A well-designed office isn’t a pointless business expense, it is actually a crucial component of your success as a business. This is because bad office designs are not functional, and nothing kills productivity like non-functionality. You might remember a time when cheap office chairs and cramped workstations were office norms, but such work environments don’t cut it anymore, and we’re not complaining! Yes, a well-designed office space is going to cost you a bit, but actually, a poorly designed workspace will cost you more, and this is why it is worth seeking professional help to design your physical office space. In this article, we have put together the best office design elements to keep in mind when planning your office layout. Read on for some great design tips.
Branding
Your branding does not stop at your logo and your website. In fact, those are just the starting points. The heart of your branding should focus on the interior and exterior of your office space. Consider the goal and mission of your company and make sure that they are reflected in the design style you choose. This will help your employees, work colleagues, and clients grow a sense of attachment and loyalty to your brand. It will also help your brand standout.
If you are running an e-commerce company, modern and trendy with bold colour accents might be a look that suits your business. On the other hand, an architectural firm may choose the contemporary interior design style to reflect their practice and business mission.
Make it comfortable
Whichever style you go for, make sure your final space has a comfortable and relaxing feel to it. With many people nowadays working from home, the office environment you create should resemble the comfort of working from home. Choose different seating options such as sofas and ottomans, desk spaces, as well as collaboration zones. Giving your employees the ability to choose their workstation for the day can greatly increase how productive and efficient they are.
When buying office furniture, make sure that the pieces you choose are ergonomic and comfortable. With employees spending long hours sitting at a desk, the office chair may be your single most important investment. Whilst It might be tempting to go for the cheapest office chair available -especially if you are on a budget-, remember that in the long run you will actually be wasting money. Think about the rollover effects of sitting on a badly designed chair for long hours. The backaches and neck pains caused by sitting in an uncomfortable chair may mean disgruntled employees and low productivity. On the other hand, an ergonomic chair and an adjustable desk will mean that your employees can change position whilst working so that they don’t spend too much time in one position. It will also send a message to your employees that you care.
Lighting helps productivity
Office workers spend a large portion of their day in front of computer screens. This can induce headaches and increase anxiety and irritability, but do you know what can help? Natural lighting! Whilst being a free mood and productivity booster, natural lighting actually exists for a reason. This is because our precious eyes are designed to work with changing light levels throughout the day. They are not meant to suffer the consistently harsh and rigid artificial lighting offered by the majority of workspaces. Think of the difference natural lighting would make to your office environment in terms of mood, morale, and overall efficiency.
To increase the amount of natural light in your workspace, consider removing barriers and interior walls and go instead for an open plan. This will allow a greater amount of natural light to flow deeper into your space. Another helping factor is space. A roomier space is a brighter space, whilst cramped quarters tend to be dark and depressing.
Spaces to collaborate
Creating collaboration zones for people to meet, gather, and bounce ideas off each other can help your business thrive. A smart office layout means that a collaboration zone can happen despite the size you are working with. Once your collaboration zone is up and running, consider adding things like writeable walls, cozy round tables, and a kitchenette. These small additions can make all the difference for ideas to come pouring out.
Creativity Boosts Productivity
Break-out spaces are needed to clear one’s head and boost creativity. Make sure your office includes relaxing corners where employees can take a break, eat their lunches, or simply relax and chat. These spaces are key in nurturing communication, boosting creativity, and giving your employees a space to rejuvenate.
To summarise, office design has come a long way from cramped cubicles and harsh lighting and we’re not complaining! Modern office design takes into account the physical and mental wellbeing of employees as it should. It focuses on cultivating creativity, communication, and strong brand culture which are essential for any business to thrive.
If you are looking to design your own office space, schedule a consultation with us today. We will help you create a beautiful space that everyone will love!
