What Veterans Can Teach Us About Office Design
Less than 1% of the American population is active duty military, and about 7% of living Americans have served in the military. Veterans have a specialized background and unique perspective that shape how they work alone and in teams. Their expertise has many applications, including workplace design, and can benefit companies in a variety of fields.
The mission is key.
No matter what the service, military units or teams value a mission mindset, focusing on accomplishing the important goal at hand. This shared sense of purpose translates well to the core values of any company. Design your office with this organizational mission in mind, planning spaces based around the main objectives teams are working toward.
“We” comes before “me.”
Veterans come from a world that depends on and nurtures community. The lines between their personal and professional lives are often blurred, and looking after each other is essential during challenging situations: family separations, combat missions, multiple moves. Fostering a true sense of community is also important in a workplace. Employees who connect with and respect their team members are more likely to enjoy their work and perform well. Plan communal spaces to strengthen relationships, whether working on a project in a brainstorm room, or relaxing and chatting over coffee on a garden terrace.
Personal fitness leads to team fitness.
Meeting physical fitness requirements is part of military service. Veterans know that you must take personal responsibility for your health to do your job well, and to be a productive member of your team. Civilian workplaces also benefit from prioritizing health. Incorporate wellness into your office design in small or large ways, such as sit-stand desks, exercise rooms, healthy snack stations, or walking tracks.
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