Leading-up to the launch of the Jersey Customer eXperience Alliance (JCX) and National Customer Service Week, from 7th to 11th October, Claire Boscq explains how energising your workspace will personalise and enhance your employee experience.
Gallup’s State of the global workplace report highlights a staggering reality: disengaged employees cost organisations between $450 billion and $550 billion annually in lost productivity. To combat this, companies need to focus on personalising the Employee Experience (EX).
When employees feel recognised as individuals, with their unique needs and goals considered, they become more engaged, loyal, and productive. This sense of personal connection to the workplace translates into better business outcomes across the board.
Personalising workspaces is key to boosting employee satisfaction and well-being, which directly influences productivity and performance
Research in environmental psychology underscores the profound impact that our surroundings have on our state of mind – our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are all influenced by the physical environment in which we work. Unfortunately, many organisations overlook the importance of creating workspaces that actively support their employees’ well-being. A thriving work environment isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Personalising workspaces is key to boosting employee satisfaction and well-being, which in turn directly influences productivity and performance.
The significance of personalising your workspace goes beyond aesthetics. It operates on a subconscious level, where the environment can subtly enhance creativity and productivity. My approach to this challenge integrates the principles of Feng Shui, an ancient Eastern philosophy that aligns closely with environmental psychology. Feng Shui is based on the idea that there is a spiritual relationship between natural elements and human-made environments. By harmonising the energy within a space, you create an atmosphere conducive to balance, creativity, and well-being.
Is your office too white?
A common but harmful trend in modern offices is the overuse of white – white walls, white desks, white chairs. While this may seem clean and professional, it’s important to understand that white is associated with the metal element in Feng Shui, which can be too harsh and even counterproductive. Metal is strong and cutting, which might manifest as reduced interaction and increased tension among team members. Instead, consider integrating the five elements of nature – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – into your workspace. These elements represent the fundamental processes of nature and can be used to create a balanced, harmonious environment that supports employee well-being on a deeper, subconscious level.
When employees feel good in their workspace and are supported personally, this positivity translates into their interactions with customers. Employees who are comfortable and valued are more likely to deliver exceptional customer service. Their enhanced mood and well-being foster a more empathetic and engaging approach to customer interactions, leading to improved customer experiences.
Satisfied employees are naturally inclined to go the extra mile, resulting in customers who feel valued and appreciated. This positive feedback loop enhances customer loyalty and contributes to the overall success of the business.
By incorporating these natural elements, you can personalise workspaces in a way that resonates with individual employees, making them feel more comfortable and valued. This personalisation is more than just a design choice; it’s a strategic move to improve how your employees feel and perform in their daily roles.
Personalising and energising your workspace
Simply put, by refreshing the energy of your workspace and tailoring it to your employees’ needs, you foster a positive, supportive environment where people feel valued, empowered, and engaged. This approach not only enhances employee retention and productivity but also contributes to a thriving organisational culture. Happy and engaged employees deliver better customer service, creating superior customer experiences and driving business success.
It’s worth noting that over 98% of the most highly engaged employees report that their workplace helps them feel a strong sense of belonging to their company and its culture. Personalising and energising workspaces is a powerful step towards achieving this sense of belonging and creating a more successful business.
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Join us for the inaugural JCX Conference, where we kick off a transformative journey to refocus on what truly matters—our customers. By focussing on customer-centric practices, businesses will enhance loyalty, drive growth, and differentiate themselves from the competition. Elevate your customer experience and witness firsthand how a customer-first approach will transform your business and fuel long-term success.
Now is the time to reset, refocus, and revolutionise the way we re-prioritise our customers.
At the Jersey Customer eXperience Conference, you’ll gain cutting-edge insights, practical strategies, and invaluable connections to elevate your customer experience to new heights, boost productivity to unite island businesses for growth with confidence.
