As the workforce becomes more flexible, many companies are turning to hot desking as a way to save on office space. This trend began in the ’90s as employees took whatever desk was available instead of having just one cubicle assigned to them.

Nowadays, workstations have multiple people occupying them at different times on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is how some companies, especially consultancies, sales groups and some global corporations with frequent visitors, accommodate today’s more flexible and fluid workplace layout.

We are seeing three developments that may have driven this change: technology, flexibility and real estate risks. Technology has allowed employees to be more mobile and connected than ever before. The Fair Work Act 2009 provides workers the right to request a change their hours and location. And leases are long and expensive so some companies are turning to smaller and more flexible corporate environments for their workers.

What is hot desking?

Hot desking is a flexible way of working that involves using shared or unassigned desks and other common areas in an office, rather than having a dedicated workspace. It is often used in open-plan office layouts, as it can help to maximise the use of space and reduce the need for extra office furniture. They can also help to promote collaboration and creativity, as it encourages employees to move around and interact with each other.

There are a few things to consider if you are thinking about implementing hot desking in your office. Firstly, you will need to make sure that you have enough desks and other common areas to accommodate everyone who wants to use them. You will also need to decide how you will allocate desks, and whether employees will be able to choose their own workspace or be assigned one. Finally, you will need to think about how you will manage the hot desking area, and what rules and regulations you will put in place.

Open plan office with timber plant dividers, timber top workstations, dark grey privacy screens and black mesh task chairs for hot desking

If you’re looking for the best furniture for hot desking, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best office furniture options for a hot desk office. Whether you’re looking for something modular or with power outlets, we’ve got you covered. So read on to learn more about furnishing your hot desk office.

What is the best desk for hot desking?

There is no definitive answer when it comes to the best desk for hot desking. However, there are a few factors that you may want to consider when making your decision.

One important consideration is the size of the desk. If you are sharing the desk with others, you will want to make sure that it is big enough for everyone to comfortably work at. You also need to think about the type of work that you will be doing at the desk. If you need a lot of storage space, you may want to opt for a desk with built-in drawers or shelves.

Another important factor to consider is the height of the desk. If you are tall, you may want to choose a desk that allows you to adjust the height so that you can work in a comfortable position. Likewise, if you are short, you may want to choose a desk with a lower height setting.

Office with modern hot desking, storage and planters

Ultimately, the best desk for hot desking will vary from person to person. It is important to consider your own needs and preferences when making your decision. By doing so, you can ensure that you find the perfect desk for your workspace.

What is the best seating for hot desking?

When it comes to hot desking, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best seating for hot desking will vary depending on the specific needs of your office space and employees. However, there are a few general tips that can help you choose the best seating for your hot desking setup.

First, consider the layout of your hot desking area. Will employees be sitting in groups or individually? If they will be sitting in groups, you’ll need to make sure there is enough space for everyone to comfortably sit and work. You may also want to consider adding additional seating, such as stools or standing desks, to accommodate more employees.

Second, think about the type of work that will be done at the hot desking area. If employees will be working on computers, you’ll need to make sure there are plenty of outlets and surface space for them to spread out their work. If they’ll be doing more hands-on work, such as crafting or assembly, you’ll need to make sure there is enough space for them to move around freely.

High table with comfortable stool for hot desking

Finally, consider the ergonomics of the seating you choose. Hot desking can be a great way to promote healthy posture and movement, but only if the furniture is comfortable and supportive. Look for chairs with adjustable heights and lumbar support, and make sure there is enough space for employees to stretch their legs.

By following these tips, you can choose the best seating for your hot desking area and create a comfortable and productive space for your employees.

Storage solutions

If you’re outfitting a hot desking office, it’s important to consider storage solutions for your employees. Without dedicated storage space, employees can become stressed and less effective in their work. Fortunately, several storage solutions can be used in hot desking offices, from lockers and bookshelves to cubbies and under-desk storage units.

