flexibility. Larger offices naturally accommodate more amenities, but smaller spaces can deliver equity through shared resources. Prioritizing “must-haves, should-haves, and could-haves” ensures the desired workplace experience is achievable in every location.
Infusing Local Flavor
Outstanding workplace strategies incorporate local context and culture. JLL’s Birmingham office references the city’s iconic red brick architecture, while Leeds draws inspiration from Yorkshire’s landscape and historical landmarks. These locally inspired details enhance employee pride and site identity.
“The Birmingham look and feel is very different from Water Street, which in turn differs from Manchester,” notes Pater-Bell. “There’s a shared DNA, but each office’s design is unique.”
Outcome-Driven Workplace Strategy
Ultimately, an effective workplace strategy is founded on outcomes-driven planning. While perfect uniformity is often unattainable due to building variances, organizations can achieve consistent baseline quality, inclusive design, and genuine local character. The result is a portfolio of spaces that feel both authentically connected and uniquely individual.
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