We’re designing around the senses in the workplace. By looking at various stimuli, we can design to minimize distractions for a workforce. On the other hand, certain stimuli can actually improve productivity. We want to stimulate people, so they think differently. There could be a piece of art that draws your eye, either through texture or pattern, that helps you to think a little differently. It can create calm or prime your brain to function a little differently.

We see a big movement with clients to provide healthy food for staff. But instead of sugary snacks and sodas, organizations are stocking coconut water, spa water, teas, and low-sugar snacks. On a larger level, cafeterias with food service programs offer farm-to-table options for staff. Good food helps nourish the mind, so you can focus better.

Food also helps build relationships. We’re designing so people can share a meal together, build relationships, and do good work together.

Cafes in the workplace aren’t just tables and chairs anymore. We’re designing to support networks, relationships, and work. See some of the IA-designed micro kitchens Neil Schneider discusses here and here.

Via interiorarchitects.com >

A new report published by IZA World of Labor claims that a rise in workers’ happiness and wellbeing leads to an increase in productivity. The study from economist Dr Eugenio Proto, of the University of Warwick’s Department of Economics and Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE) concludes that companies would profit from investment in their employees’ wellbeing. It cites the experience of large companies that have recently highlighted the importance of employee wellbeing in their company profiles. The authors claims that, until recently, evidence for a link between employee wellbeing and company performance has been sparse and that their own study shows a positive correlation between a rise in happiness and an increase in productivity. Proto believes  that finding causal links between employee wellbeing and company performance is important for firms to justify spending corporate resources to provide a happier work environment for their employees and that the available evidence suggests that companies can be encouraged to introduce policies to increase employee happiness.

Via workplaceinsight.net >

Robots, telecommuting and improved online recruiting will be on the rise in 2017. Every day there are new technologies and trends that impact how, when and where you work.

In order to become more productive in the workplace, and invaluable, you will want to stay current with advancements in technologies that streamline functions. You can be the innovator to help your organization integrate automation technologies to improve efficiency.

Via money.usnews.com >

This was a "remarkable" year for hiring, according to Glassdoor’s chief economist, Andrew Chamberlain. He says that the U.S. added an average 180,000 new jobs per month, well above the "break even" pace of job growth of 50,000 to 110,000 economists estimate the economy needs to keep Americans fully employed.

Pay is also on the rise. Median base pay for U.S. workers was up 3.1% from 2015, the fastest pace in three years. Can we top all that in 2017?

According to Glassdoor’s newest report on job trends, there are also a record number of unfilled jobs—5.85 million as of April—which represents the most since the BLS started tracking job openings in 2000. That’s compounded with the fact that every employer is hiring for tech roles, Chamberlain observes, and there are just so many talented candidates out there.

Via fastcompany.com >