Lockers are a great option for storing personal belongings in a hot desking office. They provide employees with a safe, secure place to store their belongings while they’re away from their desks. Bookshelves can also be used for storing personal belongings, as well as reference materials and books. Cubbies are another great storage solution for hot desking offices. They provide a place for employees to store their belongings while they’re working at their desks. Under-desk storage units are also a good option for storing personal belongings in a hot desking office. They keep employees’ belongings out of the way and out of sight, while still being within reach.

Office lockers for hot desking workplaces

When choosing storage solutions for your hot desking office, it’s important to consider the needs of your employees. What type of belongings do they need to store? How much space do they need? How often will they need to access their belongings? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to choose the best storage solutions for your office.

Lounge solutions

In a modern office, it’s important to have furniture that promotes collaboration and creativity. Hot desking furniture like lounge seats, high-top tables, and bar seating are perfect for encouraging informal conversations and brainstorming sessions. This type of furniture helps make the most of limited space and gives employees access to the amenities they need. There’s no need for large conference rooms when you have hot desking furniture in your office.

Office space with Office Lounge Furniture and Plant wall ideal for hot desking office setup

Next steps

If you’re looking for hot desking furniture for your office, consider the tips in this article. Choosing the right furniture can help create a comfortable and productive space for your employees. Follow these tips to choose the best furniture for your modern office layout.

If you have any questions or need help finding the right furniture for your office, contact us today. We’ll be happy to assist you in choosing the perfect hot desking furniture for your needs.

No matter how small your office is, there are ways to make the most of the space you have. By using clever office storage and organisation ideas, you can create a functional and tidy work area.

If you’re like most office workers, you probably have a love-hate relationship with your desk. You love having a space to work, but hate the mess that accumulates over time. Thankfully, there are plenty of office storage and organisation ideas that can help keep your space tidy! In this blog post, we will discuss a few of our favourites. Keep reading for tips on how to get your office organised once and for all!

The benefits of office storage and organisation

Office storage and organisation can improve your productivity and help you stay organized. By having a designated space for everything, you can avoid wasting time looking for things. Additionally, office storage can help you stay on top of your work schedule by keeping all of your materials in one place. Storage can also help reduce stress levels by decluttering your workspace.

Office storage is an important part of any office layout, and it’s something that you should consider if you want to be more productive. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing office storage, such as what type of materials you need to store and how much space you have. If you have a lot of office supplies, then you’ll need to find a storage solution that can accommodate all of your materials. Additionally, if you have a small office, then you might want to consider compact office storage that will help save space.

Close up detail of storage unit with planter box on top as a room divider in office

How to choose the right storage for your office

Storage can come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right office storage:

  • Consider the amount of space you have in your office
  • Think about what type of materials you need to store
  • Choose a storage solution that is both functional and stylish
  • Consider whether you own or lease your office for mobile storage
  • Make sure the office storage you choose is within your budget

By following these tips, you’ll be able to choose the right office storage for your needs. With the right office storage, you can improve your productivity and stay organized. So, make sure to take the time to choose the right office storage for your office.

Tips for organising your office space

There are many different ways to organise your space in order to make it more efficient and productive. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Start by decluttering your space. Get rid of any unnecessary clutter and organise what’s left into functional categories.
  2. Use storage solutions to keep your office organised. There are many different office storage solutions available, so find the ones that work best for you.

And finally, remember to keep your office space organised on a regular basis. A little bit of organisation can go a long way in making your office more productive and efficient. So get started today and see the difference it makes!

Office with credenza storage

Ideas for decluttering your office

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with mess at your office, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most office spaces tend to be cluttered and disorganized, but with a few simple tricks, you can declutter your space and create an organized work area that’s functional and stylish.

One of the best ways to start decluttering your office is to focus on your desk. Your desk is likely the most used surface in your office, so it’s important to keep it clear of any unnecessary items. Start by throwing away any old papers or junk mail that’s been piling up. Then, go through your drawers and get rid of anything you don’t use on a regular basis. Once your desk is clear, you can start adding in some office storage solutions to help keep things organized.

Office shelves are a great way to store office supplies, paperwork, and other items that you need to access on a regular basis. If you have the space, consider adding a filing cabinet to your office for additional storage. For smaller office spaces, try using a wall shelf to store office supplies and other items.

