Workplace design experts at Perkins&Will employ data-driven strategies to assist a range of companies. By including end-users in the process and allowing them to participate and give feedback, designers can ensure that the ultimate solutions work optimally for people with different personality types and working styles. The designers at Perkins&Will’s Austin, TX-based studio have developed six different personas, or people-based models, that they employ to guide their clients through the process of implementing a hybrid workplace model.
“I think right now, more than ever, data-driven solutions are really the key to success. In the pre-pandemic world, we had design and planning, benchmarking, and some standard tools that we used. We’ve revamped the tools now to really make sure that we’re not moving forward with a solution for our clients based on assumptions. We’re really diving in, doing a full discovery process, and learning about the client, so that the solution is based on the findings and the analytics of those findings, rather than what we think will be best,” said Kelly McEachern, senior interior project manager at Perkins&Will’s Austin studio.
“It’s not just thinking about whether or not people are working from home or working in the office, but really considering how each individual prefers to get their work done and is most efficient. These personas give us a greater understanding of the work settings needed to support each of these worker types. Some people are a little more sensitive to distractions, while others prefer more engagement. Making sure the office has spaces that meet the needs of all employees is really the challenge,” McEachern added.
McEachern explained the six personas and how each works, which can help us to create optimal hybrid workspaces.
The Transient
The Transient completes 40% of their work at the office and works remotely about 60% of the time. They are incredibly loyal to their organization and are best known as being an independent worker. “The Transient is often in a leadership position, and comes in to have a presence, and they may even mentor somebody in the office. They are really just touching base to make sure that their team is connecting, and that everything is running smoothly. They may review documents or send emails from home, then come into the office when they need to meet with other people. For the most part though, the Transient will get the majority of their work done from a remote location,” McEachern noted.
The Nomad
The Nomad is very office-minded, and 60% of their work takes place at the office. They likely work the other 40% of the time remotely. They are most commonly known for sharing their ideas, and they are often referred to as a team player. “The Nomad is more collaborative. They come in frequently to meet with their team. They want to engage with colleagues, so they will come in for brainstorming sessions or to mentor junior staff members. They are excited about connecting with their team when they can. The Nomad really embraces the company culture,” McEachern explained.
The Remote Worker
The Remote Worker, as you may have guessed, primarily works remotely. Only 10% of their work takes place at the office. They prefer quiet and privacy while completing tasks. “They are away from the office the majority of the time, so they need a good home office set-up. The Remote Worker comes in for part of the day, or once a week or so. This individual probably does not need a dedicated seat, and they may not even need a hoteling seat. They use the café or some other touchdown spaces to complete tasks when they are in the office,” McEachern said.
The Trekker
The Trekker is constantly on the go, and only 5% of their work takes place at the office. They travel regularly in and out of town. The Trekker thrives on making connections. “The Trekker is seldom at the office. They may be in sales, so they have client visits and are working off-site. They just need a place where they can touch base, they don’t really need a dedicated seat. The social interaction, the opportunity to chat with team members is a big draw for the Trekker when they do visit the office,” McEachern said.
The Anchor
The Anchor is a focused, heads-down type of worker, and 90% of their work takes place at the office in a fixed location. The Anchor is noted for consistent focus and concentration, and they are usually at the office four or five days a week. “The Anchor sits at their desk in the office for a variety of reasons. They often do individualized, less collaborative work. Maybe they don’t have a dedicated space at home, or they may have enhanced technology or equipment requirements. The Anchor definitely needs a dedicated seat, rather than a hoteling spot,” McEachern noted.
The Resident
The Resident moves freely around the office, and 90% of their work takes place in various locations there. They are known for their energy and interest in activity. “The Resident, like the Anchor, is in the office the majority of the time, but they are not fixed in one division. They’re working with a variety of teams, innovating and creating in different settings within the office. They will come back to their desk for a Zoom meeting or to send emails, but they are never in one area for too long,” McEachern added.
