Why the Office Needs to Work Differently
Hybrid working changes what a workplace is for. There are far fewer people at their desks on any given day. However, the office is where the team meets, works together and builds the company culture. Fixed desks in rows is the classic office layout. This doesn’t work for hybrid or flexible working. Companies who rethink their spaces to work for their employees in this way usually see better attendance, more effective teamwork and less wasted space.
Before any designs are made, obtain real data. Look at which days are the busiest and why? How many people are there at one time? Which spaces are empty? What do employees actually do when they come into the office? The answers to these will determine how many desks are needed, how big meeting rooms should be, and where breakout space should be located.
Zoning the Space by Activity
The most effective hybrid-ready office plans divide space into work zone types. “Quiet zones” are for work that requires concentration. “Collaboration zones” are for group discussions. Social zones are for the informal conversations that happen around the office. Consider phone booths and small meeting rooms for private calls or meetings.
Flexible furniture helps zones adapt. Height-adjustable desks, movable partitions and lightweight tables can be moved to suit the needs of a given activity or event. Use dedicated desks for a small portion of the staff who need them, and shared/bookable desks for the rest of the staff.
Getting Acoustics Right
One of the biggest complaints in offices is distractions caused by noise. This is often caused by the use of an open-plan office design. Sounds travel further in an open plan office, and reflections off hard surfaces (like glass, concrete and polished floors) cause sounds to echo, distributing distractions even further. While good acoustic design may call for the incorporation of walls, there are many other less drastic ways of design in order to achieve the same effect. Soft design finishes such as carpets, wall and ceiling soft goods, and furniture all have an effect on the sound in a space.
Not all good design comes with a hefty price tag. Using the right layout can be as effective as buying expensive acoustic equipment. Store or cluster noisy distractions (like copy, print and fax machines, and collab areas) away from quiet working areas.
Light, Air and Comfort
Workers are more productive when comfortable. So, maximise natural light by moving desks to to near windows and by keeping glazing clear of tall furniture. Then, supplement lighting with layers of artificial light. Add adjustable desk lights for individual task lighting and softer lights for shared spaces.
Focus on air quality and temperature as well. Improve air quality with the addition of a few well-placed plants and improve temperature control by adding fan and heater options to desks. Flexible desk options should include a selection of ergonomic chairs and monitor arms. While improving physical space, you can help promote better posture and lessen absence with the addition of standard ergonomic seating options.
Reflecting Brand and Culture
The office design is perhaps the most telling expression of a company’s personality. Colour, materials, art and signage communicate values. Something polished and serene speaks to a company like a professional services firm. A creative agency, on the other hand, may opt for something more vibrant and edgier.
Don’t just throw decorative elements around in the hope of achieving an interesting design. Look for opportunities to implement design elements consistently across the different areas of the office to maintain coherence. consistency gives the staff a sense of pride and the clients a sense of security.
Planning the Project Sensibly
Clients often don’t appreciate the importance of giving a clear brief, providing an accurate budget and setting realistic deadlines. Phasing the work to minimise disruption is key to keeping tenants on-side. Identify lease obligations as early as possible, and give consideration to any requirements to reinstate the space at the end of the lease.
Experienced commercial interior designers can save clients money by avoiding costly mistakes. Designers should liaise with authorities to ensure the works comply with building, fire, access and other pertinent legislation, and help manage the builders to ensure the project meets the set target dates. Well planned offices can change and adapt with the business.