Finally, one of the best office organization ideas is to create a system that works for you. Whether you use a simple filing system or something more elaborate, creating a system that helps you stay organized will make your office feel less cluttered and more efficient. By taking the time to declutter your office and add some office storage solutions, you will make your work life much easier.

How to make the most of your small office space

When it comes to office storage and organisation, making the most of your small office workspace is key. Here are a few tips for doing just that:

  • Use vertical storage solutions: When you’re dealing with a small office space, it’s important to make use of all the available space. By using vertical storage solutions, you can maximise the amount of space you have to work with. Wall shelves and filing cabinets are great for this purpose.
  • Create a filing system: An organised office is a productive office. One way to achieve this is by creating a filing system that works for you. This could involve colour-coding your files or using a label maker to label each file.
  • Use storage baskets: Storage baskets are a great way to keep your office organised and tidy. They can be used to store everything from office supplies to paperwork. And, they look great too!
  • Invest in a whiteboard: A whiteboard is a versatile office tool that can be used for everything from brainstorming ideas to tracking deadlines. It’s also a great way to keep your desk clear of paper clutter.
office with white board for brainstorming ideas

When it comes to office storage and organisation, there are lots of benefits that can be gained. A well-organised office can improve productivity, help to create a more positive working environment, and make it easier to find things when you need them. It can also save you time and money in the long run.

Choosing the right office storage and organisation solution for your needs can be tricky, but it’s worth taking the time to find something that works for you. There are lots of different products on the market, so it’s important to do your research and find something that will fit into your office space and meet your specific needs.

Do you have any office organization tips that have worked well for you? Share them in our socials!

So you’ve come here because you are about to embark on the daunting task of designing the office layout for your business. I know how you’re feeling, it can be overwhelming figuring out what style of office would best suit your company.

Will it be the best option for your employees? Will it reflect your brand accurately? All these considerations need to be made and it can make this process more stressful than it needs to be. 

Well, you have come to the right place; In this Ultimate 101 Guide I am going to break down for you all that you need to know. We will be fully covering designing your own personal office layouts so that your business can run at its full potential. 

Table Of Contents


What Does Office Layout Mean?

A modern office layout setup featuring a desktop computer with a woman on the screen, shrugging against a yellow background. The desk includes speakers, a keyboard, a glass vase, a plant, a water bottle, and decorative items, set against a stone wall.

So what does office layout actually mean? 

Well, the term ultimately focuses on the design and décor of the office. It looks at the entire arrangement of the furniture, equipment, supplies and accessories. As well as the interior design and placement of all the essentials required for the office to run efficiently. 

This includes everything from the addition of a pot plant to entire walls being installed to create a private space. Think of the office layout as a simpler version of the floor plan. It is a way for businesses to work out how they can make their office best cater to their employees; helping them boost productivity as best as possible. 

Here, let me provide you with some examples of the different types of office layouts. And you can see how each may cater to a different employee type. 

Types Of Office Layouts

Open-Plan

A modern open-plan office layout with large windows, wooden desks, and multiple ergonomic chairs. Computer monitors are on each desk, and pendant lights hang from the ceiling. There's abundant natural light and indoor plants for a fresh ambiance.
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An open-plan office is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s an office layout that prioritizes a collaborative workspace. All of the employees work on the same floor and in the same space rather than being divided.

There are no partitions and it aims to create a more engaging and group-focused environment. This promotes employee interaction and communication to achieve the tasks and goals of the business.  

Pros:

  • Easy to communicate with employees and creates more creative opportunities to bounce and spark ideas
  • Costs are reduced due to the open nature of the layout
  • Easy to reconfigure and arrange compared to other layout types

Cons:

  • Can be distracting due to the noise and people
  • Not suitable for certain types of employees
  • Very little privacy

Private/Cellular

A modern office space with glass-walled rooms showcases a thoughtful office layout. One small room is covered in sticky notes, featuring a desk and chair. The surrounding area boasts grey and yellow carpet tiles, while other office furniture is visible in the background.
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A private or cellular office as it is sometimes referred to is a traditional office layout. It has been divided into smaller sections that are contained within interior walls.

