Design your office space
This guide is currently being updated, however, in the meantime please find
some essential office design tips below.
Designing an effective office space involves prioritising employee well-being and providing a flexible environment which aligns with your company culture.
A well-designed workspace combines comfort, function, and aesthetics to boost engagement, productivity, and collaboration. The office layout should maximise natural light to improve mood and reduce eye strain, so try to position desks near windows and use glass partitions to allow natural light penetration. Natural light also has a positive affect on reducing fatigue. Artificial light will be a mixture of ambient, task and accent light sources. Ambient light will be your general overhead lighting, whilst task lighting will be predominate in the office workstation areas, as targeted light sources to illuminate screens and documents. Accent light is used to highlight features for atmospheric purposes, such as office art or even plants.
The layout of the office space will depend on the type of business. Generally, it's a good idea to create a flexible and diverse layout using modular and adaptable furniture, which can be easily rearranged to support various work styles and team sizes. Mobile desks on castors, movable partitions, and stackable chairs provide agility and long-term flexibility. Equip workstations with height-adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs with lumbar support to reduce physical strain and support good posture. Incorporate a variety of spaces to support different tasks, such as open areas for collaboration, quiet pods for focused work, and casual lounges for relaxation and informal meetings. Add social spaces too, such as vibrant cafes, communal tables, or coffee stations, to support employee breaks.
A mixture of lighting types is recommended to create an overall balance so the office space doesn't feel sterile or uninviting. Remember to incorporate an electrical socket plan at the early stage of design, making sure you have enough electric points both for lighting and technology purposes. Also embrace Biophilic design (incorporating natural external elements inside) with elements like indoor plants, green walls, or water features to improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance creativity. You can also add natural textures like wood, stone, linen and cotton, through furniture and textiles, creating a calming and visually appealing atmosphere.
Information technology is a very important aspect of the office. Monitors and keyboards should be optimised, such as monitors set at eye level to prevent neck strain with keyboards at a height that keeps wrists and hands in a neutral position. Don't underestimate climate control either. There needs to be an optimal year round ambient temperature as well as good air quality, and humidity. Poor ventilation can cause headaches and fatigue, while proper air circulation supports cognitive function. Also Integrate smart technology, which will facilitate hybrid work. Equip meeting rooms and collaboration zones with advanced audio-visual technology to enable seamless communication between in-office and remote team members.
It's a good idea to implement smart technology like automated lighting, climate control systems, and digital booking software to make the workspace more efficient and responsive to employee needs. When designing your office, don't forget to incorporate cable management. Less cables reduces clutter, creating a cleaner, more focused environment. Cable trays, clips, or built-in desk features also help to keep cables organised and out of sight.
When using colour throughout the office environment choose a colour palette based on the function of the space. Blues and greens promote focus, while vibrant tones can energise collaborative areas. Also Incorporate brand identity through colour, but remember to be subtle as the work space needs to maintain an ambient atmosphere.
Always try to add artwork or decorative elements to humanise the office area. Incorporate pieces that reflect your business culture and values, inspiring creativity and making the environment more engaging. Office acoustics also need to be considered, in open-plan offices sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels, wall partitions, and carpeting, reduce noise pollution and create quiet zones. Try to balance the energy of a bustling office with the need for quiet. For example, offer noise-canceling headphones and designate quiet areas for focused work or phone calls.