Checklist: How to design life sciences spaces that support talent goals

When your scientists spend long hours in the lab, their environment influences their productivity, output and overall job satisfaction. Do they have all the necessary equipment within easy access? Are there places to collaborate with their colleagues? Is it easy to grab a cup of coffee and a few minutes of sunshine when they need a break?

If your space doesn’t support both personal and professional innovation and growth, you’re going to have a tough time finding the talent you need to quickly scale your operations and get life-saving therapies to market.

Want to design a space that attracts and inspires top talent to achieve their goals? Following are some ways to get started.

1. Enhance proactive safety protocols
   
   • Reinforce designated storage spaces for specialized equipment and hazardous and restricted materials. For example, a “No Storage Zone” sign should be placed in front of electrical panels that require nothing to be placed within 36 inches of them. Build electrical and HVAC systems for maximum efficiency and minimum downtime.
   • Build in mechanisms that make it easy for scientists to understand and follow best laboratory safety practices. For instance, a scientist is about to perform a pH adjustment with a corrosive base solution without wearing a face shield. An on-site facilities expert would be able to provide the policy for performing the procedure, along with a face shield.
   • Display a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in both lab and office environments.
      
2. Design spaces with flexibility in mind
   • Create a flexible lab design that can be rearranged with ease and velocity to accommodate new experiments and technology.
   • Hang retractable power cords from the ceiling to enable ease of movement.
   • Place wiring and electrical infrastructure behind a façade to open up space for researchers.
   • Install thick floor slabs in corridors so heavy equipment can be moved without causing damage.
   • Configure labs and offices to include unassigned spaces that can be claimed on an as-needed basis.

Get all six of the steps by downloading the complete checklist.