Office interiors have changed significantly over the past few years, and it’s positive to see employers investing time and money to create comfortable environments where staff can thrive.
Conversations around retaining talent and reconnecting colleagues mean companies are getting imaginative when planning their new premises. More and more, offices are becoming a physical reflection of culture and values, used as an incentive to attract people, particularly millennial workers.
An Ipsos survey in the US shows 76 percent of millennials (18-34) feel that office design and aesthetics influence their impression of a company. Ninety seven percent of people questioned by Management Today saw their workplace as a symbol of whether or not they are valued by their employer.
There are many beneficial things you can do design-wise to increase motivation and foster collaboration, but style over substance will cause problems. Yes, we want a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but offices are still for doing business.
While Google and TikTok stand out as game-changing designs, they’re certainly not for everyone. Everything you include in an office should have a purpose. Even if it seems like a great idea, always ask if it serves the operations, rather than focusing on looking good at a launch event or making your marketing materials more attractive.
A balanced view is vital so that budgets are spent wisely and the fundamental elements aren’t forgotten. Otherwise, designing a new office is a costly exercise that fails the test of time and only disappoints its users.
Collective spirit, individual needs
Where offices used to be straightforward, and space planning meant hitting the number of workstations, putting in a few closed meeting rooms, plus components like a pantry, printing area, and reception, things are far less rigid now.
Now hybrid working is the norm, cohesion between teams is more important than ever to maintain collective spirit. Social integration shouldn’t be seen as an added extra when designing an office, it’s crucial. Providing an environment that encourages interactions opens up new avenues and opportunities for sharing ideas, asking advice, mentoring, and advancement.
Organisations know that the needs of their staff change depending on the type of work and how they interact throughout the day. They recognise the benefits of blending informal and formal areas that facilitate these different types of encounters, and appreciate that workforce members don’t all display the same personality and communication styles; they can serve them better with a mix of settings.
Introverts, for example, may struggle to put their ideas forward in a large meeting room, preferring to speak to their boss in a standing area afterwards, over a coffee in the pantry, a game of pool, or lunch in the communal dining area.
Another factor becoming more widely understood is how workplace design and regular activity impact our health. Giving people a variety of spaces to work, get moving, and relax can help them focus better, be more comfortable and productive without burning out.
Getting the balance right
People generally want places that are flexible and appropriate for more than one scenario. A typical approach is adding foldable walls to open areas up or adapt their size. Generally, though, these walls are rarely used, and don’t promote spontaneity. Practicality and usability should be a top priority, and options like using acoustic curtains and small, light furniture on wheels can make a big difference on a day-to-basis, as well being cost-effective.
Creating a wide range of settings encourages all types of collaboration. Casual standing tables, four-seater discussion booths, comfy sofas, think tank spaces – the more options you give, the more flexible and accessible it is for everyone to engage. Because communication requirements also vary, having different social touch points around the office promotes better interaction.
This can be communal dining, interactive notice boards, café areas, or games areas. But don’t forget about privacy. We all want time to focus without interruption and the ability to step away for separate conversations, which is why phone booths and discussion rooms have become popular.
Ultimately, form follows function. All too often, ideas are implemented based on aesthetics without considering the practical value. For example, a large town hall space with lots of stepped seating looks impressive but it takes up a large amount of real estate and rarely gets used. Avoid large areas (or any area) that only gets used occasionally, or in some cases not at all. The best interiors stem from proper understanding of individual operational needs, with success measured by how easily and intuitively users can move around.
Design trends will always evolve but the main elements every office needs, regardless of what’s in fashion are:
A well-considered space plan
Take the time to plan an effective and engaging working environment with a variety of open and closed spaces. Ask the people who will be using what they would like to see
Light (natural and artificial)
Make the best use of natural daylight, which has scientifically proven benefits for health and wellbeing. People who are in the office the longest should have the best access to daylight. Clever use of artificial light at optimum levels can also affect mood, comfort, and attentiveness.
Circulation
A good layout with clear and easy navigation will make it efficient for staff to get their tasks done.
Good Acoustics
Acoustics are essential to manage distractions. Spaces need appropriate sound separation and good sound absorption, especially in meeting rooms, open office areas, and phone/video conferencing areas.
Climate Control
Done well, nobody notices it, but done badly, temperature can be a never-ending bone of contention for all staff.
Socialising at work has many positive effects, and it shouldn’t be seen as time wasting. New offices must be designed with social integration in mind, to get the best value from employees. However, we still need to respect the workplace and not allow these features to distract from day to day tasks, or make it harder for people to do their jobs.
Douglas Drummond, MD, Horton Interiors
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