It is a notoriously difficult task to achieve a working environment that suits everyone. Factors such as privacy, temperature, noise and colour in an office space can affect different individuals productivity in different ways. Fortunately, by stepping back and looking at the basics of human nature and interaction, we can identify small changes in office layout which can satisfy basic human needs, and should improve the daily work lives of the majority of your employees.
Although togetherness and collaboration can be a powerful tool for creativity, this needs to be balanced with the option for privacy. The need for privacy is as much a need for humans as is interaction, and not enough of it can dramatically decrease wellbeing, creativity and productivity.
A recent study on ‘The State of the Global Workplace’ by Gallup found that 63% of workers are disengaged, unmotivated at work, being unlikely to invest effort in organizational goals or outcomes.
This highlights the effect that office layout can have on employee productivity and well being. Whether you are looking to bring new life to your existing office or create an inspiring layout for your new office space, finding the right balance of collaboration and privacy is essential. We will go through a few simple organisational strategies that can help you to find this balance within your office environment.
Group your spaces – create zones
A great way of creating organisation within your workspace is by breaking it up into zones. These zones could be based around function such as filing spaces or meeting rooms or department with areas for various teams within your employ. This helps to promote team culture and enhance collaboration. Things to consider:
Quiet zones
Communal work areas
Lounge areas
Outdoor spaces
Training areas
Make sure to create different types of spaces for different types of work
Alongside your zoning, make sure to create different types of areas that your employees could move between depending on the work they need to carry out. For example, a large open communal space is great for group meetings but not so much for individual working. Smaller rooms or individual pods that are at an individual scale and are available to your employees to use when needed can help to satisfy the balance between collaboration and privacy. Things to consider:
Work pods
Open plan vs individual rooms
Dedicated media rooms
Lounge areas
Formal desks
Allow for personalisation
Don’t be overly precious about your office environment. Employees will respond better to their environment if they are allowed to personalise their spaces and make it their own. This could range from posters, pictures or colour on the walls to options for sitting or standing at their desks or moving their work place layout around so that they get the light levels that they want. Individuals need different things, so introduce changes that can be made at an individual level. (to an extent of course!) Things to consider:
Standing desks
Pin board walls
Light, moveable furniture
Customisable lighting
Individual temperature control
Add unique and interesting touches
Bring the culture of your company into your office environment by bringing in interesting touches that are unique to your company. Whether you fill your office with plants, have unique lighting or even bring in treadmills for lunchtime work-outs, take what makes your business what it is and bring that to your employees. This will create a sense of belonging within your employees, breed a happy office culture and create inspiring spaces.
A recent study by Steelcase found that of the 11% of workers who were satisfied with their working environment,
98% could concentrate easily
97% felt like they could freely express and share ideas
95% could work in teams without being interrupted
88% could choose where to work within the office, based on their task
95% felt relaxed and calm
97% felt a sense of belonging to their company and its culture
Making the layout of your office work for your employees can have dramatic effects on their wellbeing, productivity and creativity. If you are thinking about an office remodel, or you would like to optimise the layout of your new office space then consult a professional office mover to advise you on how best to organise and facilitate your move.
Business Relocations – Auckland’s expert office movers
At Business Relocations, we have been looking after the commercial moving needs of New Zealand Businesses since 2001. To discover more about our company and how we could help you with your next office move or re-model, get in touch with us today either online or over the phone on 0800800247.
