Open-office plans, popularized by tech giants like Facebook
and Google, are believed to promote collaboration and creativity which is
probably why 70% of all offices in the UK today are open-plan workspaces. In an
office where everyone can see and hear each other, how do you make sure your
employees are productive? A lot of this has to do with the design of the space.
Little tweaks here and there can keep employees comfortable and boost
productivity.
These innovations may be more expensive at first
for employers, but, in the long run, could help workers be
happier, healthier, and therefore, more creative and productive.
Moveable furniture.
Open-office spaces are believed to promote
collaboration, but this is mostly helpful for extroverts who typically
socialize more than introverts. For workers who need the privacy to
concentrate, open-office plans can be distracting.
This is where moveable furniture is helpful. Desks
and cabinets can be reconfigured so that employees can work individually or
collaboratively. Today's workplace needs to be able to switch to different work
modes, since we're all working with much less personal space than in past
generations.
Seating alternatives.
As we all know sitting at your desk all day is not only
tedious but very unhealthy. So what should you do instead? Provide areas for
employees to stand while working, or encourage individual standing and
treadmill desks. Yoga balls and kneeling chairs can also be better alternatives than traditional chairs because employees
are able to get a bit of exercise while working. Even if the exercise isn't
strenuous, it can still boost energy and productivity and contribute to a
healthier lifestyle.
Small spaces for thinking.
There will be times when employees need areas to
put their heads down and concentrate on a problem or strategy. An open-office
plan can hinder the progress of this individual work. How do you create private
spaces in an open-office plan? Use furniture and designs that can easily be
turned into other spaces. For example, employers can position couches, moveable
walls, and desks in a way that prevents employees from seeing one another — a
big distraction — while in these private spaces.
Areas that promote collaboration.
A lot of people like working in a coffee shop
because they enjoy the sea of people and comfortable furniture all around.
Employers can create a similar vibe in their office to promote all kinds of
interactions whether that be socializing, brainstorming, or
collaborating.
No assigned seating.
Employees who are able to sit wherever they want may
be more productive and collaborative. Flexible seating arrangements enable
workers to find where they work best. For example, some people prefer sitting
next to a wall, while others like to be in the middle of the room. Some people
want to sit next to quiet colleagues, while others want a more talkative neighbour
to bounce ideas back and forth with.
If you would like more tips on how to make your
workplace more creative and productive get in touch with us!
