In 2021 many companies have been re-examining their view of the workplace. Now more than ever, it’s essential to make the office a healthy and productive environment for all workers. While the office certainly is not home, the right elements can make a workspace feel almost as good as home!
Any Organisation Can Have an Amazing Workspace
Sometimes an office requires a complete overhaul to meet its potential. According to the people over at vestraworkspace.com.au/expertise/fitout/, optimisation of a space can be done through an expert office fit-out. Whether an office needs a fit-out or a few simple tweaks, here are some tips for creating the best possible office environment.
Match the Layout With the Work
Some offices benefit from an open concept layout, while others work better with cubicles. Maybe an office functions best with a combination layout. When creating an office or changing an existing office, the type of work that happens within it needs to be carefully considered. If the office houses a creative team that collaborates on projects, an open layout could be ideal. Workers in a client-facing or financial function may require more privacy than is possible in an open format. The bottom line is, its operations should determine an office’s layout.
Bring Nature Inside
Natural light, fresh air, and greenery can make any environment feel more comfortable and lively. The ability to access the outdoors in the middle of the workday can do wonders for stress. Even the ability to crack a window can refresh an office. Lots of sunlight will also enhance any workers’ experience. Positioning the primary workspaces’ near or facing windows will brighten even the dullest of tasks. Plants have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, eliminate air toxins, and promote productivity. Plants also add beauty and texture to a workplace.
Prioritise Health and Wellness
Healthy employees are generally happy and thrive at the office. Providing ergonomic workstations and equipment prevents injuries and many long-term health conditions. Also, encouraging physical movement throughout the day can help keep employees energized. Standing desks are also hugely beneficial for overall wellness. HR policies like mental health days and mandatory vacation will complement any environmental implementations.
Include Comfortable Lounge Areas
Designating alternative seating areas can create break and employee socialising zones. These can be appropriate escape areas from a stressful task or simply a pleasant spot to drink a coffee. Stylish and cozy furniture will make for comfortable breaks or casual check-ins with colleagues. These sections of the office can also serve as essential zones for camaraderie after hours or during special office events. Some offices go as far as including games and snack bars in their break or lounge areas. Appealing “play” zones as a core element of an office can not only keep existing employees happy; they can help attract new talent.
Streamlined Communications
An office that communicates effectively is often the most productive and has high morale. A company can achieve good communication through a variety of means. An open office floor plan naturally encourages ongoing direct collaboration among colleagues.
Multichannel chat business software has become a popular tool to keep staff connected for projects, tasks, or even just socializing. Another technological innovation in office communication is the interactive smartboard. Installing these boards strategically in an office can enhance meeting presentations and display important messaging and memos in common areas.
For management, HR methods like an open door policy lead to strengthened relationships with staff. One way of encouraging the philosophy of open-door management is through a specific office structure. Management or executive offices with glass or transparent walls make signal their availability to junior staff. Office fit-outs can reveal the structural possibilities of an office.
Bright Stylish and Modern Design
An apparent injection of positivity into a work environment is fabulous design and decor. Style and appearance can become a vital part of a company’s brand. While office decor may seem like a superficial focus, it can significantly impact a company’s public image. In the age of social media, many organisations showcase photos of their sleek and modern workspaces to the public. This raises a company’s profile to clients, partners, and potential recruits.
If an office is on the cutting-edge of design, it projects a sense of modernity and forward-thinking. More importantly, employees will be proud to work in an attractive and inviting workplace. Office fit-out teams are often involved in the design and stylization of a workspace.
The concept of an ideal workplace will undoubtedly continue to evolve. As the definition of work changes, so will the needs of individual companies and workers. The most important thing businesses and building managers can do is adapt to keep pace with innovations, trends, and shifts in values. Often the only path to creating an excellent work environment is through constantly evaluating the goals, challenges, and desires of workers and leaders.
Great article. It helps a lot with my work. Thanks for sharing these effective and helpful ways.