Creating Smart Offices
Many businesses today understand the value of designing their work space in an efficient way.
Businesses are increasingly realizing that for their staff to function optimally, they need to be given spaces where they are comfortable and can get work done easily and efficiently.
That is why a good amount of thought and planning is essential when designing office fit outs.
Here are some tips to consider.
Consider an open plan workspace to encourage more interaction.
In general, many companies today are moving away from the idea of separate cubicles or offices for every worker and manager.
Today, spaces are designed in an open manner that is more conducive to interaction.
The sense of fear associated with management is reduced making them more accessible.
Of course, exclusive spaces can be included for those times when privacy is required for conducting business.
You still need to have separate conference rooms and offices for private meetings between workers and for consulting with customers.
Avoid sick building syndrome by providing good ventilation and natural light.
Lighting should be bright but not too bright.
A splash of bold and cheerful colors can be very encouraging to those working in the office to help them get over those workday blues.
Open plan spaces can take advantage of available windows to distribute natural light throughout the space.
Open spaces also allow for better ventilation.
Try to make equipment easily accessible to the workers.
For instance, while they are talking on their headset, staff should ideally be able to print or scan documents, jot down notes on a whiteboard and even consult with a colleague as they are talking to customers.
This would reduce the need to stand in line to get work done.
Consider recycled products when furnishing your space.
This way, you can be compliant with legislation and do your bit for the environment.
Using recycled furniture and equipment may also be more cost effect than buying brand new items.
You could choose recycled timber and other materials for your fit out.
This will give your company a less sterile, more comfortable feel.
If you are replacing furniture or equipment, consider giving away what you have to a charity or recyclers.
Ensure that you allow for future expansion.
After some time, you may need more workstations, meeting rooms, power points and so on.
Factor all of this into your initial design.
Moving to a new building is costly and disruptive, so it pays to plan ahead.
Businesses are increasingly realizing that for their staff to function optimally, they need to be given spaces where they are comfortable and can get work done easily and efficiently.
That is why a good amount of thought and planning is essential when designing office fit outs.
Here are some tips to consider.
Consider an open plan workspace to encourage more interaction.
In general, many companies today are moving away from the idea of separate cubicles or offices for every worker and manager.
Today, spaces are designed in an open manner that is more conducive to interaction.
The sense of fear associated with management is reduced making them more accessible.
Of course, exclusive spaces can be included for those times when privacy is required for conducting business.
You still need to have separate conference rooms and offices for private meetings between workers and for consulting with customers.
Avoid sick building syndrome by providing good ventilation and natural light.
Lighting should be bright but not too bright.
A splash of bold and cheerful colors can be very encouraging to those working in the office to help them get over those workday blues.
Open plan spaces can take advantage of available windows to distribute natural light throughout the space.
Open spaces also allow for better ventilation.
Try to make equipment easily accessible to the workers.
For instance, while they are talking on their headset, staff should ideally be able to print or scan documents, jot down notes on a whiteboard and even consult with a colleague as they are talking to customers.
This would reduce the need to stand in line to get work done.
Consider recycled products when furnishing your space.
This way, you can be compliant with legislation and do your bit for the environment.
Using recycled furniture and equipment may also be more cost effect than buying brand new items.
You could choose recycled timber and other materials for your fit out.
This will give your company a less sterile, more comfortable feel.
If you are replacing furniture or equipment, consider giving away what you have to a charity or recyclers.
Ensure that you allow for future expansion.
After some time, you may need more workstations, meeting rooms, power points and so on.
Factor all of this into your initial design.
Moving to a new building is costly and disruptive, so it pays to plan ahead.
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