6 Designer Tips for Planning a Smarter Office Workspace
Today’s office workers operate in a dynamic environment that often requires them to think on their feet and make quick decisions. To do this effectively, employees need to be able to access the information and tools they need quickly, efficiently and without disruptions.
The modern office should be designed with collaborative spaces that encourage interaction between colleagues, open floor plans that support natural cross-pollination of ideas, and special features like soundproof rooms for those moments when confidential information needs to be discussed.
The office environment holds significant importance to the overall productivity in the workplace. Here are six designer tips for planning smarter office workstation designs in Singapore.
1. Establish Clear Communication Channels
Offices that don’t have clear communication channels in place often struggle with miscommunication and communication breakdowns. This becomes especially problematic when there are urgent communication needs between employees in different departments.
Implement communication channels between departments when redesigning the current workspace. Place communication boards in visible areas to keep departments informed of key developments and next steps.
2. Ensure Physical Mobility
The modern office should accommodate employees who are constantly on the move. Ensure ample space between workstations so staff members can easily walk from one location to another. If possible, allow for workstations to be mobile so that teams can reconfigure their spaces for different projects or tasks.
In addition, staff members should have unrestricted access to all areas of the office to function effectively, especially if the office has a large open floor plan. This is crucial as they will have the options to choose the setting that will help them operate most efficiently.
3. Provide Equipping Stations
Equipping stations are self-service stations that allow employees to quickly and efficiently access items they need for their workstations. This is especially beneficial for those in specialised fields and may include essential equipment such as staplers, tape dispensers, scissors, filing supplies, printers, and other items that might be used during work hours.
Equipping stations should be located in high-traffic areas so employees can easily and quickly access the items they need. They should be stocked with the necessary equipment for employees to use, including a standard number of supplies so that they never run out.
4. Incorporate Natural Light
Studies have shown that adding natural light to an office’s design can help boost employee moods and productivity. Yet it is estimated that up to 75% of offices don’t have adequate natural light. Consider incorporating as much natural light as possible when designing an office workspace.
5. Make Workspaces Collaborative
Traditional offices have rows of cubicles designed for employees who operate in relative isolation. The modern office should have collaborative workspaces that encourage interaction between employees. These can range from informal open spaces to structured work areas like team rooms.
When opting for open or informal workspaces, ensure that sound-dampening materials, such as sound-absorbing panels, are put in place to reduce noise. In addition, encourage employees to keep their conversations at a moderate level, as excessive noise is disruptive and lessens the benefits of having an open office space.
6. Offer Resource Facilities
The modern office should be designed with a range of facilities that employees can use as and when they are needed. These include but are not limited to fitness rooms, kitchens, relaxation rooms, group collaboration spaces, and more. Providing these facilities not only helps to improve employees’ quality of life but also encourages them to be more creative and productive.
Conclusion
An office is a place where most individuals spend most of the time during the week. Therefore, it is essential to have a comfortable and efficient office space. To do this, one must consider a few important tips when redesigning their office.
When planning for office interior designs in Singapore, keep in mind that the modern office is different from what it used to be in the past. This is because open offices and remote working are becoming increasingly common. Moreover, employees are likely to be highly motivated if the workplace is designed with their needs in mind.
With that said, are you considering implementing flexible office design for your company? To accommodate the demands and preferences of our clients, our experts at Wilsin can help rethink and reimagine the workspace. Count on us to design the office space you and your workers can call home, thanks to our decades of experience creating engaging and practical office interiors!
