Office design has a significant effect on how your office functions and looks. Ideally, the layout and furniture should facilitate efficient daily tasks while placing emphasis on employee wellbeing.
Unfortunately, many businesses make common errors when designing their offices. These missteps can have a detrimental effect on employee morale, collaboration and effectiveness as well as overall business performance.
Not Considering Employees’ Needs
Employees are an essential element of any organization, and their needs should be taken into account when designing the office space. Offering them a workspace that meets their expectations and requirements sends a strong signal that you value their time and effort, leading to higher levels of employee satisfaction among your team members.
One way to encourage movement throughout the day is by creating an environment that fosters it, such as activity-based seating or “hot desking.” This is especially essential for employees who may need to relocate during their workday.
However, office design mistakes can negatively impact employees’ sense of belonging (SOC) and comprehension in the workplace, even in home offices. A study conducted at PagerDuty, a cloud computing company, revealed that many employees felt dissatisfied with their new office layout due to not being able to change desks during working hours. To meet workers’ demands, the company had to redesign its offices.
Not Considering Storage
Storage may not be the top of your mind when designing an office, but the right storage solution can improve productivity and enhance your brand’s reputation according to interior designers. A well-organized workspace with adequate space for important items will enable you to work more efficiently and reduce stress caused by a cluttered workplace environment.
No doubt, a clutter-free desk is one of the most pleasant and inspiring places to work. Not only does it increase productivity, but having organized storage solutions in place save time and energy in the long run; they can help keep your office running smoothly as well as keeping clients contented.
When selecting storage devices for your office, there are plenty of options to consider. A reliable storage company can advise you on which option is most suitable, whether you require units, furniture or something else entirely. Ultimately, find a solution which meets both your requirements and budget.
Not Considering Ventilation
A reliable ventilation system can have a major impact on employee health and productivity. Without it, humidity, CO2, germs and indoor air pollution will accumulate, leading to serious issues for workers.
Unfortunately, few people factor ventilation into the design of their office. This is a mistake as ventilation plays an integral role in keeping employees healthy and comfortable at work.
Modern offices typically employ mechanical ventilation. This type of ventilation is controlled in accordance with CIBSE guidelines and meets Building Control regulations, making it ideal for any weather condition – eliminating the worry that occupants won’t open their windows during winter due to fear of allowing cold air into their space.
A simulation-based study was conducted to understand how ventilation system designs can affect contaminant concentration levels in an office. Results revealed that mechanical ventilation systems that circulate fresh air through filters can reduce these concentrations by up to 50%, suggesting recirculating fresh air through mechanical ventilation systems is the best way to meet government air quality regulations.
Not Considering Lighting
Lighting is an integral element in office design. Not only does it provide enough illumination for workers to do their tasks clearly, but it can also contribute to creating an aesthetically pleasing workplace environment. Lights, whether in the form of overhead ceiling lights or floor-to-ceiling fixtures, can improve productivity and efficiency while decreasing energy bills. When designing office lighting, consider the needs of its occupants – including their mood if possible. The most successful offices strive to create an atmosphere that makes employees feel welcomed and at ease. Beyond the classic computer and printer, office designers should look into the latest in LED technology. Not only that, but many lighting manufacturers offer eco-friendly solutions that reduce carbon emissions. For best results, consult a professional; this will save both money and time while guaranteeing you have the ideal lights within budget.