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If only we had a consistent and reliable way to measure knowledge worker effectiveness. Just imagine all we could do with that—like testing a mountain of possible enablers to see if they cause improvements. We'd definitively uncover cause and effect. We’d know—and could then incorporate—all the aspects of the physical environment that make the most positive difference. We’d be less dependent on other ambiguous metrics like engagement or absenteeism.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? Yeah, well, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a single, universal, proven metric doesn’t (and can’t) exist. But before you click off, I do have good news. Science does have some answers for us. There are over 100 reliable, rigorously conducted studies that tell us what correlates to knowledge worker productivity—especially a team’s productivity.
Sorry to get wonky for a minute, but it’s important to understand the difference between “causation” and “correlation.” Causation tells us that if we do A, we will get B as a result. Applying direct heat to a pot of water will get it to boil. Correlation says when A is present (and expressed from, say, ‘low’ to ‘high’), B is also present, in similar amounts. As a child’s shoe size increases, one might also see advancements in their vocabulary or the quality of their handwriting, since both are the result of growing up.
In order of the strength of the correlation, they are:
- Social cohesion among the team members
- Perceived supervisory support
- Information sharing (vs. hoarding)
- Goal clarity
- External outreach
- Trust
You may be having the same reaction I did when the researchers we helped sponsor shared their findings with us. “Uh-duh.” Quickly followed by “Who WOULDN’T want to work for an organization/on a team who did these things well?” And yes, I think we’ve thought about these things as merely “nice-to-haves” or “lucky-to-haves,” instead of realizing that they matter most of all.
So, when a client asks you how to measure productivity, or how space can improve productivity, or whether you can prove that some spatial aspect like lower panels, or cool lounge furniture can improve productivity, share this list. Done thoughtfully, space can certainly reflect an organization’s culture and values, and cue supportive, aligned behaviors, but the list above is where the real power is to make a difference in a team’s performance.
And stay tuned for new findings recently shared by the same researchers, who went looking for more.
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