Open for business: how office design mirrors a company's culture.

• Author: Kinder, Peri
• Position: EntrepreneurEdqe

The much-coveted corner office isn't the status symbol it used to be. As companies evolve to attract and retain a young workforce, business leaders are discovering that traditional perks just won't do it.

Instead of expecting employees to adjust to a company's culture, the culture now revolves around what keeps workers productive and creative. For millennials, being shut away in an office can smother inspiration, so open environment working spaces are cropping up all over.

"Younger workers aren't loyal. They jump from job to job until they find a place that's comfortable. For the older generation, status was who got the corner office. That's how you knew you had made it. The younger generation doesn't care about that corner office," says Tami Shulsen, design director for Midwest Commercial Interiors.

In a traditional office layout, younger employees often feel disconnected. They want to feel like they're part of a vibrant community. Plus, they want transparency. They don't like the idea their boss is hiding away in a closed-door office.

Shulsen says Midwest Commercial Interiors can evaluate a company's office space to help it create a place to foster a high-performance workforce. "We take 100 steps back and get to know the company. Then we use furniture and space as tools to help them reach their goals. You want to create a space where people have a connection to each other."

Shulsen takes everything into account when working to design an effective workspace. What's blocking natural light? How dark is the office furniture? How tall are cubicle walls? Are comfortable seating areas available to employees? Are there beautiful plants and art pieces?

"It's easy to put offices around the perimeter and work spaces in the middle. Maybe ask if you should rethink that a little," she says.

Energetic team spaces that encourage brainstorming and creativity can be placed next to rooms intended for private conversations. V.I.A. (vertical intelligent architecture) glass walls are designed to generate soundproof spaces for confidential meetings and discussions, but still keep the open workspace flow without the "closed-door meeting" atmosphere.

For employees who work well alone, single phone-booth-style or pod spaces are perfect for lounging, focusing or taking a time-out from noise and distractions. Because of technology, work stations are shrinking, with companies adding cafe or living room-style spaces to accommodate mobile workers.

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