How Office Design can Improve Productivity
February 21, 2011
What makes a good office - A couple of desks, a scattering of chairs, some computers and a printer?
Yes, all of those things need to be there somewhere, but a whole lot more of your company’s success rests in the design of your office – the way that all of these elements are arranged in a carefully structured space that encourages a peaceful working environment. If you want a greater level of productivity in your working day, and want your employees to enjoy the same level of concentration at their job, it may be time to consider a few ways in which an improved office design could boost the efficiency and productivity of your company.
Of course, the most appropriate office design will be different for every business. The office design most conducive to productivity is one that takes into account the specific activities carried out in the office, alongside the goals of the company, which will be unique to each industry. However, although each company has its own set of specific office requirements, some basic principles of office design apply to all corporate workspaces. An office design that efficiently boosts productivity will always display attention to the following vital factors:
Workflow: The key to a productive office design is its attention to improving workflow. An effectual office design is one that allows interaction without obstacles. This can be achieved with the introduction of mobile workstation furniture and spacious open plan rooms. Workstations should be arranged to enable effortless movement from one place to the next. Consider featuring sliding doors in your office design to stylishly separate areas and create the illusion of space. In case of multi-level workplaces, installation of an elevator is recommended.
Communication: Ease of communication is essential for a productive working environment. An open plan office design that abolishes individual rooms for employees will mean less barriers to communication between employees, enable easier supervision and encourage collaboration of staff. Where partitions are an essential feature of your office design, consider using glass for an open feel that will also enhance the diffusion of natural light.
Comfort: It doesn’t take a lot of thinking to see that the more comfortable employees are, the more productive they will be. In fact, a whole area of science, called Ergonomics, studies the way that office environments and furniture can be designed to support comfort, efficiency and wellbeing. It is a good idea to consult an ergonomics expert for assistance with your office design – from the width of hallways to the height of windows and shape of desks or chair legs, your office fitout can have a lot of impact on comfort and thus productivity.
To receive specialised advice on the most appropriate office design for your particular business and working environment, nothing will beat consulting an office design expert. Impressive and appealing design is possible only by availing the expert advice in the industry. Corporate Business Furniture carries a vast experience in this field. Check out our portfolio of recent projects to see what we can do for your office.