In recent years office layout and design have seen a significant change. Gone are the days of closed-off private offices and cubicles; open and socially adept designs are the trend. Companies are offering their brightest talent a more relaxed and energetic atmosphere- quite the opposite from the traditional, solitary workplace. Office spaces are now designed with the objective of fostering collaborative and creative work. With the pandemic in the run, many in the workforce are anxious and skeptical of returning to their offices. It has been an astronomically challenging time for businesses across the globe.
The COVID-19 pandemic has ensued a list of changes at the workplace. Organizations are seeking ways of providing an efficient, structural, well organized space that incorporates every appropriate and necessary safety measure. Therefore, it is the need of the moment to revamp your existing workspace and make it user friendly. Here are ten tips to give you a head start.
Most organizations have now adapted to a hybrid working style, where employees alternate between office and remote-based work. This is a great effort towards the easy transition of employees from work-from-home to physical working days. This offers workers the opportunity to return to work while providing them autonomy and great comfort. Therefore, the office space must have facilities and equipment to accommodate several working environments.
With the pandemic receding and things returning to normal, people remain uncertain and nervous about returning to work. Employee safety should thus be taken into consideration when designing your office structure. One way corridors and systems ensure minimal crowding for both internal staff and external visitors. Communal spaces like kitchens and bathrooms should be operating at maximum capacity to prevent overcrowding. Cleanliness and proper office space utilization are essential as it offers people a sense of security and peace. Signage displaying instructions regarding safety measures and sanitizing procedures are critical for reminding employees of their personal protection and hygiene. Antibacterial hand washes and sanitizers should be made available.
A redesign does not always imply heavy, complete re-construction work; agile and sleekly optimized furniture and accessories are the way to go. Office layouts should focus more on providing quiet areas with minimal disruption, technologically-enabled areas for meetings and collaboration, training and other events.
The pandemic has made us all rely heavily and indefinitely on digital communication, especially video-conferencing. The right technology will help you connect with worldwide audiences. This will allow presenters and employees to connect even in a virtual or hybrid setting. Superior technology will also help reduce your carbon footprint and encourage staff productivity. Touchless operational systems, human-centric lighting and ventilation systems will assist employees in remaining innovative, communicative and efficient.
An overall office redesign will aid productivity and show your workers your concern and dedication towards them. The above measures will not only boost productivity and efficiency but also ensure loyalty and trust.
To do our bit for the environment, we recommend using sustainable items with low embodied carbon. Setting sustainability as one of your objectives is a brilliant way to attract, retain and engage stellar minds. These objectives and efforts change the employee’s perception of the employer dramatically. A redesign will aid you in keeping the planet healthy whilst protecting your business and retaining your talent.
COVID has taught us an important lesson- health and wellness come before all. In order to encourage and maintain productivity, profitability and participation, the health and peace of you and your staff are of utmost importance. Providing good ventilation, comfortable seats and chairs, exceptional facilities and incorporating the environment into the office aesthetic will go a long way.
Providing employees a sense of belongingness is crucial. Despite its formality and policies, the workplace must remain an enjoyable, thriving space. Providing entertainment areas, social spots, gardens or relaxation centers are some of the ways you can give a sense of community.
How you design and present your workplace has a significant impact on visitors and clients. Give your new talent and visitors a great first impression by ensuring that your brand and identity is at the front and center of the office aesthetic from the get-go.
Reusing and revamping furniture will save you time as well as hard-earned money. This will save you the expenses of a comprehensive renovation and construction work. Creating a sustainable, collaborative, technology-enabled workspace that enhances your employees’ way of life is the ambition.
With different needs and understanding, as we move into the post-pandemic era, the evolution of office design is essential. The office is a space where one spends between 45 to 50 hours a week. Redesigning your office space will maximize your productivity and optimize your workspace.