Author: sundancecompany

Most of us understand that work-life balance is an important aspect of a healthy work environment. But now, more than ever, we need to openly discuss what work-life balance really is, what it means for different people, and the best strategies for obtaining it.

What is Work-Life Balance? 

Let’s start with the basics. Work-life balance can be described as a state of equilibrium. It’s the equal prioritization of personal and professional demands. When work-life balance is off, the two states tend to bleed together, and people find themselves focusing on job demands when they should be present in the home. Whether it’s a busy parent attempting to help their kids with remote learning while also taking business calls or finding yourself answering work emails in the middle of the night, many people have found themselves pulled in unhealthy directions. 

Why it’s Important

There are endless studies emphasizing the important role that work-life balance plays in one’s life. One of the most obvious reasons for this is the improvement in relationships, both at home and in the office. But it also boosts productivity and performance in both situations because the person is able to fully engage with their responsibilities. There is also significant research that shows a successful work/life balance improves physical health, preventing everything from the flu to heart problems. Employees that have the time and space to practice mindfulness will be able to reduce stress and prevent burnout by being able to focus on the task at hand. No matter their work style, flexibility gives employees the autonomy they need to function best. After all, not everyone operates the same way nor are any two home lives the same. Whether they’re Baby Boomers, Gen Zers fresh from college, or anywhere in between, everyone appreciates a flexible schedule.  

How Organizations Can Achieve Work-Life Balance

1. Autonomy & Flexibility
In order for team members to achieve a sense of work-life balance, employers need to provide them with a sense of autonomy. According to a survey of 3,500 employees conducted by Sage, 81% of respondents placed importance and value on flexible working, because they want to be trusted to manage when, where and how they work. 

2. Amenities
For employees that do come to a physical workplace, providing onsite amenities, ranging from gym and meditation facilities to healthy foods, are amazing resources for teams. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential for alleviating stress, and many team members rely on these perks to maintain their well-being, especially when they are taking the time to commute to an office.  

3. (Really Good) Benefits
Another important factor in achieving work-life balance is providing extraordinary benefits – not just the standard offerings. It’s no secret that health insurance is incredibly expensive, as is childcare. Company paid services like these, as well as tuition assistance and longer paid maternity and paternity leaves, serve as important indicators of how companies value their team members while also contributing to a healthy work-life balance. 

4. People and Culture
Additionally, we have to remember that the people you hire create your company’s environment. That’s why it’s so important that team members are a good fit for the culture and type of company that you want to build and grow. Naturally, this means some existing employees who demonstrate toxic behaviors might need to be let go. While making these choices is tough, they’re extremely necessary if you want to cultivate an environment where people can thrive. 

5. Lead by Example
The way those in leadership and managerial roles lead their organization is a direct indicator of work/life balance too. Through leading by example and demonstrating a strong sense of empathy and practicing a healthy work-life balance themselves, team members will understand the type of culture you promote and support in your workplace. This allows them to go forward and practice those same principles in all their affairs, and in turn hopefully find a healthy work-life balance for themselves. 

By coming together and finding ways to support work-life balance for your organization, you’re able to dedicate your focus on your company’s bright future and with limited employee turnover along the way.

Portions of this article originally appeared on the CRESA website.

The Sundance Company                                                                
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

The Sundance Company                                                                
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

Burnout is a big deal these days. Whether it’s the seemingly constant change, unreasonable expectations, the anxiety of living in a global pandemic, or simply not having the resources (whether it’s social, physical, emotional, or financial) to deal with everything, burnout has taken shape in some form or fashion over the last year and more.

Studies estimate that burnout has increased between 48% and 64%  over the course of the pandemic. And in a much less scientific poll, when I polled my own LinkedIn network, I found that 96% of people reported feeling burnt out at some point over the past six months. It’s likely few of us have the same energy levels as we did before 2020.

