Office space design has come a long way in the last few years. No longer are employees expected to sit in cubicles all day long with no natural light or sense of style. You can create a stylish and functional office space with a few key design tips. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning your office space.
Think About the Layout
First, think about the layout of your space. Depending on your business type, consider an open floor plan. This will allow for more collaboration and communication between employees. If you have a more traditional business, you should stick with private offices and meeting rooms.
Some of the layouts you can look into are the following:
Cubicles: Fewer distractions in cubicles may help employees concentrate and be more productive.
Private Offices: Perfect for businesses that require a lot of confidentiality.
Open Floor Plan: Open-plan offices improve communication and collaboration by breaking down barriers.
When it comes to the layout of your office, consider both the function and the aesthetics of the space. Your work office should be informative and lifting, promoting productivity instead of stagnant creativity. To make an ideal space, you must first consider the type of projects or tasks you’ll complete in that office.
If you are working with clients or customers, you’ll want an open and inviting space. If you are mostly working on computers, consider creating an ergonomic workspace by installing adjustable furniture and plenty of outlets for charging devices.
Office Furniture
Next, consider the furniture you’ll need. Chairs with ergonomic designs and comfortable fabric are linked to increased workplace productivity and can help reduce neck problems. Employees who don’t have proper support for their necks while they sit at a desk may progress into stiffness or even more serious conditions like spinal arthritis. Ergonomic chairs will often have a headrest to provide extra support for the head and neck when they want to take a break from looking at the computer screen.
Invest also in conference tables and chairs, especially when you have a lot of meetings to accommodate. You can also utilize used office furniture, especially on a tight budget. You can use old, well-maintained furniture and transform it into a work of art by reupholstering it with new fabric. Have a professional do this to avoid ruining the piece.
If you have used but not abused cabinets, you can have them repainted and change the hardware to give them a new look. Also, make sure you have plenty of storage. Bookshelves, filing cabinets, and coat racks will all come in handy and eliminate clutter. You should also add comfortable seating in common areas, like the break room or reception area, to give employees a place to relax and unwind.
Lighting
Good lighting is essential in any office space. Research has demonstrated that poor work lighting conditions can cause fatigue, eye strain, headaches, stress, and even accidents. That’s why it’s important to have a well-lit office space.
You can do several things to improve the lighting in your office. First, try to get as much natural light into the space as possible. Use your windows by installing blinds or curtains that can be opened to let in light. If you have the budget for it, install skylights. Not only will this brighten up the space, but it can also help reduce your electric bill.
In addition to natural light, you’ll also need to add task lighting. This is especially important if you have employees working on computers all day. You can get task lights that mount on the monitor or under the desk. You can also use desk lamps that can easily move around as needed.
Pay Attention to the Little Details
When designing your office space, it’s important to pay attention to the little details. Adding plants or fresh flowers can make the space more inviting. Hanging art on the walls is another great way to add personality to your office space. Plants also have health benefits, so they’re a win-win.
If your office is going to be renovated, make sure the contractor considers your design plans. Pay attention to the details of the space, such as the flooring, paint colors, and lighting. These things can make a big difference in the overall feel of your office space.
If you’re aiming for a relaxed office space, consider adding a water cooler or coffee station. You can also add a mini fridge for employees to store snacks and drinks. These little touches can make your office feel more like home. If you’re aiming for a more serious, corporate vibe, you can still add these things, but consider keeping them in a separate area like a break room.
A well-designed office space is crucial for any business. Following these simple tips, you can create a functional and stylish office space that your employees will love!