These areas are completely separate from the rest of the office floor. And typically you would see these being used by managers and seniors as their own private office.

Sometimes these offices can be shared by multiple people. And there are some layouts where the entire office is made up of these contained smaller office spaces; An example of this would be businesses such as a law firm.

Pros:

  • Allows more focus and concentration
  • Is ideal for confidentrial discussions
  • You are less likely to catch an illness from sick employees

Cons:

  • Harder to collaborate and discuss ideas with colleagues
  • Can make some employees feel isolated and lonely
  • Is much more expensive to set up than open space layouts

Low-Partition

A modern open office space with a well-thought-out office layout features partitioned workstations, wooden accents, and potted plants. Four workstations with computers, chairs, and shelves are visible. Large windows provide natural light, and there is a round table with chairs in the center of the image.
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Low partition is essentially the more modernized version of the cellular office space. It includes lower partition walls that sit at around half the height of cubicle walls. Employee interaction and collaboration can be taken advantage of here while also providing a sense of privacy.

This aims to have the best of both worlds and may also include built-in offices and rooms. This helps to achieve the tasks that require confidentiality or less noise. 

Pros:

  • Allows for employee collaboration whilst still enabling an element of privacy
  • Easy to communicate with colleagues

Cons:

  • Can be noisy
  • Although there is some privacy, you still can’t have completely confidential discussions

Cubicle

A spacious office layout with multiple unoccupied cubicles arranged in rows. The area is well-lit with overhead lighting, wide windows, and high ceilings. Each cubicle features simple gray walls and a desk with built-in storage. The overall color scheme is neutral.
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A cubicle office layout is the one that you’re probably most familiar with. Old school and classic, these boxed in workspaces run up and down the office floor. These boxes or cubicles can house small teams or individuals. And ultimately helps to promote a more private working space for the employees.

It is the most cost and space-efficient way to house your staff. And it would typically have some built-in private offices or meeting rooms for the managers. 

Pros:

  • Provides the employees with their own privacy and personal space
  • Similar to private layouts in that you are less likely to catch an illness from other people in the office
  • Noise distractions are less likely to happen as the cubicle blocks out the sound better than an open layout

Cons:

  • Lack of team collaboration due to the nature of the layout making communication between the rest of the office harder and less of an occurrence
  • The walls of the cubicle block the vision for the superiors to keep tabs on their employees so it’s harder to ensure work is being done

Team-Oriented

A modern coworking space with people working on laptops. Two women sit at a small round table in the foreground, discussing office layout. The area features stylish furniture, plants, and a vibrant neon sign on the wall. Stairs and more seating are visible in the background.
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This layout is designed based on the groups or teams that the employees will be placed in. This means each space is built differently depending on the needs of that team.

The overall layout of the office will be catered to those separate teams; so this will often have a collaborative space instead of individual workstations for each employee.

These offices tend to get quite creative; generally eliminating the need for meeting rooms as each team has its own collaborative area. 

Pros:

  • Cost savings as there is no need for a meeting room
  • Communication between employees is a lot more fluent and effective as there are not multiple layers of seniors that a decision has to go through to be approved
  • Problems can be solved quicker within this team environment

Cons:

  • Potentially could be personality conflicts that hold back the efficiency of the team
  • Team environments can make employees underperform and cause the rest of the group to make up the difference

Hybrid/Combination

Modern, open-concept office space with brick walls and large windows. The office layout features desks with computers on the left, a lounge area with sofas, chairs, and a coffee table in the center. Numerous indoor plants throughout create a lively atmosphere.
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The hybrid office is a much newer style layout. It is a way to combine the best aspects of the previous listed layouts into one “hybrid” office.

They can differ depending on the needs of the business but ultimately allows the office to have a mixture. It combines open areas, team-focused sections, or private offices in whatever combination they choose. 

