In today’s dynamic working environment, thanks to the prevalence of hybrid working and technological advances, time spent in the office is becoming increasingly reduced for many companies. Lots of employees are working from home at least 2-3 days a week, meaning that when staff are together in the office, it is imperative that they are able inspired to work and collaborate as productively as possible.
Office design can have a significant bearing on this, and it is something that requires a good level of thought to get right. It isn’t just about aesthetics; it is also about creating an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration. This article will explore the importance of office design and its effect on employees.
First and foremost, the design of an office space can greatly impact the productivity of employees. Studies have shown that well-designed offices can increase productivity considerably, owing to factors such as lighting and ergonomically designed furniture reducing stress and fatigue. Furthermore, offices which encourage movement and physical engagement, such as standing desks, can improve employee health and energy levels, resulting in a more motivated workforce.
Creativity and innovation can also be directly linked to office design. Open plan offices create an environment that fosters communication and teamwork, which can lead to creative ideas being generated as well as efficient problem solving. Collaborative work is essential for many businesses, especially when the office is only being used 2-3 times a week. Likewise, when employees require a quiet space, for a small meeting or some independent work, features such as office pods can be invaluable in providing an area away from distractions.
Although we previously mentioned that it isn’t all about aesthetics, that certainly doesn’t mean that the look and feel of an office doesn’t matter. A well-designed and decorated environment will be more inspiring to employees, and is generally a nicer place to be. Natural light, greenery such as office plants (real or fake), and comfortable furniture go a long way to improving an employee’s experience at work. It’s about creating an inviting environment where employees feel happy and motivated to work. In larger offices, quiet spaces where employees can take some time to relax and unwind can go a long way.
A well-designed office is likely to impact employee retention too, nurturing a positive work culture in a nice workplace provides employees with something that they want to be a part of, boosting satisfaction and simultaneously reducing staff turnover. A visually appealing and functional office space can also help to attract top talent when hiring new employees as it is a more desirable place to work, enhancing brand image in the process.
In conclusion, office design is certainly as important as ever, if not more so now that the time employees spend in the office has been reduced in many cases. For help with designing and fitting your office space, take a look at the office design services we offer at Whiteleys, and learn more about how we can work together to get the most out of your office.
Read more about the origins of hybrid working and how working environments have changed over time to get to where they are today.
