Create a user-friendly collaboration space for your team. I spent four years in Stockholm, Sweden, coaching football and immersing myself in Swedish culture. One of my most memorable takeaways was how each meeting space was deliberately planned and contributed to the energy. There was an emphasis on simplicity and creating warmth in the room. All dinners included candles strategically placed to contribute to the feel. Rooms were never cluttered. The term “hygge” was commonly referenced when asked how families decorate their homes and workspace. Hygge is a Scandinavian term that describes coziness, contentment, and well-being. Their culture cherishes the little things.
A Danish and Norwegian word, it also means finding joy in the simple things in life—enjoying a cup of tea in the afternoon, reading a book by a roaring fire, or spending time with close friends.
The Modern Dane
Creative spaces require room to breathe. Quality leaders consider how work environments are set up. As leaders, we should ruthlessly pursue simplicity and eliminate all unnecessary jargon. This includes spaces your people congregate. Create a level of comfort that offers a stress-free environment. Provide ergonomic chairs with tables that are easy to gather around. When meetings become necessary, this inviting space eases everyone’s anxiety.
7 Things to Consider When Creating Effective Work Spaces
- The Table & Chairs
- The Temperature
- The Smell
- The Lighting
- Refreshments
- Room Color & Wall Decor
- Balance
- Bonus: Usable Pens, Markers, Paper, Whiteboards, Post-It Notes
Welcoming Dining Areas/Coffee Bars
Depending on what arena you are leading in, refreshments increase morale. Nothing boosts the energy of a room like freshly brewed coffee. There’s something about walking into a space with a pleasing coffee aroma. Regardless if everyone is a coffee drinker, it sends a message of support and hospitality. Occasionally splurge for quality foods that the team can enjoy. This can be one day a week or twice a month.
Take the Space to Another Level
Fresh air propels creativity. An outdoor workspace with greenery and room to move takes meetings to another level. Allow your team to breathe and be active. Encourage them to take a walk or stretch before meetings. Model this behavior by spending time in this space. Invite individuals to meet outdoors rather than behind closed doors. Brew a cup of coffee over a backpacking stove to inspire creativity and share it.
Field Tools
- Create a user-friendly collaboration space for your team.
- Hygge is a Scandinavian term that describes coziness, contentment, and well-being.
- Creative spaces require room to breathe.
- NORDIC KNOW-HOW: HYGGE, LAGOM AND MORE SCANDINAVIAN CONCEPTS EXPLAINED
- Check out the Archive at Youniversalife.com for other Leadership Development Strategies.
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