Pros:

  • Allows multiple teams to all work in their ideal environment for the work they are doing
  • The open floor sections of the office allow for better communication and collaboration for employees
  • Private spaces help to drown out the noise and increase focus

Cons:

  • Can be hard to change the layout of this design once it’s completed due to the combination of built-in sections
  • Can take longer to organize the layout and final design since the entire office is not being built in the same way

Types Of Office Partitioning

Another important aspect to consider when designing your office layout is if you are going to be installing any partitions. Office partitioning is a way that you can customize your office space with semi-permanent walls rather than built-in walls.

Partitions provide a more cost-efficient way for a business to provide employees with working spaces. This provides insurance for future office changes since they are easy to disassemble and move. Your business can either make your own office partitions or buy brand new ones for your space. Down below, I’ll provide some examples of the different types of office partitions that you should consider for your layout. 

 

#1 Glass Partitions

This option will either come in a full-sized or half-sized panel. And have become popular due to the modern style they provide as well as their simplicity. They are generally an aluminium frame with a glass interior; an option that will let light through the office space while also eliminating excess noise. 

#2 Floor to Ceiling Partitions

These partitions are full-sized and are a good option for open space workplaces. Especially if you are looking to break up the office into different areas. They are generally made with metal and are easy to move around and reconfigure to the needs of the business. 

#3 Cubicles

This partition is what the cubicle office layout is made up of; they are essentially 4 single wall partitions placed in a square. It has an opening placed on one of the walls for employees to enter. And their workstation is placed within the cube along with their monitor and other necessary equipment. 

#4 Portable Office Dividers

Portable dividers have wheels attached to the bottom so they can be easily moved around the office. This provides a good solution for offices looking for a flexible and temporary partition solution. However they do not do a good job at noise reduction so they are less private than other options. 

#5 Accordion Walls

Accordion walls are in the same ballpark as portable walls. However they give you the option to enclose an entire area and be provided with added privacy. They also have foldable panels that make them very easy to close or open certain sections of the office. Making them very helpful when you want to rearrange. 

What are your Office Layout Goals?

Two people are working on a project at a table, using a laptop and various colorful sticky notes in an open office layout. One person is pointing at the laptop screen, which displays charts and graphs, while the other writes on a calendar with a pencil. Coffee mugs and stationery are scattered around.
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Now that you know what all the types of layouts are and what benefits they provide; it’s time to start thinking about what sort of layout will best suit your business. But before you go ahead and pick one, you need to first establish what your office goals are. What are you trying to achieve with your new layout? And we are all trying to achieve efficiency and effectiveness so you’re going to have to dig deeper than that. 

Have a real good think about your staff, your brand and your clients. Then try and define what you think your business office goals are. A few examples could be increase staff efficiency, decrease noise disturbances or decrease walking time between office essentials. Establishing your own office goals will make the following process of actually designing the layout so much easier. It provides you with a roadmap to guide your choices and leaves less room for error.

Establishing Your Perfect Layout

Right, so now that you have defined your office goals. You are ready to enter the process I like to call “establishing your perfect layout”. This is where it gets fun and you’ll start to see your new layout come to life; and it’s really quite simple. Down below is a list of considerations you need to make about your business and office space. Using your office goals as your personal guide; you’ll be able to apply these considerations to the different office layout options. So look at the options we mentioned earlier and see which one is the best option for you. 

Consider Your Budget

What are you willing to spend?

This may seem quite obvious but it’s essential that you begin this process with a clear budget in mind. This enables you to stick to it and be realistic about your buying options. 

Have you allowed enough budget to make sure you are purchasing quality goods? 

Purchasing good quality equipment for your layout is a must as it will help pay dividends down the line. Cutting costs on quality when first designing your office layout will only cause you more trouble in the future. No one likes it when things start to fall apart or fail. 

Think About Your Office Space

A modern office space with several employees working at their cubicles. Some people are sitting at their desks using computers, while others are walking around. The workspace features a well-designed office layout, is well-lit with overhead lights, and has an open, spacious atmosphere.
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Is there physically enough room?

Consider how much space you have available in your office. This will help you understand what kind of layout options would currently be practical for your business.

