CRAFTING A PRODUCTIVITY-BOOSTING OFFICE LAYOUT
Embarking on an office fitout can be a significant investment. Not only does it involve the expense of the refurbishment, but there's also the potential downtime during the renovation phase. With all these aspects at play, it's crucial to deliberate over your options before committing to a specific office layout. In this blog, we'll delve into key factors to bear in mind as you strategize your office Fitout.
Open vs. Closed Office Layouts:
A Recurring Debate One of the key dilemmas when planning an office Fitout is the decision between an open or closed plan layout. Open plan offices are commonly seen as enablers of collaboration and unhindered communication among employees. However, a study by the Harvard Business Review noted a 70% drop in face-to-face interactions following the adoption of an open office layout at two Fortune 500 companies. Instead, digital communication saw an upsurge (Harvard Business Review, 2019).
Open Office Layout
Closed Office Layout
This shift is often attributed to the psychological 'fourth wall' – a concept borrowed from the theatre world, where it refers to the imaginary barrier separating actors from the audience. In a work setting, employees create their own fourth walls to maintain focus, with coworkers generally respecting these boundaries. The impact of this shift on productivity often depends on the nature of the work and the personalities of the employees. Creative tasks, for instance, could benefit from more face-to-face interactions, while others like data entry may not be as affected.
Open Office Concept - Inviting space
It's worth noting that open plan offices can be perceived as noisy and disruptive by some employees, leading to a drop in their productivity. Therefore, if you're considering an open plan layout, engage your employees in the decision-making process. However, the optimal office design doesn't necessarily focus solely on individual preferences but considers the needs of the entire team or multiple teams. Thus, a one-size-fits-all solution like a hybrid open-office design may not be the answer.
Leaders, armed with sufficient data, must determine the collective behaviour to encourage or discourage and select the office layout that best fosters that behaviour.
If you opt for an open office layout, consider adding more private spaces, such as meeting rooms and break areas, where employees can retreat from the open office's hustle and bustle. Creating different zones for various types of work could also be beneficial.
Future-Proof Your Space: Flexibility and Scalability
As your business expands, so should your office space. Ensure that your chosen design can accommodate this growth – more employees, additional conference rooms, or increased storage space. By future-proofing your layout, you can sidestep the inconvenience and cost of multiple renovations.
Standing Desks - Assists in Office Ergonomics
An Office That Cares: Ergonomics
An ergonomic workspace can significantly boost employee productivity. Here are a few ways to design such a workspace:
Ensure ample space for each employee to work comfortably.
Incorporate ergonomically designed furniture and fixtures, appropriate lighting, and adequate storage space.
Arrange for easy access to frequently used supplies to minimise workflow disruption.
Acoustic Paneled Office Space - Noise Reduction
Acoustics:
The Subtle Factor Office layouts with optimal acoustics enable employees to concentrate better, minimising noise distractions. To achieve this, consider using sound-absorbing materials such as carpets, curtains, and acoustic panels, insulating walls and ceilings, and limiting reflective surfaces like glass partitions.
Office Lighting - Combination of natural and artificial light
Illuminating Productivity: Lighting
Lighting, when done wrong, can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, negatively affecting productivity. For ideal office lighting:
Combine natural and artificial light.
Use diffusers and strategic light placement to prevent glare.
Employ task lighting in areas that require focused work, like reading or writing.
The Power of Inclusion: Get Employees Involved
Involve your employees in the planning process right from the start – after all, they're the ones using the space daily. There are various ways to achieve this, including focus groups, brainstorming sessions, surveys, and questionnaires. The goal is to ensure everyone's voice is heard, and their feedback is incorporated into the planning process.