Ewop
Creating an office that works perfectly;
Whether you’re reconfiguring desk layouts, having a full-scale office refit or looking for an entirely new office building, working relationships and personal wellbeing should be your top priorities.
Wellbeing has become a natural focus for any forward thinking office design.
Creating a happy and healthy workplace improves not only employee wellness, but also efficiency and productivity levels.
72% of people surveyed believe their office environment has negatively affected their physical or mental wellbeing.
The work environment is a space that employees spend a significant amount of time in, and it is therefore important to recognise its impact on wellbeing.
There are many different factors that successfully enhance workplace wellbeing but getting the layout/space plan right is key.
Based on recent surveys, 95% of UK workers agree their office environment can affect their morale at work, which directly impacts business success.
Integrating biophilia in your office stimulates creativity and has a calming, positive effect on your mood throughout the day.
Adopting natural daylight into your design can further inspire mental wellness by averting Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD symptoms often appear in autumn and carry on into the winter months.
As the days become shorter, the absence of daylight can cause energy slumps and low morale.
Make sure windows and daylight are available to all for at least a part of the day.
People are seeking flexibility and choice for how they work.
It is essential to create a flexible working environment that successfully caters to all working styles.
With the rise of agile working and coworking, more and more businesses will look to embrace this.
Break out areas, quiet zones, and work booths provide a variety of settings while simultaneously encouraging collaboration and socialising.
Hot desking allows for the sharing of desks which caters to flexible or part-time staff.
Bench Desking
Bench-style desking is a very efficient way to provide maximum desk spaces.
Planning Options
When possible, push desks against the wall to save space. If pods must be "floated," make sure you allow space for flow-through foot traffic that doesn't interfere with other occupants.
Personal Storage
Personal file cabinets or lockers help reduce visual clutter on desktops, resulting in a clean, minimal look. Lockers work well for part time or flexible staff.
Office Democracy
Executive desks in the hub of the office democratises the workspace and creates a feeling of accessibility. Desk returns provide space for collaboration and an invitation for employees to stop and chat.
Flexible Desks
A group of "Hot Desks," which are not assigned to anyone, encourage movement and cross-company collaboration. Allowing more staff to use the space reduces your overall footprint, makes good business sense, and is more sustainable.
Tea Points
Providing opportunities to meet and talk encourages the sharing of ideas and collaboration. If possible, make them large and enjoyable spaces.
Flexible Working
A space with multiple arrangements makes room for simultaneous meetings, after-work socials, or a place to chat with co-workers.
Privacy Matters
A dedicated "Quiet Room" with comfortable furniture provides a respite from the open office for private work, contemplation, and escape.
Reception
A reception which reflects your company culture makes an important first impression. Make it welcoming and accessible.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms of various sizes work well for multiple purposes, both internal and external. Include a sit to stand table for quicker and more energised meetings.
