Many businesses today struggle with the decision of running their operations virtually or having an office space dedicated to them.
The advantages of having your own dedicated office space for your company are plentiful. These include encouraging mentorships, increasing productivity and stimulating creativity among staff members.
A successful office should provide various spaces to encourage different kinds of work. These may include meeting rooms, collaborative areas and quiet zones.
1. Flexibility
Office space can be tailored to suit a variety of needs, from workspace and lease term to facilities and more.
Flexibility in office space is an important factor for businesses to consider, as it reduces overhead expenses and makes the workplace more versatile, which can benefit both employees and companies alike.
Flexible office designs enable workers to adjust according to changes in their workload. For instance, one area may serve as a group workspace today, presentation area tomorrow and project staging area the following week.
Flexispace design in the workplace can enhance productivity and creativity while encouraging greater teamwork. It promotes a more open atmosphere which in turn fosters healthier working conditions for everyone involved.
2. Privacy
Privacy is a critical element in office design, providing employees with a space that encourages both productivity and comfort.
Employees working in open floor plans or traditional cubicles require privacy to focus on their tasks without distracting others. A recent Steelcase global report found that providing employees with privacy increases their engagement and satisfaction levels significantly.
Privacy can be achieved in an open-plan workspace by creating a setup that encourages laptop and computer screens to face away from common walking areas. Furthermore, offering employees individual solutions like lockers, drawers and desks gives them their own private space is beneficial.
3. Aesthetics
Creating an office environment that is inviting, organized and inspiring helps employees remain focused. Additionally, it fosters workplace culture and increases productivity levels.
Aesthetics is the study of visual beauty. It emphasizes how objects in nature, whether they be beautiful or not, can captivate our attention and draw us in.
Aesthetics can be achieved in many ways – from color to furniture placement and layout. For instance, selecting warm neutral shades that create an inviting environment without distracting from work tasks is a great place to start.
4. Collaboration
Collaboration plays a significant role in business and company culture. When employees collaborate regularly, the benefits are evident.
Collaboration is invaluable when multiple teams are working on the same project or you have experts from different backgrounds working together. Not only does this improve productivity and efficiency, but it also creates a supportive atmosphere and strengthens team bonds.
The ideal office collaboration space should be flexible enough to meet the requirements of your team and company culture, providing all the design, technology, and furnishings essential for productive work sessions.
5. Energy
Office space can have a detrimental effect on both the environment and your company’s energy bills. But there are steps you can take to reduce energy usage and keep those bills low.
Begin by considering the equipment you use at work, such as computers and monitors. These can account for a substantial portion of your building’s power consumption.
Plug loads, or appliances like printers and fax machines that draw electricity even when not in use, can lead to extensive energy waste. To reduce its effects, turn off equipment after each use and set appliances on timers for reduced power consumption.
Many energy efficiency companies provide hardware and software solutions to building owners that help them identify and control their energy consumption. Ask your utility contact about these solutions to see how they can save you money on energy costs.
