Frederick Herzberg’s two-factor (motivation and hygiene) theory, published in 1959, remains highly relevant in today’s workplace, where retention and employee satisfaction are top priorities for HR teams. They understand that elements like the working environment—part of Herzberg’s hygiene factors—can lead to dissatisfaction even if other motivational factors exist. This understanding has brought HR and real estate together to create efficient workplaces.
Bridging silos for shared goals
Traditionally, HR and real estate have operated in silos, with HR focusing on talent acquisition and engagement, while real estate managed physical spaces and facilities. As organisations realise the impact of workplace experience on productivity and well-being, collaboration between these two functions has become essential. For instance, Google’s London headquarters showcases this synergy, providing facilities like basketball courts, a theatre, and massage parlours, designed through a partnership between HR and real estate.
Aligning for employee experience
HR and real estate share a common objective: to create spaces supporting productivity and well-being. HR fosters a positive company culture through bonding activities and well-being initiatives, while real estate provides functional spaces that enhance creativity and innovation. This collaboration helps develop workspaces that cater to various work styles, supporting diverse employee needs.
In pursuit of common objectives
Modern organisations are creating ecosystems, not just office spaces. This transformation requires HR and real estate to collaborate, using data and insights to design spaces that reflect company culture and employee expectations. Elements like layout, lighting, and meeting spaces impact productivity, while HR’s insights into employee preferences guide real estate decisions on layouts, locations, and amenities. In return, real estate data on space usage can help HR tailor employee experiences.
Enhancing employee experience through collaboration
A well-designed workplace significantly affects employee morale, productivity, and retention. In a hybrid work environment, attractive office spaces can serve as recruitment tools and reduce turnover. By combining HR’s understanding of employee needs with real estate’s expertise in space management, companies can create environments that foster collaboration and innovation.
Activity-based working (ABW) models, for example, offer spaces suited for various tasks, allowing employees to choose where they work. This flexibility leads to higher satisfaction and productivity, accommodating different work styles and empowering employees.
Using analytics to anticipate needs
Technology plays a crucial role in aligning HR and real estate efforts. Advanced analytics tools provide real-time data on space utilisation and employee preferences, enabling informed decisions. For example, sensors can track space usage, helping optimise layouts. Apps that integrate HR and real estate functions also streamline processes like desk booking, facilitating interactions between employees and their workspace.
A unified approach for future workplaces
As work evolves, the HR-real estate partnership will become even more vital. Organisations that promote open communication and collaborative strategies will be better positioned to create workplaces that align with business goals while enhancing employee engagement. Cross-functional teams, shared objectives, and data-driven improvements are essential for fostering a cohesive workplace strategy.