We are all trying to do the same—or maybe more—with fewer resources and more constraints. It’s only natural that our physical, mental, and emotional energy will slowly drain away.

Typical tips for fighting burnout often include taking a break, asking for help, and spending time with friends and family; however, leaders and organizations can also mitigate burnout by keeping tabs on energy levels and ensuring sufficient resources are provided. There is, however, an innovative method for fighting burnout that research is finding to be quite effective: Trying to forgive.

Why Forgiveness Matters

Burnout is about losing your mental and emotional energy. When you run out of the energy needed to overcome daily challenges, you feel as if you are unable to make positive improvements in your situation, and you become skeptical and cynical that things will ever change, you are burnt out. To prevent burnout, you have to minimize unnecessary or wasteful uses of your mental and emotional energy. Forgiveness is one way to do this. And it has been linked to lower levels of depression, stress and anxiety, and of course, burnout.

It may sometimes be easier in the short run to not forgive, but in the long run, it saves your energy. Think of it like this. When you do not forgive—when you hold onto resentment or frustration, focused on someone else or yourself—you are burning mental and emotional “gas.”

Tips for Using Forgiveness as a Burnout Cure

Start by forgiving yourself. Research suggests that, when it comes to fighting burnout, being able to forgive yourself may be even more important than forgiving others. After all, you have a front-row seat to your own failings, so there’s more to waste energy over when you cannot forgive yourself. Observe and label the specific things for which you may need to forgive yourself. Pause whenever you start beating yourself up with negative generalities (those phrases that start with “I always . . . ,” “I never . . . ,” and “I’m such a . . . “). Generalities exacerbate burnout feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. It’s much easier to forgive yourself when you can identify the specific thing you are choosing to let go of.

From there, try to lead with forgiveness. Bad leadership has an outsize effect on burnout—increasing burnout by as much as 230%. If you are creating an unforgiving environment where failure is unacceptable and mistakes are heavily punished, you are setting your people up to burn out. Instead, foster creativity, collaboration, and cohesion in your teams by consistently modeling forgiveness. Make it clear to others that it is safe to make mistakes, provided they learn from them.

Focus on solutions, when embracing forgiveness. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, and it is easier for some than others. If “forgiveness” sounds like an obligation that would be draining in itself, you may want to think about creating a few mitigation techniques to manage problems before they arise. So, identify where mistakes are made most frequently and institute preventative checkpoints. After all, the fewer mistakes there are, the less you will have to forgive.

Also, forgive selfishly. If forgiving others sounds like a burden, try thinking of it as a way to stay in control of your relationships, for you. This isn’t about having a death grip on every circumstance in life, but rather preventing situations from spiraling out of control. Grudge-holding begets grudge-holding. Vengeance begets more vengeance. Even if your forgiveness doesn’t completely rectify the situation, it will prevent you from wasting more emotional energy reacting to something you cannot control.

Finally, practice empathy. Sometimes forgiving is harder than other times, especially when others’ bad behavior seems ridiculous or malicious. Counter this by remembering that we all fall victim to the fundamental attribution error, or the mistaken thinking that others fail because of who they are, whereas we fail because of our circumstances. Put differently, it is natural to think to ourselves, “I would have never done that.” Instead, think about what would have made you do whatever it is you are frustrated about, and you will find it much easier to forgive.

Forgiveness can empower individuals to take back some of their mental and emotional energy and mitigate the burnout we are all feeling. If you are a team or organizational leader, I’d like to leave you with one caveat and an exhortation.

Remember, Forgiveness is not a Magic Elixir

Don’t weaponize forgiveness by challenging people (“Tet’s try to be more forgiving”) while you continue to induce burnout through unsupportive and overly demanding leadership. Assess your role in the burnout process, then be proactive in providing support and resources for preventing burnout (and reversing it when it does occur).

Portions of this article originally appeared on the Fast Company website.

