Office design is not something many business owners are concerned about, as they believe that their employees should be quick on their feet and productive in all conditions. However, it has been proven that effective workplace design not only enhances productivity but also positively affects employees’ morale, thus improving their brand loyalty. If you have recently started a business, keeping your employees comfortable should be at the forefront of your mind.
However, designing a workspace might be somewhat challenging when you are not a professional. With some easy tips, though, you can create an office space worthy of magazine covers. Here are some of the top dos and don’ts of workplace design
Do: Choose Suitable Furniture
When it comes to picking furniture, there is not a one-size-fits-all, but there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure your employees’ comfort. If your workers spend most of their day in front of a computer, you must select furniture that supports their back and shoulders, as this can help them avoid lower back pain and neck stiffness. This is why adjustable chairs are usually the best option. Moreover, steer away from desks that are too small and go for ones that are wide enough to enable your employees to use their computers comfortably without feeling that the area is too cramped.Â
Do: Integrate Your Brand into the Design
Your workplace is a direct reflection of your brand, not to mention that it is the main space where you meet up with clients and investors. For this reason, you must incorporate your brand into its design. An easy way of doing so is to integrate the colors of your logo inconspicuously into the overall aesthetic of the place. However, if your logo contains many bold or dark colors, it is better to keep it to a minimum by adding lighter hues. For example, if your logo has a black background, you can go for a chic black and white color scheme.
Do: Consult Professionals
As you can deduce, there are many factors to consider when creating an office space, which may prove too overwhelming for amateurs. Furthermore, you may not even have enough time to worry about small details like the color of your furniture when you have a business to run! In this case, asking locally-based professionals to fit out your workspace, whether it is in Sydney or New York, is the best course of action. By simply sharing your visions with such experts, you can kick back and relax while they create the office space you have been dreaming of!
Don’t: Opt for an Open-Plan Design
Open-plan workplaces have been the rage for quite some time, but it seems that this trend is over now. For years, business owners have sworn by the benefits of open-plan designs in improving communication and collaboration. However, according to a new study, it has been revealed that open-plan offices actually cause a significant dip in face-to-face communication. In addition to this, this type of design rarely helps employees focus on their tasks because it creates a noisy environment that is full of distractions. Instead, we recommend that you stick to private offices.
Don’t: Ignore Break and Waiting Rooms
Given the high cost of designing a workplace from scratch, you may be tempted to skimp on a few small details. Nonetheless, ignoring the importance of a comfortable break and waiting rooms is a big no-no. Since your waiting room is the first thing your clients will see when they visit your workplace, it must have several comfortable couches and chairs. Break rooms should have a laid-back air to them as well to allow your employees to relax and socialize for a few minutes. You may also add an amenity station if you want the space to feel more welcoming.
Don’t: Make the Area Too Dim
Of course, you do not want your office area to feel depressing, but simply adding a few touches of bright colors here and there is not enough! To encourage your workers to stay productive, you must ensure that their workplace is well-lit. By adding a few windows, your office space will immediately feel more open, not to mention that natural light can do wonders when it comes to fending off drowsiness and keeping people energetic. You do not have to be a professional interior designer to come up with effective ideas to make your workplace both inviting and conducive to productivity. By employing the previous tips, your employees will love coming to work every day! Remember that every business is different, so you may need to hire a professional for the best results.
