The office is an integral, even definitive part of the working world – but in a new world defined by technology, management devolution and remote collaboration, the office takes a very different place in this very same world. Whether or not we take into account the truth of the modern working landscape, office design has always played a crucial role in shaping how employees feel, think, and perform throughout the working day.
Now, though, that role is more important than ever, being that it must also work for agile employees that do not always work in the office.An office is more than its décor; beyond aesthetics, a well-planned workspace can boost productivity, support mental wellbeing, and even improve collaboration across teams. In this hybrid-working world, how can you approach your office’s design for better productivity and employee wellbeing?
Lighting and Its Impact on Energy and Mood
First, let’s look at lighting. Lighting is there, obviously, to enable the undertaking of daily tasks without obstruction or interruption; it also, though, has a profound impact on employee psychology. It is for this reason that natural light is one of the most important, and yet most often overlooked, aspects of any office design endeavor.
Exposure to daylight is crucial to improving mood, enhancing concentration and increasing energy levels, in part due to the vitamin D we synthesize from it. As such, natural light needs to be abundant, albeit complemented with well-placed and unobstructive artificial lighting to reduce eye strain and maintain productivity.
Managing Noise for Productivity
Noise is one of the biggest distractions in modern workplaces – and, beyond the
commute to and from workplaces – one of the biggest bug-bears reported by employees. Poor acoustics can lead to decreased focus, higher stress levelsand reduced efficiency, particularly when exacerbated by open-plan office designs with no acoustic treatment. By incorporating modern acoustic ceiling tiles, reflections can be significantly reduced in order to create a less cacophonouslevel of background noise; partitions can also work well to control sound.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is key to productivity – and a key point of expenditure for businesses accordingly. Uncomfortable employees are not just more likely to be annoyed; they’re also far more likely to get fatigued or even injured. Ergonomic furniture is a given, in the form of adjustable desk chairs and desks; well-designed breakout areas also contribute to better physical health.
The Role of Layout
Lastly, we’ve touched on office layout already but it bears revisiting. Office structureshave a direct impact on collaboration and interaction, but also on private productivity. Open-plan layouts can encourage teamwork and communication but, as explored already, can be too noisy for solo work. Dedicated quiet zones should be installed, to allow for focused, uninterrupted work.