The Sundance Company                                                                
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

About The Sundance Company                                                      
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

About The Sundance Company                                                      
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

Over the past year, we witnessed a fundamental change in the role of office. As we quickly transitioned to virtual and digital workspaces, we saw leadership change their perspective on remote working and physical space. Business leaders have also shared concerns over workplace purpose and rightsizing their future office requirements, yet they have been awed and inspired by the complexity of the single question: “What is the future of work?”

Through this disruption, organizations are boldly questioning conventional business norms and expressing concerns about the shift from dedicated, individual spaces to more agile, shared workspaces. Key questions business owners are asking include:

What is the best office size and configuration?

What are the long-term, post pandemic implications on real estate decisions made today?

How do we establish organizational culture and maintain employee engagement in a blended/hybrid workspace?

What technologies will be needed immediately to successfully transition and support the physical office of the future?

Components of The New Generation Space

The New Generation Space is a purpose-built environment that drives employee engagement: a memorable and inspiring place where people want to work and be. This hybrid workplace can also be viewed as a “Hive;” the place people return to for human connection that supports the activities an individual does not want to do, or cannot do, from home. And although it is not one-size-fits-all (with solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs) there is a general emphasis on the following elements:

Leadership: Presence and vision are the heart of an organization. Associates, both new and seasoned, will need to see and be seen to fully connect with the company’s culture and vision.

Cultural Experience: The work environment is a physical manifestation of a company’s values, organizational purpose and brand promise. In-person employee engagement also helps create the social capital that binds organizational culture.

In-Office Employees: Though many employees will embrace remote work, others will still prefer the in-office environment. Resident employees will likely be in the office most of the time and may require individual, assigned workspaces. Companies should consider building in flexibility to expand and contract as on-site headcount needs adjust.

Collaboration and Innovation: Although platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have made virtual meetings more successful than most would have anticipated, virtual collaboration misses out on the nuances of body language and other visual cues in communication that impact the brainstorming process. The “Hive” will incorporate innovation labs, project rooms and other areas for team-based work and tactile learning.

Agile Workspace: Similar to an activity-based work model, agile workspace allows associates to choose a preferred setting based on the task being performed. A hybrid workforce requires the freedom to choose between focus areas, quiet zones, and collaboration spaces that are tech-enabled to promote productivity and cross-pollination of ideas.

Three Steps to Attaining the New Generation Space

Companies are currently experiencing varying degrees of readiness and acceptance of the hybrid workplace model and the concept of the “Hive.” Organizations have extensive investments in existing real estate, deeply ingrained leadership styles and cultural history, often supported by well-established industry norms. To address these issues, a new methodology has been developed to guide businesses through the uncertainty and help them find the best solution for their needs. Following are three key steps to help your organization achieve your New Generation Space.

1. Confirm Your Purpose

The process begins with listening and understanding leadership as it confirms – or redefines – the organization’s vision, mission, values and culture, and how those may be impacted by a dynamic workforce or new business processes. This self-examination will undoubtedly create uncertainties and provoke many questions. Addressing these concerns is imperative for a united leadership direction and guiding the company to the right workplace solution. During this process, we also identify leadership’s threshold for change regarding remote work, digital processes and financial commitment.

Secondly, assessing the employee work-from-home (WFH) experience is crucial to understanding what is working and what can be improved in terms of: technology, performance, distractions, engagement, social isolation, and organizational connection. Through employee experience surveys, businesses with support of an interior architecture partner can capture feedback regarding preferred future WFH schedules, in-office activities, desired on-site resources, and amenities. This helps organizations understand the individual personas within their company and provide insight to the new workplace purpose. These surveys coupled with leadership’s goals are key in identifying the issues, priorities and expectations that will be addressed in the next step, “Future of Work Sessions.”

