The time has come to redesign your office to be more efficient. But where to start? There are so many elements that can go into office design from utilising space to bringing the outdoors in. Here are some strategies for better space performance in your workplace.
Optimise Space
First things first, you need to work with the space that you’ve got. Big or small, how you use your space is how you ensure efficiency. Identify underutilised areas and think about what types of spaces are needed more. Meeting spaces? Break-out rooms? Quiet areas? Think about what your employees need and work with what you’ve got.
If you’re in a smaller office, think about using wall space to avoid cluttering desks and other spaces. Divide the office using partitions but keep them open so you don’t feel trapped. Add the right colour to the right places to make the office seem larger than it is and choose modular furniture so you can easily create the space you need.
Incorporate Technology
Technology can help you optimise your office for greater efficiency. For example, investing in digital collaboration tools like Zoom, Google Drive, Asana, and Microsoft Teams can boost productivity without needing to use more space.
Incorporating technology into your office design is a necessity and ensures a seamless workflow. Technology can improve communication, optimise space utilisation, and enhance productivity.
Think About Design Features
When designing an efficient office, every detail counts. Thoughtfully chosen design features can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and functionality of the space. materials like durable surfaces and acoustic solutions are also key. For example, suspended ceiling tiles can control noise, conceal infrastructure, and enhance aesthetics.
Aligning colour schemes and decorative elements is also crucial for creating a cohesive, inspiring environment, no matter the size! Every design feature from the floor to the ceiling should contribute to an efficient space.
Introduce More Light
Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting. Natural light, or lighting that mimics it, is super important for employee health and wellbeing. Natural light boosts morale, reduces eyestrain, and helps regulate your circadian rhythm, meaning you get a better night’s sleep and can come into the office feeling fully rested.
Artificial lighting can also complement natural light. LED lighting is energy-efficient and is the closest to natural light if your office isn’t bountiful of windows. Smart lighting systems can adjust throughout the day so your office always has optimal lighting.
Choose Comfortable Furniture
Comfort is essential for employee satisfaction and efficiency as it directly impacts health, wellbeing, and productivity. Ergonomic chairs and desks provide support and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems caused by long hours of sitting. Adjustable furniture that accommodates different bodies and preferences is ideal so employees can personalise their workstations for maximum comfort.
Beyond desks and chairs, lounge areas are a great option if space allows. This provides employees with a space away from their desks to take a breather, socialise with colleagues, or have a break.
Involve Employees
Last but not least, involve your employees in the design process. After all, they’re the ones working in the office! They will know what they need more than anyone, and it can lead to a more functional and enjoyable workspace for everyone. Start by gathering feedback on what works and what doesn’t in your current office setup and collectively decide on ways you can fix it.
Inviting employees to help with the design process is also a great way to boost morale and help them feel more valued and connected to the company. This can improve job satisfaction and reduce staff turnover.
