Designing an office is as involved or basic a process as you want it to be. Setting up some desks, chairs, and computers is enough to get everyone working. But if you want your employees or yourself to feel more productive and happier, put some extra thought into the office design. People spend a lot of time at work, and if you want them to continue to do that, make the office a comfortable place. Use some of these tips on how to design an office space.
Stop Thinking Open
It’s an open secret that the open office concept is a colossal failure. It was championed as a new way to increase employee communication and productivity, and the exact opposite was the case. Studies have shown that employees stopped face-to-face communication and stopped working as hard. Start thinking variety instead—as in a variety of workspaces in the office. Provide cubes, benches, stools, couches, soft chairs, and anything else that fits with your concept. Let people decide their workstations.
Improve the Lighting
Seems simple enough, right? If people can’t see, then they can’t work—but it goes a little beyond that. There should be a good balance of natural and artificial light. Unless you’re working in the Emergency Room you don’t need white flooding every corner of the office. Provide softer light bulbs or remove the overhead lights altogether and give desk lamps. Any windows in the office should be unobstructed so the sunlight can bathe the office in all its warmth. Seeing and feeling sunlight goes a long way towards improving morale.
Paint the Walls
Anything but white, beige, or taupe. It bears repeating: anything but white, beige or taupe. The absence of color means the absence of inspiration. Paint the office in a warm color to make it more appealing. If there are colors related to your brand, that’s the perfect opportunity to incorporate it into your office. Break up the monotony of the 9 to 5 with some color.
Hire a Professional
The best way to go about designing the office is to let someone else do it. Interior design isn’t for everyone, and there is nuance and creativity involved with design—not all businesspeople possess those attributes. A professional designer will know what trends and colors are hot at the moment and will ensure your office matches your brand and vision.