Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/665044
55 Building a Great Place to Work — Literally By Tamara Rosin G oogle, Adobe and Cisco set a high bar when it comes to office design. But their sleek interiors and generous amenities are about more than just aesthetics. ese companies' leaders know a pleasant work environment contributes to employee satisfac- tion and, in turn, productivity. Hospital buildings may have less room for creativity, but many leaders and architectural design firms see the need to improve the physical environment to benefit both patients and employees. "Over the last five to 10 years, there has been a growing emphasis on creating new, dynamic environments focused on enhancing staff experience," says Michael Pukszta, a principal and leader of Cannon- Design's health market core leadership team. "It used to be all about creating a positive patient environment. at is still a priority, but now a focus on staff is included in design." Mary Johnson, COO of University of Minnesota Physicians in Min- neapolis, also knows this to be true. is belief was a main reason Ms. Johnson, along with leaders at Minneapolis-based University of Minnesota Health, chose to partner with CannonDesign for the new University of Minnesota Health Clinics and Surgery Center. "As leaders, it's our responsibility to make sure our staff has a good experience at work," says Ms. Johnson. "We value our employees, and we want to create an environment that they enjoy and where they can do their best work. Part of being a good leader is providing your employees with the tools and resources they need." e new five-story, 342-000-square-foot clinic, which opened in February, is a destination ambulatory care center designed to elevate inter-professional care delivery while providing a unique patient expe- rience. e facility embodies concepts borrowed from other consumer industries, including retail and air travel, to provide personalized patient care and increase efficiency and working conditions for staff. For instance, inspired by the customer service of Apple stores, the Clinics and Surgery Center does not have formal check-in or check- out areas. Instead, a staff member greets patients with a mobile device to check-in, fill out health forms or schedule future visits. e new facility also includes space designed to facilitate collaboration, as well as modernized, aesthetically pleasing areas devoted to relaxation and socialization that go far beyond the typical staff lounge. Similar to office design in other industries, hospitals and healthcare clin- ics help employees by incorporating ample open space, natural light and staff lounges and eating areas. M Health's clinic includes a multi-story staff lounge featuring an atrium, delivery from the cafeteria, a beverage counter and large exterior windows with access to natural daylight. The essential design elements of a great place to work Healthcare workers' top priority — regardless of specialty or posi- tion — is to ensure patients are provided the best care possible. When something poses a barrier to the clinician-patient relationship, it can negatively impact employee satisfaction, according to Mr. Pukszta. Even the smallest design features affect clinicians, from the size of patient rooms to proximity of resources to the number and layout of touchdown areas — shared spaces where clinicians can do work when they are not meeting with patients. An oen overlooked feature employees enjoy? Easy access to fresh air. Healthcare organizations like Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, have realized the importance of access to fresh air to provide respite and restoration for staff. With their new Pandrangi Tower, Southwest General introduced open-air balconies on all floors so employees can step outside for fresh air for quick breaks throughout the day. "Breaks during the workday are brief — employees may not have time to go for a walk, but one thing we've done is build outdoor balconies and gardens dedicated to staff right