Designing Intentional Amenities in Industrial Facilities to Boost Employee Engagement
Charles Clinton
in Connect on LinkedIn
Joe Williams
in Connect on LinkedIn
Thoughtful workplace design has increasingly become seen as a necessity for industrial facilities looking to compete for skilled talent within the industrial sector. Amenities focused on prioritizing safety and holistic well-being are transitioning from optional perks to essential elements needed to support a diverse and engaging work environment that goes beyond production needs. With the national average of high employee engagement and satisfaction within the workplace hovering around 13%, there’s a significant opportunity for improvement through thoughtful amenity planning.
Charles Clinton, global development director, and Joe Williams, architectural director, share their insights on how workplace amenities at industrial sites can drive employee engagement and improved trust. Charles leverages his extensive industry knowledge to help clients navigate facility challenges, while Joe brings nearly 35 years of architectural experience, specializing in large-scale construction and renovation within industrial settings.
Q: How has facility design evolved over time in traditionally in-person industries?
Charles: Facility design in traditionally in-person industries has undergone a significant transformation, driven by shifting workplace dynamics, technological advancements and a deeper understanding of employee needs. Organizations now prioritize creating high-quality environments that cater to all employees, from office workers to hands-on manufacturing roles, sparking a renewed focus on thoughtful workplace design and modern amenities.
Safety has taken center stage, with innovations such as advanced air filtration systems, touchless and automated technologies, and enhanced ventilation becoming standard features. This shift has redefined workplaces, moving away from outdated, dimly lit factory settings to spaces that are safe, comfortable and visually appealing.
Additionally, mental well-being is a growing priority, leading to the inclusion of spaces like respite rooms, wellness suites and mothers rooms. By providing break areas, cafeterias, relaxation zones, quiet areas, phone booths, wellness areas and outdoor spaces, employees feel an enhanced sense of autonomy and ownership over their workday.
Q: What design elements are crucial for enhancing employee engagement at industrial facilities?
Joe: In a well-designed facility, it’s vital for amenities to emphasize flexibility, variety and quality. A study found that an amenity-rich and renovated work environment increased employee engagement by 88%.
With employees spending long hours at these facilities, it’s important that these spaces are designed to support diverse working styles and personal needs. This creates an inclusive environment that values the person behind the job, not just the output. Additionally, incorporating company branding, including a company’s mission statement or values, can help promote a sense of purpose for front-line employees.
Q: What challenges do companies face when modernizing older facilities, and how are they addressing them?
Charles: Many existing industrial facilities were built decades ago and don’t meet the new working generation’s standards for employee wellness or satisfaction. Often, industrial facilities must balance the need for modernization with budget in mind. However, the benefits of investing in updated facilities with strategic amenity planning often outweigh the costs associated with turnover and recruitment. Additionally, modernizing aging infrastructure provides improved spaces that serve employees and gives the benefit of energy savings through new mechanical and electrical systems.
Thoughtful workplace design requires intentional and detail-oriented plans. Discover how having an integrated design-build team on your side leads to creating buildings designed and built for efficiency and comfort.