Doing this will also establish what you don’t have the available room for. So the question is, how are you going to create this space? Are there certain walls that can be removed to open up the area? or can the reception desk be moved to a less infringing area? All these factors need to be considered 

Is there natural lighting coming in through windows 

Is there an available area in the office for light to shine through? If not, you will need to consider where you can install lighting. Perhaps even reposition your layout to take advantage of natural light areas and save on power costs. 

Have you considered the security and the confidentiality of your documents and information? 

Office security is another important factor to think about when designing your layout. Ensuring that your confidential documents are in a safe area that’s away from the main workspace. This will help minimize confidentiality breaches. 

Think About Functionality and Flexibility

Can your furniture and workstations serve multiple purposes to maximize space efficiency? 

Ensuring you get versatile equipment can help pay dividends in the future. Because it will reduce the number of things you need to buy for your layout. For example, when you are considering desks and workstations; It would be beneficial to purchase one that also doubled as a storage unit. This way you are maximizing space and reducing the number of items that need to be ordered for the layout.  

Are you purchasing high-quality equipment?

No one wants their brand new equipment failing or wearing down within the first year of setting it up. And then you need to go to the effort of hiring someone to come remove and replace the old goods; It’s an absolute headache. So do yourself a favour and allow a little bit extra in your budget. Get quality equipment that won’t need to be repaired or replaced in a shorter period. 

Is the equipment versatile so it can be rearranged in the future?

If you plan on moving things around and rearranging the general layout of your office. It might be a good idea to consider the versatility of what you’re buying. Can you move it around with general ease? and if you don’t think you will rearrange, then maybe something more sturdy and solid is a better decision. 

How functional is your layout?

Thinking about what teams are using what equipment and where it is placed is another obvious yet essential consideration. Making it as easy as possible for employees to do their job should be a priority.

An example of this is considering the walking distance between a printer and a sales member’s desk who uses it regularly. You would be running less efficiently if you placed that printer on the other side of the building from that sales employee. 

Think About Your Staff

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Is the space modern and progressive? 

Staff is one of the most important considerations to make when designing your layout. And ensuring that they are motivated to achieve their best is essential. Having an up-to-date and progressive feel to a workplace will create more value for employees. And naturally this will help to increase their overall workplace satisfaction. This will keep your staff happy and productive and your company running smoothly. 

Is the furniture ergonomic?

Designing a workspace that has ergonomics at the forefront of the to-do list will provide a range of benefits to the business. Consider the actual furniture itself and how it’s designed. But also where it is placed in the business to ensure it’s comfortable and not clustered.

This will reduce the number of employees who become injured and need to take sick days. As well as complaints about general discomfort from the furniture. So its important to have furniture and workstations that meet the specific needs of your employees. This will make them feel valued and in turn provide value to your business. 

Is the office overall safe and free from danger and risks that could cause accidents at work? 

Aside from injuries stemming from the ergonomics of your workplace, it is also important to consider other risks and hazards around your workplace. This could include the placement of power cords and other tripping hazards. Or even ensuring the proper equipment is present to handle and move supplies. 

Does The Furniture Reflect Your Brand?

Is your brand represented accurately?

This is an important factor because when clients or employees come into your workspace you want them to feel like your company is exactly as it is portrayed to the public. Otherwise, you can feel fake and ingenuine when you try to say your business is something that it’s not.

If you run a progressive technology company but you have cheap old computers and devices running the show; then your not practicing what you preach. Ensuring that this office shows off your positive culture and what your brand represents is just as essential as the efficiency levels it runs at. 

Finding a Supplier

At this point, you should have a pretty clear-cut idea of what your ideal office layout should be. So now it’s time to put all the plans into action. Based on your needs you might just need a supplier who can deliver the equipment so you can install it yourselves. Or you may require a more extensive office layout upgrade which will require an installation company. 

Have You Considered Using An Office Layout Designer?

Two colleagues in a modern office layout, one with a beard holding a coffee cup and looking at documents on the table, and the other holding a clipboard. They stand at a desk with a laptop, plants, and large windows in the background.
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Have you thought about hiring a designer who can worry about these steps for you and eliminate the extra work required?

