Good office design is about more than just making your space look nice. It is also about making it as functional as possible. Employees should be able to easily communicate with one another throughout the day. The space itself should make them feel inspired, giving them the motivation they need to stay on task from the moment they arrive until the end of the day. When designing your office space, keep all of the following tips in mind:
1. Natural light plays a key role in creating a productive office
Harsh artificial light can create an unwelcoming atmosphere that stifles creativity and leaves employees feeling unmotivated. Natural light, on the other hand, can enhance the space, making it feel more open and inviting. It can boost the mood of your employees, helping them to get more done throughout the day. This isn’t just a theory – it is backed up by actual research.
One of the problems with artificial light is that it doesn’t fluctuate all throughout the day. This can be extremely hard on the eyes. With sunlight, however, the amount of light is constantly changing, helping to reduce eye strain.
There are a lot of different ways that you can increase the amount of natural light in your space. Consider adding more windows to the exterior walls. Inside the office, switch out solid walls for glass walls to allow natural light to find its way to every work area.
2. Break areas should be comfortable and be inviting
A change of scenery can be good for boosting creativity. Employees should have a chance to take breaks throughout the day to recharge their batteries and get re-inspired. Having comfortable seating areas and break rooms where employees can spend their breaks throughout the day can promote creativity. It can also make it easier for employees to bond with one another while at the same time encouraging communication. “Don’t make your break areas utilitarian. Instead, decorate them with comfortable furniture and accessories to transform them into areas where inspired ideas can occur” advises a property expert at Wadham and Isherwood.
3. The office should be neat and clutter-free
A work area that is overrun by clutter can feel overwhelming rather than be inspiring. Make it easy for employees to stay organised by providing trash cans and recycle bins throughout the space.
Every item in your office should have a place. When coming up with an overall design for the layout of your space, be sure to incorporate plenty of storage for all of the items that your company uses on a regular basis. This storage should be easily accessible and should be designed in such a way that it keeps all of your supplies, paperwork and inventory neatly organised.
4. Ergonomically-designed furniture is essential
Think about how much time employees spend sitting at their desks each and every day. A low-quality chair can leave them with back pain and other health-related issues. This can keep them from being able to focus on their work. Although high-quality, ergonomically-designed chairs are more expensive than standard office chairs, they are a worthwhile investment. They can increase productivity, meaning that they will eventually pay for themselves over time. The workstations themselves should also be designed for comfort with computer monitors mounted at the correct height and loose cables neatly contained.
5. Incorporate your company’s branding into your office design
When someone walks into your office, they should instantly know that it belongs to your business. Branding isn’t just for advertisements and printed materials. It can also be used to create a distinctive office space that reflects your company’s image. Incorporating your company colours and other elements of your brand into the office design can create a space where employees are proud to work. It can also present a professional, put-together image to clients.
If you really want to make the space your own, consider incorporating a large company logo on one of the walls. Integrating themes and images from your brand into the design of the space can create an office that clearly reflects your company’s image and ideals.
Designing an office space that is attractive and functional is essential. Workers should have everything that they need to get their work done quickly and efficiently. The office itself should also present a professional image so that clients or business associates who visit get a good impression of your company.
