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Tier-II cities are embracing emerging workspace designs as many companies move in

India's phenomenal economic growth in recent years has seen the rise of tier-II cities as preferred office locations for a number of Indian and global corporates. Considering the host of benefits that these emerging cities offer — economical real estate and government support, for example — this doesn't come as much of a surprise. In the last decade, organisations primarily from the IT, IT enabled services, pharmaceuticals, and banking, financial services and insurance industries, along with automotive manufacturers have been setting up workplaces in these cities. 

When it comes to talent, it's clear that employers are aspiring to hire the best for these offices. However, getting leaders and managers to move to tier-II cities sometimes proves to be a challenge for some organisations. Besides compensation packages, companies are creating workplaces in tier-II cities that are designed to attract and retain employees. Whether it's the way offices are constructed, the interiors planned, or the kind of furniture used, corporates are ensuring that their employees across cities find workplaces that are not just aesthetically appealing but also offer the same ambience and comfort as tier-I cities. For instance, Mastercard's new office space in Baroda is designed to accommodate 1,000 employees. 

A very clear trend that has emerged in the new workplaces in tier-II cities is the emphasis on employees’ comfort and well-being. Around the world, there is a growing realisation of how crucial employee well-being is — there are enough studies that prove that healthier employees are more productive, creative and innovative. Workplaces, therefore, are being designed keeping in mind employees’ physical and mental well-being. 

We've also seen the demand for better seating options go up. It is a well-documented fact that when people remain in one position for a few hours, muscles and ligaments supporting the back get fatigued. Technology has dramatically changed the way we work — a global study carried out by Steelcase revealed that there are nine new postures at the workplace. 

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As workplaces continue to move away from extremely formal settings, there is a blurring of commercial and residential lines while designing them. Areas such as lounges, conference rooms, patios, work cafés and other collaborative spaces that are not primary work settings, are gaining significance. These are the areas that employees usually like to spend time in to recharge and rejuvenate or collaborate and engage with each other. The relaxed feel of these spaces is complemented by ancillary furniture like lounge chairs, stools, benches, sofas, coffee tables and bistro tables. This furniture plays a significant role not only in furnishing an organisation's less-formal settings but also in supporting a range of postures. The idea is to create a sense of familiarity and comfort for the employees.

Much like in tier-I cities in India and around the world, conservative environments are breaking away in tier-II cities because they aren't fungible. Companies are interested in creating flexible environments that are quick to change and adapt - for example, workspaces that can cater to growing or shrinking teams according to changing mandates, or a menu of different workspace choices for different work modes.

Praveen Rawal is managing director, Steelcase India and South East Asia