If you feel the time has come to bring your office into the 21st century, then with careful planning and the right design team you could do more than just make your workplace easier on the eye.
Staff morale is hugely important in any place of work and a refurbishment provides an excellent opportunity to improve the flow and create a more positive environment.
Involve your team
Ask your team for advice and ideas ahead of your office redesign. This will immediately generate a buzz among staff members and make the refurbishment seem like an exciting change rather than an inconvenience. Remain positive, although some ideas may not be financially possible, create compromises to ensure staff feel that their ideas have been considered. Investing time and money into the look and feel of your office environment shows staff that you care about their comfort and well-being which is a great example to set at the top level of your business.
Increase productivity
Maximising space and improving the flow of your workplace will naturally lead to increased productivity as staff will find it easier to communicate and get what they need when they need it. Pay particular attention to breakout areas as short breaks are key to maintaining high output and reducing wasted time and sickness. Having welcoming and easily accessible meeting rooms, kitchens and bathrooms is essential. Consider bright colour schemes and interesting artwork, make sure there is plenty of comfortable seating areas so that staff can easily relax whilst taking short breaks.
Create a healthier working environment
The Health and Safety Executive reported 1.3 million work-related ill health cases in 2016/17, with 0.5 million of these being musculoskeletal disorders. Safe work stations that encourage good posture and provide adequate support are a vital addition to the workplace and should help maintain a healthier workforce. Remember that harsh overhead lighting can contribute to headaches and migraines so should be avoided where possible. Although natural lighting is not always an option in the office environment there are solutions such as LED sky ceiling panels which have been shown to stimulate the brain whilst reducing anxiety and stress in the workplace.
The benefits of working outside include stress relief, boosted energy levels and even improvements in memory! Where possible create opportunities for outdoor working such as providing a patio area equipped with Wi-Fi, anti-glare screens and power outlets. Schedule walking meetings or team building activities outdoors.
Pride in the workplace
Use the opportunity of refurbishment to think outside the box and transform your office into an innovative and forward-thinking place to work. Embracing new trends such as the creation of ‘biophilic space’ and bringing the outside inside can encourage a calm and peaceful environment. Find out more about the use of biophilic space in the workplace. Integrate modern technology to ease the job and show staff you are invested in them. Both new tech and exciting spaces will mean a proud workforce who are more likely to portray a positive picture when talking to others about your business
Don’t go it alone
Different businesses demand different environments in order to increase productivity; where open plan and airy works for some it may have a negative impact for others. Seek advice from professionals and ensure staff have privacy where needed. At Gravity Office Interiors, we help businesses of all shapes and sizes to create not just a smart and functional office space but one that breeds a healthier, happier and more productive workforce! If you’d like to know more about an office refit, refurb or total new fit out, then please get in touch.
