In a post-pandemic landscape, the focus on people and productivity has become even greater for businesses worldwide.
As the needs of the modern workforce evolve, companies are rethinking the way they work and reimagining the office space as a destination that offers more than just a desk. A well-considered workplace design can be instrumental in attracting employees back from the comforts of their home to the office, as well as optimising their performance and wellbeing whilst there.
In this post, company formation specialists, 1st Formations, explore the various ways that office design can affect employee productivity and what design choices you can make to enhance it. Let’s get started.
Lighting
Lighting, when used effectively, has been proven to enhance wellbeing and boost performance. One studyclaims cooler light, in particular, can make workers more productive. While exposure to natural lighting can have profound benefits on our health, improving mood, energy and alertness.
To maximise natural light, try and place desks and communal areas close to windows to allow sunlight to filter through the office. Remove obstacles and any unnecessary partitions to ensure that window views are unobstructed wherever possible.
If your office has limited direct sunlight, then consider strategically placing mirrors to amplify natural light. And optimise artificial lighting by providing adjustable task lighting for individual workstations. This allows employees to personalise their lighting based on the nature of their tasks and preferences.
Opt for light-coloured walls and furniture, as they reflect and enhance natural and artificial light, creating a brighter atmosphere.
Colour schemes
Colours can also have a significant impact on the way we feel and the way we work.
Greens and blues are said to encourage better mind flow and concentration, making them ideal for task-orientated spaces such as workstations and meeting areas. Both colours are believed to have a calming influence that reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
On the other hand, bright and vibrant colours like oranges and yellows can stimulate creativity, which can work well in collaborative spaces where innovation and problem-solving need fuelling. However, be sure to use vibrant colours in moderation since they can also contribute to visual fatigue and cause distraction.
Neutral tones like whites and pale greys not only encourage light flow, but can create a balanced ambience in the office, allowing you to strategically add accents of colour without overwhelming the visual landscape.
When experimenting with colours, you’ll also want to consider your company’s mission and values and choose a palette that accurately reflects your brand and the sector in which you operate.
Ergonomic design
No office design is complete without considering ergonomics.
Office ergonomics refers to the design of the workplace to fit the capabilities and any limitations of the employees. The primary goal of ergonomics is to create a workspace that facilitates comfort, wellbeing and efficiency.
An ergonomic office design is an investment in both the physical health and productivity of your employees. Start by providing adjustable furniture to accommodate different body types and preferences. Adjustable chairs, desks, and monitor stands empower employees to create a workspace tailored to their individual needs, reducing the risk of discomfort or musculoskeletal issues.
Encourage movement and flexibility by incorporating standing desks or adjustable workstations. These options not only promote better posture but also combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
The layout of the office is equally crucial in promoting ergonomic practices. Ensure that workstations are organised to minimise excessive reaching or straining. This can be achieved by placing frequently used items within easy reach and providing storage solutions that encourage a clutter-free workspace.
Collaborative spaces
Collaboration lies at the heart of many successful businesses, and the design of collaborative spaces within an office can significantly impact teamwork and innovation. Creating designated areas that foster communication and idea-sharing is key to promoting a collaborative work culture.
Consider open-plan layouts with communal seating arrangements, where employees can easily gather for impromptu discussions or brainstorming sessions. Breakout areas equipped with comfortable seating and writable surfaces can encourage spontaneous collaboration, allowing ideas to flow freely. Additionally, incorporating technology such as video conferencing tools and interactive displays in these spaces can facilitate seamless communication for remote or hybrid teams.
It's essential to strike a balance, though. While collaborative spaces are valuable, it's equally important to provide quieter zones for focused work. Acoustic design elements, such as soundproofing materials and strategic placement of furniture, can help create a harmonious environment where both collaboration and individual productivity can thrive.
Biophilic design
Biophilic design is a concept that’s gained increasing popularity for its positive impact on employee wellbeing and productivity. It’s applied to office design with the intention of connecting occupants to the natural environment through elements such as natural textures, plants, and even water features to create a more stimulating atmosphere.
Growing evidence supports the idea that green spaces can lower levels of stress and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. With this in mind, incorporating real plants inside the office will not only enhance aesthetics, but also general wellbeing. Just be sure to create a maintenance timetable or opt for plants that require minimal care to ensure they thrive in an indoor setting. Low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, or succulents are not only visually appealing but also resilient to the typical office environment.
Meanwhile, incorporating textures such as wood and stone in your office design can add warmth and a sense of connection to nature.
Flexible-friendly workspaces
The traditional concept of a fixed desk for every employee is evolving as companies recognise the importance of flexibility in today’s post-pandemic world. Providing a variety of work settings allows employees to choose the environment that best suits their tasks and preferences.
Implement hot-desking or activity-based workstations, where employees can select a workspace based on the nature of their tasks on a given day. This approach not only maximises space utilisation but also encourages a dynamic and adaptable work culture. Combine this with mobile technology and cloud-based tools to empower employees to work from different locations within the office or remotely.
Breakout rooms, booths for phone or video calls, and quiet zones contribute to the overall flexibility of the workspace, catering to different work styles and the need for privacy when required.
Technology integration
In the digital age, seamless integration of technology is paramount for a productive work environment. Ensure that the office design accommodates the latest technologies that support collaboration, communication, and task efficiency.
Invest in high-quality audio-visual systems for meeting rooms, interactive displays for presentations, and reliable video conferencing tools to connect remote teams. Charging stations and accessible power outlets should be strategically placed to support the increasing reliance on personal devices. Additionally, prioritise robust and secure WiFi infrastructure to enable smooth connectivity for all employees.
Final thoughts
By prioritising and carefully considering office design, businesses can transform the workplace into a space that nurtures productivity, encourages collaboration and facilitates flexibility.
We hope that this post has helped highlight the impact of office design on employee productivity and wellbeing. For more useful tips and business advice, head to 1st Formations – the UK’s favourite company formation agent.