This is definitely a consideration that needs to be made as not all businesses have the required time or staff to organise such a large process. It may be more ideal for those companies to go through a designer who can help with ideas and organise the layout for you.

At Topaz Furniture we actually provide a design service we call our Design Hub. Where you can be guided through this entire office layout process step by step with a team of professionals.

Things To Avoid 

You’ve made it! You now know about all the different office layout options. So hopefully at this point you have worked out which one would be best suited to your business.

Before you run off and start your designing journey however, there are a few things that you should definitely avoid. This will make things go much smoother and help you end up spending less time and money.

1. Purchasing Expensive Furniture

Now don’t get me wrong, purchasing quality furniture is normally going to come with a steeper price tag. However this does not mean that you should purely make your purchasing decisions based on price. You need to really think about your space and your business as a whole when considering your options. Because you might find that the less expensive furniture is a perfect fit for your needs.

2. Prioritising Price over Quality

This may seem counterintuitive based on the last point but just because something is cheaper now; Does not mean it will be cheaper in the long run. If you fail to find good quality furniture for your office when your doing the layout; you might feel it biting you in the butt later down the track when you need to replace or upgrade. Trust me, fork out a little extra for your budget when getting the furniture. You’ll thank me in the long run.

3. Buying Without a Plan

Hopefully after reading this far you understand how important it is to consider your business and plan before you buy. Purchasing furniture without an initial plan can be a recipe for disaster. Especially if you haven’t properly worked out what will fit and suit your existing space. Going through all steps of the buying process mentioned before is essential .

Make sure you think long term with the overall feel of the office. Otherwise you might put yourself in a situation where your space is looking outdated before it should. Design trends can be good for a little while and may even boost moral and client interest. But most of the time your going to find your space needing to be updated sooner than you would like. Not taking into account the future and the growth of your business is a big No No. So try your best to avoid these Fads and trends.

5. Be Careful When Ordering From Two Different Suppliers

You might find yourself in a situation where you want two specific types of chairs or desks. But you cant purchase them both from the same supplier. Colours may have the same name with two different suppliers. However when put side by side could actually be a colour mismatch. It also can cause you more hassle with costs and the overall style and design of your office. So if you can, stick with one supplier to keep things easy.

6. Not Testing Out The Furniture

Sometimes this can be hard depending on who your supplier is but if possible you should definitely try. Go and see the furniture in person before committing to the purchase. This is important because the look may be different online. And you really don’t know how it will feel until you try it so you should consider this. Your supplier might have a show room you can visit in order to do this; but discuss with them and if your making a large purchase, they should be accommodating.

7. Poor Lighting

Lighting is essential, do not overlook this step as it can completely ruin the mood of your office. I covered more on lighting earlier but wanted to reemphasise its importance because it can be overlooked.

8. Choosing looks over comfort 

An office might look great. But if the staff are placed in unergonomic working conditions then they are not going to be productive. Clients in uncomfortable waiting areas can also become more irritable. These are both things that you don’t want.

9. Not considering how clients will move around the space

This will mainly concern you if you run a business where clients will be coming in and out of the space. If you fit into this category then it is crucial that you take this into account. It is just as important for your customers to be able to navigate your office as it is your employees. And areas that may be considered ideal for your employees may actually be too cumbersome for your clients. So finding a fine balance is key in this category.

Now Get Out There!!

A group of individuals are seated within the open office layout and appear to be engaged in a conversation. The focus is on their hands and gestures, indicating an animated discussion. One person makes a point with outstretched hands while others listen attentively.
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You now have a really solid foundation of information to help guide your office layout process. All that’s left to do now is get started. So make some calls, get designing and enjoy the process!!

If you want to learn more about anything office related, be sure to check out our latest content on our website.

 

[Updated 18 May 2022]

Acoustics in the office are often overlooked as a potential source of distraction for your team. Office acoustic solutions can have a significant impact on productivity. Office noise can come from a variety of sources, including printers, copiers, phones, and conversations between employees.

The good news is that there are ways to improve office acoustics and reduce noise levels. These include installing sound-absorbing materials such as carpeting or acoustic panels. Also, creating designated quiet zones for employees who need to focus. Making changes to office acoustics can have a big impact on productivity.

