What Key Changes Can An Office Design Company Make To The Design Of My Workplace?

The nature of work will mean that we’re constantly busy; job after job, project after project, it can be easy to not stand still and consider the impact that the workplace has on our working lives. The truth is that our work is influenced by the set-up and condition of these spaces; if they aren’t up to scratch, then they could severely affect the work we produce.

This is precisely why many forward-thinking businesses seek the services of an office design company to improve the operation of their workspaces. From the initial design to project completion, they will look after each and every aspect of the job in hand, leaving the business to concentrate on their work, without having to worry about the effect that their workplace has on their work.

If you’re looking to improve the design of your office, read on to learn about some of the key changes that you could make, that would be of benefit to your business.

Four key changes you can make to your office design

As our office design company experience has given us a unique insight into the impact that a workplace has on its employees, here are some key changes that can be made to improve its day-to-day operations:

• Improved ergonomics will give employees the ability to find a comfort level that suits them. The issue with many chairs and desks is that they often come with one or only a few set levels of adjustment; sometimes a person's perfect level is in between. Everyone wants to feel comfortable and content at work; sitting on/at uncomfortable furniture that they cannot adjust to how they would like it, will clearly hinder their working abilities, probably causing back, neck and wrist pain, perhaps also affecting their mental approach to their working day. It isn't just the type of furniture that makes for an ergonomic office; considering how the immediate space works for them too, is also an important factor to consider. Can storage solutions be improved to save time? Can the placement of equipment be better realised? Does the space leave room for everyone to move around in? Just three of many questions to think about when it comes to ergonomics.

• Relaxation spaces provide a room for a person to get away from the 'hustle and bustle' of the working arena, cutting down on any potential stress they may feel. These types of rooms are becoming more in vogue in the modern workplace, imagine it; you're stuck at the same desk for 8 hours a day, doing the same work without much in the way of breaks (or indeed, any facilities in which to take a break in). Then you add in poor furniture, organisation and the general facilities of the workplace not being up to scratch. It's no surprise then, to learn that over half a million people in the UK suffered from workplace-related stress last year.
  
  A breakout room offers an environment that is far removed from that which is represented by the 'workplace'. A breakout room contains more comfortable furniture, it's often linked to (or is) a kitchen in which people can sit down, have their meals, perhaps even watch television or play games. It also offers them the chance to collect their thoughts and refocus, so when they get back to that working arena, they'll be in a better state of mind to perform at their best.
  

• Soundproofing will help to cut down on distracting noise. Whilst encouraging collaboration and general camaraderie is great for team spirit and creating genuine working relationships, it can often affect the working practices of those who need the quiet to get on with the work in hand. With technology being flexible, an office design company can take advantage of this by creating 'quiet areas'. These spaces can be soundproofed to muffle sounds emanating from other areas; providing the balance between the need to provide quiet, with the need to provide a collaborative workspace.
  

• More usage of natural light will help to create a better in-work environment, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and cutting energy costs at a stroke. Artificial lighting (especially if it's of a fluorescent nature) is distracting and can have a negative effect on a person; with eye strain, tiredness and headaches being common amongst those who have to work in such environments. Using large window features that harness natural light will allow employees to start work in a level of light that they will react positively to.

If you would like to discuss how we are able to put in plan the perfect office design for your business, then please feel free to give our office design experts a call today on 0345 21 86955. Alternatively, you can send an e-mail to us at hello@oaktreeoffice.com.