9 Traits of Innovative Workplaces in 2022

What makes an innovative and attractive workplace? The possible answers are endless, but there are a few mainstays and relevant traits that attract and retain talented teams to sustainably grow your business. These traits revolve around hiring and onboarding processes, HR efforts, and how the office or workspace functions. Check out our list of 9 traits of an innovative workspace in 2022 for inspiration and ideas. 

#1: Openness and transparency–in hiring, growth opportunities, and the office! 

Employees value honesty and transparency more than ever! Gone are the days of secrecy and obfuscation when it comes to pay, promotions, hiring practices and office etiquette. Being straightforward, honest, and open will attract quality employees who will stick around for the long haul. It also fosters a productive environment where innovation and creative iteration are offered freely and celebrated. 

#2: Genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. 

Too often, DEI efforts can feel stale or forced. Employees can feel the difference immediately. When DEI is performative, it drives qualified employees away, compels candidates to choose other positions, and slows growth opportunities for a company. Companies that revel in their DEI efforts and undertake them out of genuine passion get repaid in dividends. Cultural competency, increased workplace diversity, and accessibility bring a team closer together. 

#3: Employee perks that show you put your team members first. 

It’s impossible to avoid news stories about the great resignation and the tight labor market that has accompanied it. People are no longer settling for the bare minimum from their positions, and many employers are stepping up to make themselves more competitive. Whether this is a discounted gym membership, pre-tax dollars for transportation, paid days for volunteering each year, or other interesting lifestyle perks, companies are tailoring their positions to the whole person. An employee doesn’t stop working for your company when they leave the office, something that is more apparent than ever since the start of the pandemic. Showing your team that you really care will create trust and dedication! 

#4: Communal spaces and moments of connection. 

Offices and workplaces with communal space and areas to meet and mingle with coworkers encourage collaboration and brainstorming. It’s also a way to help employees who may be stressed, struggling, or anxious. Mutual encouragement and collaboration are great for morale and outlook. More than a conference room, a break room or sitting area where employees can get together and chat during down time each day can transform a stale office into a buzzing hub of creativity. 

#5: Opportunities to get moving during the work day. 

It’s tough to sit still at a desk for 8 hours. And–it turns out that it’s pretty bad for you. Doctors recommend getting moving every hour or so during the work day, even if it is just for a few seconds. Stretching and walking around are great for resetting posture. However, truly innovative workplaces are taking it a step further. Standing desks, treadmill desks, or daily fitness classes that employees can attend are just some of the solutions popping up as an answer to the largely sedentary office lifestyle. Other ideas include meetings at parks or on the patios of local coffee shops, with a nice group walk to those locations. Getting up and a little active makes a huge difference to energy levels and productivity,