Office Furniture Direct 2U
The importance of office design is often underestimated by many businesses yet a functional office space can aid organisations success. Design features and layouts of a typical office can affect how effectively employees communicate and perform other tasks. It can even have a direct impact on employee’s happiness. A little bit of investment in quality office design and well chosen flooring can be the best outlay a business can make when employees are more productive as a result. Here are our five top tips for transforming your office space into a more effective and functional working environment.
- Make the most of all available space and light
It is estimated that 90% of workers spend most of their working time indoors at desks that are several metres away from the nearest window. Natural light can have affects on mood and happiness levels therefore making it important to not obstruct any light with furniture, blinds and accessories. A lot of offices tend to group desks in the middle of a room when the best layout would be to make use of space near windows instead. Another good tip to maximise light is to not use interior walls and not create cubicles that can create segregation and give a more cramped feel to the space.
- Designate break-out areas
A lot of successful offices have communal areas in order to deliver different environments for different functions. A break-out space could be somewhere for workers to eat lunch, hold meetings and somewhere slightly more informal than a meeting room for staff to staff meetings and chats. A good way to make a break-out space feel separate from the rest of the office is to use brighter colours, soft furnishings and meeting tables. If these areas need to be used for other functions from time to time, folding tables and stackable chairs are a great way to make functional easy.
- Use clever storage to save space
No one likes clutter and mess but no one likes to feel cramped either. Designated areas for eating, food preparation and refrigeration can help stop people eating at their desks. This reduces clutter and mess and also encourages staff to step away from their desks and computers for a short time which can help refresh their eyes and mood. In order to maximise storage whilst utilising unused areas of the office by using under desk storage. For example, desk drawers and desk pedestals where specific drawers are dedicated for filing documents. If the space is available, office cupboards are also useful as well as lockers so that staff can store their personal belongings such as bags and coats etc. Any empty space between desks and office furniture can be used as storage. There are many options when it comes to under desk storage; pictured below: Oakland Mobile Pedestal from £93.32 – a trendy and modern design
Another storage solution is a tall cupboard such as the silver line cupboard from £120 or a Mayfair cupboard which is attractive and from only £351.00 at Office Furniture Direct 2U.
- Don’t be afraid to invest in décor and office furniture
It may seem like a sensible to keep the cost of redecorating a minimum however it is good to think of it as a long term investment. Purchasing lower cost office furniture, carpets and décor usually means they are lower quality too and tend not to last as long. Staff morale can also benefit from having nice and higher quality furniture when they’re comfort level is higher.
24 hour use chairs may cost a fraction more than your entry level office chair but if your staff will be sitting on them all day every day they are worth the investment due to quality and comfort. Here is the Newport Executive Office Chair and has a 24 hour use and costs only £132.31!
- Ask your workers
No one knows your office better than the people who have to work in it day in day out so ask them what they think is needed. They may be able to provide alternative ideas and solutions as they know the space the best and even ask them to review your ideas and plans to see what would work and what wouldn’t. Ask them questions such as is the office light enough? Are there any repairs need to be done? Can they move around and communicate effectively? The thought of being involved and their opinion being valued can help boost employee morale.