Future of Work Sessions include participants from a cross-section of the organization representing various departments, cohorts, and responsibilities for a broad perspective on beliefs, needs, and expectations. These set the stage for creating opportunities and exploring the process of moving from “where we are” today to “where we want to be” tomorrow. Future of Work Sessions utilize several tailored exercises based on a modified design thinking methodology – a human-centered approach to problem solving. One such exercise develops “How might we?” questions to frame the challenge from a different perspective. Examples include:

How might we design a workplace that is intuitive/easy for all occupants to use?

How might we design a workplace that improves remote worker engagement?

Not only does Future of Work Sessions align all stakeholders on the vision and purpose of the new workplace environment, but it establishes the “seeds of change” and becomes the basis for developing new workplace processes and protocols, and then determining what change management is required for a successful transformation.

2. Develop a Strategy

The next step applies the results of the Future of Work Sessions to real-world applications.  Using these ideas and solutions we can test what impact various “What if” scenarios might have on the future office needs. Some examples might be: “What impact does remote scheduling have on the total real estate requirement?”, “What if we implement a desk-sharing system?” or “What if everyone shows up on the same day?”

As individual space becomes shared space and alternative work settings are utilized, space plans are no longer measured simply by the number of workstations and private offices. A capacity analysis can determine how many “seats” will be needed to meet current and future demand as associates adapt to this new way of working.

Finally, developing a comprehensive workplace strategy must include aligning IT and HR. This strategy should address how to best support an untethered workforce and what new tools and platforms should be provided. The appropriate technology infrastructure must be implemented to support a seamless user experience. These may include integrated employee dashboards, booking systems, or sensor technology that manage the relationship between people and spaces. HR’s involvement regarding policy and protocols are also established during this step, as changes in space may require new behaviors and training to maximize use of The New Generation Space.

3. Create an Experience

The heart of the New Generation Space is connecting individuals as part of an extended community and embracing the human side of an organization. With well-planned migration patterns and deliberate touchpoints, the environment becomes a memorable experience that drives engagement. As the physical manifestation of a company’s brand promise, it embodies an organization’s culture and values. It will be purpose-built and tech-enabled, integrating positive sensory experience for all.

This workplace model will be easy to use and intuitive with seamless, plug-and-play technology. Integrated platforms will provide organizational insights, that track trends and schedules, and improve the overall communication and user experience across the hybrid workforce. When designed efficiently and effectively, the New Generation Space will build both personal and professional relationships, drive engagement, and foster collaboration and innovation.

This article originally appeared on the Work Design Magazine website.

About The Sundance Company                                                      
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

About The Sundance Company                                                      
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

How do we design a functional and productive workplace that actively supports the hybrid model?

A Strong Technological Backbone

An emphasis on technology will serve as a touchstone for the modern hybrid workplace in order to bring both remote and office employees together. When it comes to conference rooms and workstations, each one will need to be equipped with the technology to support virtual meetings. But an emphasis on technology also means each employee is provided with the proper equipment to do their jobs remotely. To enable this, team members may require new equipment ranging from upgraded laptops to noise-canceling audio equipment.

Accessibility is Vital

Sometimes, it’s the unscheduled conversation in the office kitchen that’s the most productive. That’s why every aspect of the hybrid office will need to be accessible to each team member. Offices will need to be designed to provide the same capabilities to everyone. This means everything from conference rooms and solo spaces to community kitchens and restrooms be easily accessible.

Customization is Key

Each workplace will need to demonstrate a strong sense of flexibility going forward. This means every meeting should include the option to join virtually, since it’s likely that team members will be logging in from everywhere ranging from the physical office to their dining room table. But no matter their location, each employee wants to feel personally connected to their colleagues. Office “neighborhoods” will support team members by building community in a layout that is individually tailored to each group. Experts suggest utilizing interactive elements that reinforce a sense of belonging through unique features like photo collage walls and extracurricular activity bulletin boards.

