Having a well-designed and functional workspace is more important than ever.
A modern office design boosts productivity and employee satisfaction and reflects your company’s values and culture.
Let’s have a quick rundown of some evidence that shows how important proper workplace design really is:
- 85% of employees surveyed by Ipsos are dissatisfied with their office environment and struggle to concentrate.
- 95% of employees value working privately, but only 41% have this option in their current workplace.
- Office workers lose an average of 86 minutes per day due to distractions, primarily from irrelevant speech from co-workers.
- Strong office design can increase employee happiness by up to 33%.
- Happy employees are 31% more productive, 37% better at selling, and display three times more creativity than unhappy employees.
- Employees who report being happy at work take 10 times fewer sick days and stay in their roles twice as long.
- 58% of problem-solving employees, such as designers, developers, and engineers, require more quiet work spaces to concentrate on their work.
- 54% of problem-solving employees find their office environment “too distracting” to work effectively.
With that in mind, let’s assess some key strategies for creating more functional workplace settings.
Budget and Cost Management
Budget management is, of course, central to any office design project. Establishing a clear budget from the outset and allocating funds wisely to ensure that your project stays on track financially is essential.
Consider the following two central points:
- Prioritise your needs: Identify the most critical elements of your office design and allocate funds accordingly. This may include investing in ergonomic furniture, upgrading technology, or creating collaborative spaces.
- Plan for contingencies: Unexpected costs can arise during any renovation project, so it’s wise to set aside a portion of your budget for when things don’t go precisely to plan.
Space Optimisation and Efficiency
Making the most of your available space is crucial for creating a functional and efficient workspace. Modern office design prioritises space optimisation through:
- Open floor plans: In some spaces, reducing the number of private offices and cubicles can create a more open and collaborative environment that encourages teamwork and communication.
- Multipurpose spaces: Incorporating versatile spaces that can serve multiple functions, such as meeting rooms that double as break-out areas, can help you max out your square footage.
Timeline and Minimising Disruption
An office fit-out or renovation project can disrupt your day-to-day operations, so planning carefully to minimise downtime and ensure a smooth transition is essential.
Work with your office design team to establish a realistic timeline for your project, considering factors such as lead times for materials and furniture and any necessary permits or approvals.
If your renovation project requires construction or demolition work, you may need to temporarily relocate your team to another location or set up temporary workspaces within your existing office.
Embracing Office Innovations
In addition to space optimisation and budget management, it’s important to consider how your new workspace can incorporate the latest office innovations to enhance productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being.
Some key trends to consider include:
- Technology integration: Incorporating smart technology, such as wireless charging stations, interactive whiteboards, and video conferencing systems, can help your team stay connected and productive.
- Biophilic design: Bringing elements of nature into your workspace, such as plants, natural light, and organic materials, has been shown to reduce stress, improve air quality, and boost creativity.
Partnering with Experienced Professionals
Working with experienced professionals, like the team at Spaceway, can help you understand the challenges of an office fit-out or renovation project and create a workspace that sets your business up for long-term success.
With decades of experience in the industry, Spaceway offers a complete range of services, including space planning, office design, build, and installation.
Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your office space.