A recent Wall Street Journal article showcased the tension for executives between the desire for openness and transparency and the need for privacy. Executives, including Steelcase CEO Jim Keane, are seeking to promote creativity and collaboration while still finding ways to focus and seek respite during parts of the day. These needs are shaping new ways of working and new kinds of leadership spaces. But, the conversation doesn’t stop there. The article sparked dozens of comments, some people asking why only leaders should be afforded the opportunity to get away from the distractions of the open plan?
Steelcase research suggests that while executives do face unique challenges at work, their needs have parallels to those of many people within their organization. Two separate research projects on leaders and employee engagement offer valuable learnings about how best to support people at all levels within an organization.