Designing an office that is functional, comfortable, and tailored to the needs of employees is no small feat. During the planning of such a space, it is easy to make mistakes that will later affect, for example, the concentration of people working in the office. It is worth knowing, therefore, what are the most commonly made mistakes when designing offices, to effectively avoid them and create an office project that is conducive to working conditions.
What to pay attention to when creating an office project?
Designing office space is decidedly different from planning and arranging, for example, a flat or a house. In this case, it is worth putting the reins of imagination aside and focusing on rules that aim to ensure safety and optimal conditions for people spending many hours there every day. These are universal principles that will ensure work in the office goes smoothly. To avoid such problems, follow the rules below, and every employee will surely be grateful to you for a well-arranged office..
Office design – rules that cannot be broken
An office is an environment that follows specific action patterns. The rules described below are universal, but at the same time, we should adapt them to the specific nature of the company, space, or employees. It is worth being open to innovation while thinking about the needs of people working in the office. What are the most commonly made mistakes when arranging an office? Discover 4 things to avoid when designing office space.
1. Ignoring the needs of employees
This error is very common. Unfortunately, the office project is often very similar – desks, computers, and chairs. However, each company operates according to its own rules, and it is the community that resides in it that should feel comfortable there. If you have regular brainstorming sessions in your company, make sure that there is a place in this space that can accommodate all employees. Perhaps important phone calls with foreign contractors are a daily occurrence? – a soundproof phone booth will certainly be useful in such an office. Observing the potential needs of employees is the basis for their satisfaction, and thus positive work effects.
2. Lack of a quiet and relaxation zone
This point is a very often overlooked element in offices. The quiet zone and relaxation zone are places that will allow employees to focus and relax. In modern offices we increasingly see quiet zones in the form of acoustic cabins, cabins that perfectly suppress sounds from the surroundings. Such a place is a perfect space to, for example, quietly prepare for an important meeting or simply find a moment of respite in a bustling office.
The situation is similar with the relaxation zone. Such a place will allow for a moment of relaxation in the office. Although the relaxation zone is not a new phenomenon for Polish companies, many employers still treat it as an expensive whim. This is unjustified – such a space allows for more efficient work, and after a moment of rest, our focus increases. Properly designing a room designated for relaxation, creating a homely atmosphere, or proper soundproofing…
3. Office design ignoring the specific characteristics of the space
At times, it’s worth stepping away from traditional thinking. An office may bring to mind a large, modern building, but is that always the case? Sometimes such a space can be found in an old tenement or apartment block. Of course, each of these places would be designed slightly differently. An important factor to consider in an office is acoustics – as focus and silence are essential, and can easily be disrupted by passing trams or creaky doors. It’s also important to adapt the layout of the office to the space and the needs of the employees. This issue is particularly noticeable in small spaces, where maintaining privacy for each desk can be difficult. If necessary, quiet zones can be created within an open office space, where it’s possible to work with greater concentration. Acoustic panels, acoustic booths, or free-standing partition walls are all great solutions in such cases.
4. Ignoring the aesthetic layer of office decor
This point may be considered unnecessary by many. After all, an office is just desks and office chairs. Is there a need for anything more? In our opinion, yes, because an office design should take other aspects into account. Office workers spend a minimum of 8 hours a day in this space, and a long time spent in an unaesthetic environment can lead to frustration. Instead, it’s worth considering a few small elements that will immediately improve the appearance of the office. In this case, green plants are a perfect choice. It’s a small cost, but it makes a big difference! Don’t forget about lighting, which also has a huge impact on the employees’ well-being. Make sure the room is aesthetically coherent – if every chair or desk is different, forget about harmony and aesthetics. Remember, your office is your business card!
