Workplace interior design has come a long way since the fan-favorite “The Office” debuted in 2005. The confining cubicles and flickering fluorescents so indicative of the office space no longer define workplace design. If your building is slated for office remodeling, this is your chance to increase functionality while also improving the style of the space. But, where to begin? You want to make sure your building renovation is worth it.
If an office makeover is on the horizon, we can help. In this post, we’ll dive into current office design trends so you end up with the workspace of your (and your employees) dreams! Let’s dive in!
Bye Bye Cubicle: Hello Flexible
The workplace has seen a wild shift in the past two years. More people than ever are:
- Working from home
- Doing partial days in the office
- Communicating over video calls
Your building renovation is the perfect time to structure your space around shifting needs. While someone may need a private space one day to operate video conferences, she needs a space the next day to collaborate with coworkers. Sometimes one employee works entirely in the office, the next three days he’s out of the office. The dedicated desk in the sea of cubicles may support the best functionality of your office space, but it may not. Be flexible with how you consider your new office layout.
Perhaps modular desks, which can be rearranged to suit needs, would be the better option for your office. Keep in mind the accessibility of outlets so all can charge devices when they need to.
Let There Be Light
Improving the lighting situation should be at the top of your commercial building interior renovation priority list. Poor lighting causes:
- Stress
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Eyestrain
- Mental fog
To boost productivity and employee satisfaction, improve access to natural light. If it’s not realistic to increase the natural lighting of the building, install indirect lighting. Bright indirect lighting makes it easier to see and reduces eye strain.
Communicate with Color
Although white is one of the most popular choices for office wall color, research has shown that white is one of the worst colors for employee effectiveness. A variety of colors can suit the needs of your space and target employees’ needs. Blue has a comforting effect while green reduces stress and anxiety. Yellow encourages creativity while red adds a splash of positivity.
Control the Noise
A noisy workplace ranks at the top of the list for employee frustration. As you plan your office makeover, keep sound muffling in mind. To do this, remember your A, B, Cs. Absorb noise with ceiling tiles, plants, and textiles. Block noise with cubicle partitions, dedicated quiet spaces, or provided noise-canceling headphones. Cover noise with ambient noise like waves crashing or rainfall.
Get Going on Your Office Makeover
If you keep these tips and the needs of your employees in mind, you can confidently begin your office makeover. Money spent on increasing the functionality of your space and the satisfaction of your employees is money well spent.
Don’t stop in the office. Find tips to improve your home, health, and relationships on our blog. Read more today!
Also read: Merits of Working with A Professional Commercial Painter
