A drab office is a remnant of a professional depression that has thankfully passed: the realization that an anachronistic office environment is detrimental to the well-being and productivity of the workforce has prompted employers to take action. Business owners are becoming increasingly aware that an inspiring environment is a worthwhile investment.
Today, creative design is penetrating more and more office spaces in the City of London and stimulating worker creativity and collaboration. When space planning and design While this venture may be foreign to many, there are simple steps businesses can take to instill a sense of creativity in their office designs.
1). Reflecting Company Values in Office Design
Forward-thinking companies use creative office designs to add to their professional image and create a stimulating place for employees to work. Even small touches – such as matching office decor to your brand’s colors and style – can reinforce a company’s sense of professionalism, while increasing team spirit and employee loyalty.
US-based insurance group AmTrust Financial Services is expanding into a multinational business and needed a new office in London to reflect its brand image in line with its American headquarters. Every aspect of the design – from the purple coloring, which replicates the color brand logo, to the open resting and spacious reception areas – emphasizes the company’s core values: innovation, professionalism and a commitment to excellence. Employee and client perceptions of the company are greatly influenced by office design; creatively designed office influences trust in the company.
2). Provide a Private and Open Work Area
Supporting different work styles by creating alternative workspaces can have a direct impact on focus, productivity and collaboration. A recent study found that when collaborative spaces and individual work stations are misaligned in office design, it hurts overall productivity.
The conclusion is that office design should facilitate collaboration while allowing individual workers to focus too. It is therefore important to ensure that both types of areas are available, but in a harmonious way.
Even though the work area is the most important, you shouldn’t neglect bathroom design. One Point Partition, high quality commercial bathroom partition installercan make a big difference to the overall feel of the office with their high quality products.
EMO & TRA marketing specialists in Bristol have complemented the open office design with private booth space. This means individual work can be carried out free from noise pollution and other people’s disturbances. The pods are creative and inspiring designed with bright colors and high ceilings to promote a sense of freedom and innovation.
3). Find Creative Ways to Minimize Noise
Noise can be a problem in large offices. As outlined by Forbes, between 25% and 30% of employees working in open offices are unhappy with noise conditions. Some people need a quiet environment or soft background noise to concentrate fully. Soundproofing walls can go a long way in increasing employee productivity, but there are more creative steps you can take.
Global Asset Management (NGAM) Natixis utilizes acoustic control screens to absorb noise and increase employee motivation.
4). Get Creative with Staff Relaxation Areas
The break room is often an overlooked feature in the workplace. However, staff who are well rested and take regular short breaks from work duties are generally more focused and productive. It also reinforces a culture of collaboration, where employees meet in relaxation areas to converse.
The Salamanca Group encourages staff to relax on the 9m high stone bar, which is a stark contrast to the office’s individual work areas. As a result, it became a meeting point for workers to brainstorm.
EDC Communications takes a different approach: the office has a rest area as part of the open floor plan. The company has provided table football and other games to bring work and play together. Results? Employees feel relaxed while working. Happy employees are more loyal and productive.
