It goes without saying that performance in the workplace is affected by an office environment. Research has shown that it’s not just lofty ergonomics that count: the smaller details have just as much impact, such as a comfortable work station, an accommodating rest room, an adaptable conference space and a welcoming reception area.
In this article we take a look at some of the best office layouts and how these can have an impact on employee productivity.
Four Work Modes
In essence, there are four areas that are considered key to ensuring your employees work effectively. Finding office fit out companies that embrace these can improve profits and brand growth as well as that all important employee loyalty.
Focus
Open-plan offices aren’t environments which allow employees to focus on the job in hand. In fact, research has uncovered that employees spend up to 30 per cent of their time dealing with interruptions that would be best avoided. Our advice is to survey your employees to see what works best for them and consider creating smaller work spaces and quiet floors if your office space can support them. Sound-absorbing furniture and walls can also aid privacy.
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Collaboration
You can’t force collaboration, but you can offer a space – or spaces. Check out Mobius at Work Ltd to see how your employees interact with each other. Create smaller spaces and additional meeting areas to allow team dynamics to flow, and don’t just rely on large conference or boardroom-style areas.
Learning
For businesses to be successful, it is essential that their employees are knowledgeable in their particular fields. It therefore goes without saying that their office space should incorporate areas where learning and studying are possible. A combination of training rooms – with all the tech – and informal spaces for self-study will encourage learning and, importantly, offer bespoke and tailored areas suitable to an individual’s learning path.
Social Spaces
The work-life balance is important for everyone and does not have to be split between the office environment and the home one. Office design should allow for breaks and socialising in order to keep employees motivated and creative. Lounges with booths, bar top tables and couches could help with focus and productivity, thereby encouraging workplace well-being and improving staff morale.
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