The Cultural Blueprint: How to Make Your Office Not Just Look Good, But Feel Right

When it comes to designing office spaces, one size definitely does not fit all – especially in Africa.

Culture shapes the way organisations and their people operate, impacting everything from office design to lease negotiations. Navigating these differences can be challenging for international companies, as Africa's cultural diversity means there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

Imagine walking into an office where the layout itself tells you who's who. In many African countries, the concept of high power distance is deeply rooted. People are comfortable with a clear hierarchy, where age and seniority are highly respected. So, it's no surprise that private offices for managers are a common sight. These spaces aren't just about privacy—they're symbols of status and authority.

For multinational companies, this can be a bit of a culture shock. Used to open-plan offices that promote equality and collaboration, they might find their global standards don't always translate well here. In Africa, a private office is more than just a room; it's a statement.

Another cultural cornerstone in Africa is in-group collectivism. This is all about loyalty and strong bonds within groups, whether it's family, community, or workplace. In the corporate world, this translates to a workplace that values harmony and mutual support.

The biggest success stories are where international standards are used as a starting point, and local decision-makers are empowered to contribute to localisation. Visual elements, such as the use of colour reflecting cultural values and organisational identity, act as reminders of shared roots and values, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among employees.

The concept of Ubuntu – "I am because we are" – is a powerful cultural force in Africa. It emphasises community, mutual care, and collective well-being. This humane orientation influences corporate real estate by encouraging the creation of spaces that promote social interaction and collective decision-making. Meeting rooms, communal areas, and spaces for informal gatherings are essential in African offices to support the strong sense of community and collaboration.

Practical factors such as infrastructure and environment also shape how people use office spaces and their work-from-home patterns in Africa. In hot climates like Mauritius, the air conditioning in the office becomes a refuge from the heat. In Nigeria, where electricity and internet can be unreliable at home, the office provides a stable work environment. However, traffic congestion, limited public transport, and parking in many African cities mean that when people come to the office, they tend to stay for the entire day. This makes hot-desking less popular compared to Europe, where efficient public transport allows for more flexible commuting.

These infrastructure challenges drive a preference for dedicated desks and personal workspaces, ensuring employees have a consistent and reliable place to work. The need for robust IT infrastructure and backup power solutions is also critical to ensure uninterrupted productivity.

Cultural dimensions also influence how lease negotiations are conducted in Africa. High power distance means that negotiations often involve senior executives, and respect for hierarchy is paramount. The emphasis on relationships and collective decision-making can make negotiations more collaborative but also more time-consuming.

By understanding and respecting Africa’s unique cultural landscape, companies can create offices that not only look good but also feel right. For multinational companies, culturally attuned real estate strategies are essential for success. So next time you're planning an office in Africa, remember: it's not just about the space – it’s about the culture that fills it.

Jess Moyer spent several years as COO: Africa at Broll Property Group managing all Broll’s African businesses, and now focuses on leveraging the power of data and analytics to transform how real estate is managed and understood in Africa. Before this, Jess was Research Director at MSCI, where she worked in London, Melbourne and Johannesburg. Jess has a Masters in Data Science Strategy and Leadership, an MBA, a Master of Property, and a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering. She has served extensively on industry boards and advisory panels, including RICS, Corenet Global, Women’s Property Network and major universities.

As a leader in property, Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL designs, delivers and manages real estate solutions to achieve business goals. We create value across all sectors with expertise, experience and cutting-edge technology. Our proven results across Africa are driven by highly specialised real estate intelligence, a network of skilled professionals in 11 countries, and insight gained from years of delivering success to many of the largest corporates in Africa. The exclusive African affiliation of Cushman & Wakefield and Broll Property Group combines resources from a global real estate services leader with a market-leading track record of African operations. Our corporate real estate services and end-to-end solutions prepare our clients for what’s next. Visit cwbroll.com for more information. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Bronwen Noble

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