Office noise sources

Office acoustic solutions can help to reduce the amount of noise that is generated in the office. There are a variety of office noise sources. They can include office equipment, conversations, and even outside noise. Let’s take a closer look at these sources.

Office equipment, such as printers and copiers, can be a major source of office noise. Especially if employees work next to these areas, due to poor office layout.

Conversations can also be a major source of office noise. Some employees are constantly on telephones or talking loudly. This can make it difficult to concentrate on work for other employees.

Outside noise can also be a problem in an office environment. If your office is located near a busy street, construction site, the constant noise can be distracting. These problems make it difficult to focus on work.

Office meeting room

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

Ways to improve office acoustics

There are a few different ways to improve office acoustics. One way is to invest in office acoustic solutions. Like using sound-absorbing materials in common areas, meeting rooms or break rooms. Also, office employees can be encouraged to use personal listening devices when working in an open-plan workspace.

Implementing even one of these office acoustic solutions can create a more productive and enjoyable work environment for your team.

The benefits of improving office acoustics

Office acoustic solutions can improve communication and collaboration among team members. While also reducing noise distractions. In turn, this can lead to a more productive and efficient workplace. Additionally, these solutions can help create a more pleasant and comfortable office.

Good office acoustics can have numerous benefits for businesses and their teams. By creating a more conducive environment for communication and collaboration, businesses can boost efficiency. In turn, this can lead to improved bottom-line results. Employees may also appreciate the improved working conditions. This can lead to an increase in job satisfaction. Ultimately, they can have a positive impact on both businesses and employees.

Korber workplace quiet lounge

Top office acoustic solutions on the market

If you’re looking for office acoustic solutions to make your team more productive, you’ve come to the right place. There are several ways to improve the acoustics in your office. We’ve compiled the top five office acoustic solutions to help you get started.

1. Use Acoustic Walls and Panels

Acoustic panels are an effective way to reduce noise in your office. They can be mounted on walls or ceilings, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Acoustic panels absorb sound, which helps to reduce echo.

2. Acoustic Workstation Screens

Modern workstations are offering the option of personalized acoustic screens. Upholstered in soundproofing materials to enhance acoustic comfort while being stylish additions.

3. Use Carpet and Rugs

Carpet and rugs can help to absorb sound, making your office more peaceful. Choose carpeting with a thick pile, and consider using area rugs in high-traffic areas.

4. Add Plants

Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also help to improve office acoustics. Plants absorb sound waves, which helps to reduce noise levels overall.

5. Incorporate Pods and Booths

Acoustic working or meeting pods and phone booths can be incorporated to control noise in the office. They have excellent sound absorbing properties and can be an attractive feature.

As you can see, there are a variety of office acoustic solutions available, depending on the specific needs of your office space.

Creating a quiet zone in your office

If you’re looking for office acoustic solutions that will help create a quiet zone in your office, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure that you have adequate soundproofing. This can be accomplished by using thick carpets or rugs, curtains or drapes, and acoustic panels.

You’ll also want to think about the layout of your office and how you can minimize noise distractions. For example, placing workstations away from high-traffic areas can help reduce noise levels. And if possible, try to create designated quiet areas where team members can go to focus on their work without interruption.

Finally, encouraging employees to use headphones when they need to concentrate and establishing office-wide “quiet hours” can help everyone be more productive.

Conclusion

Today’s office can be a loud and distracting place. By taking some simple steps to improve the acoustics, you can create a more peaceful and productive environment for your team.

From printers and copy machines to conversations and general office chatter, there are ways to improve your office acoustics. With soundproofing and sound absorption, you can achieve increased concentration, decreased stress levels, and improved communication in the office.

As we have discussed, there are several office acoustic solutions available on the market today. Some of the top options include soundproofing panels and sound-absorbing materials. By taking these steps, you can create a more peaceful and productive office environment for your team. Remember, when your team feels good walking into the office every morning it becomes a place they want to be.

For more advice on improving your office acoustics, contact to one of our workplace specialists. By improving your workplace, your team will start to love Mondays.