6 Common Mistakes in the Workplace

I'm sharing some of the biggest blunders I've seen people make in their work environments. Good news is, they're easy to fix.

Here's number 1...

Mistake #1: Myopic Metrics

Many businesses often look at one dimension when it comes to changes they make to their workplace and this can be with serious unintended consequences.

One of the biggest examples of this mistake is a focus on space efficiency alone and in this case, business performance and culture can both suffer.

If you only look at cost per square foot, then speed of communication, ease of collaboration, quality of well-being, and productivity can all be reduced.

So instead, consider a range of measurements matched with a set of balanced objectives and even better, do this with a team of diverse perspectives.

Mistake #2: Bypassed Basics

Here's another workplace oversight. I call it 'Bypassed Basics'...It's when space is 'designed' to look good, but work essentials are forgotten.

In this mistake, the environmental essentials are under-estimated or overlooked entirely.

I've seen many businesses try to impress the outside world through space, but forget some of the fundamental elements that make a workplace function well.

When the basics are in place, they disappear, but when they are neglected, they become distractions, cause frustration and in some extreme cases can even damage health.

So, focus on getting the basics right, temperature that you can control, natural light, super-fast wifi.

Do this, and you'll help people to work effortlessly and with delight.

Mistake #3: Dangerous Distractions

This is probably one of the most contentious issues in work environments. Getting the balance right between concentration and collaboration. Here's workplace mistake number 3... Dangerous Distractions!

Now co location can do wonders for collaboration and communication. Many studies have shown the huge benefits of face to face interaction when it comes to complex problem solving and developing relationships.

However it's no good bringing people together in a sea of open-plan without having anywhere to think, recharge, or create. This not only impacts productivity, but it actually reduces interaction between people by 73%.

So - do have social and collaborative space, but also offer spaces for concentration, reflection, and head down work.

Mistake #4: Boring Branding

Space can communicate so much more than logos and brand colours. So why do so many organisations make this mistake?

Many workplaces are plastered with logos, slogans, and brand colours, but these alone don't convey the beliefs, attitudes, or purpose of the people who work there.

While it can be great to share your brand with visitors, this over-reliance on visual identity or logo does nothing for your culture.

Don't forget that the essence of your company, your work processes and the history of your business, can inspire visitors and workers alike. So think about ways that you can communicate the things that your company and people care about through space. Whether it's celebrating sales, visualising values, or bringing production processes to life.

Someone wise once said: "Space is the body language of an organisation". There's so much to express through the environment - so what are your spaces saying?

Mistake #5: Empty Engagement

This often inadvertent mistake can be the result of trying to impress, tight timelines or even fear of ‘opening a can of worms’: ‘Empty Engagement’.

But involving people in the process of defining, designing, creating, operating and activating spaces has many benefits including two-way information sharing and reduced resistance to change.

I've seen countless examples of spatial transformations carried out in secret, run by small groups of people who share nothing until launch day, and then, ta-da...!, the big reveal.

I've seen others broadcast progress through town hall updates. In both cases, they end up wondering why the space doesn't work or why people are cynical or resistant to change.

Of course, no communication is bad, but one-way progress reporting is no substitute for real participation.

When people have a sense of involvement, they're less likely to resist and more likely to assist in any changes that you make.

So, think about how to involve people using a variety of media and at different stages in both the creation and operation of your spaces.

Mistake #6: Pursuing Perfect

This is a tough one because, as workplace leaders who want to create high-performing workplaces, it’s natural to want things to be just right.

Often when planning a workplace, change leaders want to get it right.

But the truth is, perfect environments are never created on day one, and nor should they be. If an environment is presented as perfect or finished, then there's no room for contribution from the people who will use it.

And if you're committed to your first iteration and don't get it right, then you're stuck with a dysfunctional solution.

So if you adopt an evolution mindset, you allow for things to be improved over time. It leaves space for people to shape the best place for them to work, increasing your chances of success.

There are many more mistakes that businesses make when it comes to improving their workplaces. For more watch-outs - and advice on how to avoid them, check out our Workplace Performance Assessment.

It’s a 5-min test to find out how your workplace measures up - and you’ll get a free report showing your strengths and areas to improve.