Happiness: The key to great office space planning

When most people think about office space planning, they may have thoughts about the colours of the interiors, the styles and types of furniture, as well as the tools and tech needed to do the job. Whilst these things are certainly important, they each form aspects of a key that unlocks a motivated workforce; that key is the feeling of ‘happiness’.

Why is happiness important in office space planning?

We’ve come a long way since the original idea of ‘the office’ was based upon the classic representation of a factory production line. Working in an office was seen as a singular, monotonous existence, creating a mood that matched the colour of the interiors – grey and dull.

As time has allowed us to build upon past office space planning ideas, we have come to realise that such environments will reflect on the work we produce; so being happy at work, will see us enjoying our work. If we enjoy our work, we’ll be motivated to achieve great things for the business that provides us with these feelings.

Today, in the push to provide happy workplaces, you’re more likely to find that the average office space is a open, collaborative environment that is not only designed to allow people to work together but also makes them feel more of a part of the success of the business. This sense of ownership provides a further motivating factor for an employee to be driven on to create great work. But how can this ‘happy office’ be achieved?

Happiness trends within the office

Design for employees. As the biggest assets of the business, it makes sense that office space planning should be based on the needs of the employees. In the past, employees may have had to change how they would normally work around the limitations offered by the building; this will not get the best out of their skills and will most probably lead to frustration on their part (that they cannot work naturally) and make them unhappy. If the business can create an environment that gets the best out of each employee, they’ll not only be providing somewhere which drives on their existing talent, they’ll also be creating something with which to attract future talent too.
Design for tech. In the last decade alone, the technology of the office has changed vastly. Whilst 10 years ago, cabled networks restricted employees to the same areas of the building, today’s wireless internet connections allow for them to move about freely; ideal for them to collaborate with other people, yet still have their work at their fingertips.
Design for the growing generation. Previously, we’ve blogged about Millennials being the growing generation within workplaces and why any business hoping to have long-term success should design the office around their requirements. The exact ages of Millennials vary but it’s widely accepted that they will currently be between 21-35; so members of this generation have a good 30 years of working life to give.

Millennial office space planning should be based around collaboration (creating trust, teamwork and camaraderie between employees), sustainability and effective use of space (making the effective use of resources and the space available), productivity and morale (improved facilities helping employees to work better) and communicative aesthetics (saying everything about the business and the people who work there).
Design for tasks, not job titles. One of the great things about flexible office design that has collaboration in mind, is that it will (literally) take away the barriers that divide employees by job title and seniority. This makes everyone approachable, so everyone will feel empowered in the work they’re undertaking. Designing the workplace for tasks, rather than for the specific job titles of employees will help to create such environments; the flexible tech giving everyone the opportunity to move between their desks, collaborative areas, meeting rooms and yes, those quieter solitary places when concentration is a must.
Design for the inside, using the outside. Biophilic design, the concept that incorporates nature within an indoor environment, is (pun intended) growing within office spaces up-and-down the country. It has been theorised that as humans, we have a natural connection to the outdoors; the light, the greenery, the colours and sounds helping us to centre ourselves and feel calm. With the workplace being an often-stressful environment, biophilic design can offer that comforting influence when things get tough, boosting wellbeing, creativity and ultimately, happiness.

Need to improve your office design? Get in touch with the experts!

If you're searching for better office space planning, then you've found the right place here at Oaktree Interiors. Throughout the last three decades, our team have been creating innovative office design solutions for a wide and varied client base; from new start-ups to big city corporations.

The fundamental belief behind our work is that every business is different and therefore, their workplace must reflect as such. As our home interiors say everything about us, our personalities and beliefs, why shouldn't the workplace say the same for the businesses we work for? This is why we take the time to understand precisely what our clients need from the design of their office in order to create their ideal home.

If you would like to learn more about our office space planning service, including our completely FREE office consultation, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly today. You can call us on 0345 21 86955 or send any enquiries by e-mail to hello@oaktreeoffice.com

Happiness: The Key To Great Office Space Planning

Happiness trends within the office

Need to improve your office design? Get in touch with the experts!

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