Untraditional Workspaces

One unique aspect of a post-pandemic workplace will be the departure from traditionally permanent workstations. Instead, those spaces can be repurposed to create shared collaborative spaces that serve multiple functions, whether it’s supporting individual work or converting into social spaces. Ultimately, this may be an important component to how much each company spends on its real estate, since reducing the square footage of traditional workstations may affect how much money each organization needs to allocate for their space. Still, companies need to plan for the days where occupancy in the office is at a maximum, and the space must be able to accommodate that.

Emphasis on Health and Wellness

From yoga classes to group meditation, the need to have healthy employees is even more essential than before the pandemic. After all, we all know that when team members care for their minds and bodies, they’re better employees. As vaccines roll out and people transition back to the office, the physical space where employees come together will also undergo changes. Going forward, offices will be less about driving productivity, and more focused on cultivating a space that nurtures collaboration, community, and wellness. All team members deserve to feel safe in the workplace, and this can be recognized by equipping offices with everything from improved HVAC systems to technology-centric meeting spaces. There will also be a push to emphasize outdoor space, as well as indoor spaces that utilize plenty of natural light.

This article originally appeared on the Cresa website.

About The Sundance Company                                                      
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

About The Sundance Company                                                      
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.

Here are some tips on how to embrace a new space and create an environment that reflects your organization in the best light. 

The Space Case

Whether you’re moving into a short-term sublease situation or settling in somewhere for good, the first step should be to consider all of the elements you’re working with. In addition to assessing the space, features, and amenities that you have, you need to consider the logistics of filling it. Will you need to furnish it yourself, or will the furniture be included, which is often the case in many sublease situations. You’ll want to perform a concrete analysis of the area and its features beforehand, so you can move forward knowing exactly what you need.

Solidify your Message

An office tells a story, and you want your workspace to reflect your brand in a positive manner. This means presenting a space that embodies the vision of your company, from the color of the decor to the company logo and signage on the wall. Consider what kind of atmosphere you want to represent your organization’s message. Since signage and branding are likely the first thing clients and employees see when they walk into your space, you want that first impression to be a positive one. It’s a good time to consider whether you want to continue using your current branding or see this as an opportunity for a brand refresh. It’s always better to determine this sooner rather than later in order to save your organization both time and money in the long run.

Cultivate an Atmosphere

While your clients are obviously a vital component of your business, it’s the workforce that spend their days in the office (even if they are on a modified WFH schedule!) That’s why it’s so important that your workplace is one that’s conducive to bringing the best out of your employees. You want your team members to be able to thrive in a place that fosters both community and productivity. This means furniture, equipment and amenities that are welcoming and comfortable, while also professional. Envision the type of reception area you want to serve as the “first look” into your company’s universe. Is the aesthetic best represented through digital signage and AV applications, or through vinyl wall graphics? It’s likely you’ll want to apply other branding elements and signage in other parts of the office, like conference rooms and workstations, so be sure to perform a full evaluation of your options before settling on one choice.

Time to Accessorize

When it’s time to inject the company’s unique viewpoint into the space, furniture colors and fabrics go a long way. Whether it’s panel fabrics and seat cushions or ancillary decor, this type of furniture is easy and inexpensive to customize, especially if your moving into a space where furniture is included. Unique finishes speak volumes as well. Will you embrace a colorful accent wall or untraditional wall coverings? Is hardwood flooring suitable for a busy organization, and do you need ceiling tiles to absorb the sound of constant conversation? Each of these components need to be taken into consideration.

The Financials

While creating your space is an expression of your organization, it’s often outside experts who understand the best methods to find good deals. Don’t hesitate to consult the experts who understand the supply chain and demand. Often, they’re the people who understand what it takes to find the essentials you need that fit into your budget. Also, they have the partnerships and experience to help find the best deals, which is always an asset. 

Branding your workplace can feel like a significant undertaking, but it’s one that strongly solidifies your office’s culture.

This article originally appeared on the Cresa website.

About The Sundance Company                                                      
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction or space planning then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.5 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at www.sundanceco.com or 208.322.7300.