Creating a space for collaboration is just as in important as designing one for privacy.
Open office layouts have been the trend for a majority of companies in Malaysia in the recent years, but survey shows employees failing to find private, uninterrupted space for focus — and that leads to lower productivity.
Here are 10 ideas for designing a flexible space where employees thrive, increase collaboration and keep productivity high
1.Don’t even consider “lanes”
Long tables with tightly packed workers are not conducive to better working habits or conditions. . Less focus means less work finished, which costs a company more money in the end. Look for two-, three-, or four-person workstations instead.
While decreasing personal space may seem like the best way to save money, local noise pollution from conversations, nervous fingers tapping, and even coughing, cause employees to lose focus
Picture: man working on his computer with headphones
2. Keep high traffic areas free from work spaces
Certain areas in the office should steer clear of work spaces — the area beside bathrooms, near pantries and prayer rooms, and around stairs (loud shoes) are just a few places that shouldn’t be crowded with places for employees to work. No one wants to hear a fridge been open and close a hundred times a day or hear the bathroom habits of a coworker.
3. Set up call rooms
With open offices, phone calls in common areas are often too loud, distracting, and lack privacy that may be needed in certain situations. Providing designated call rooms with sound absorbing panels can allow sales staff and other employees to focus on the call at hand, without disturbing other employees.
4. Use soundproofing
Sound is often reported as being the most disruptive distraction in an open office. Instead of hard tiles, consider flooring that absorbs footsteps. In areas for conversations and more intense collaboration, consider adding sound absorbing panels.
5. Add in some green
Plants not only liven up an office area, they can actually provide health benefits. Choose plants that do well indoors while creating oxygen and are low on allergen. Fake plants can only give the green colour to the space but sit around staying at plastic leaves all day, might not be pleasant for many.
6. Take advantage of natural lighting
When renovating a work space, check into options for bringing in more natural light. Cost-saving fluorescent bulbs may be the office norm, but sunlight is proven to help with moods naturally. Be sure to consider adequate light filtering shades.
7. Find adaptable furniture and storage options
Cubicles have always had the distinct advantage for business owners of not being nailed down. However, opt for more modern options such as high-back sofas that can be pulled together, couches that are comfortable and movable, and fully ergonomic chairs with height, arm, back, and reclining adjustments.
For employees who have too much paperwork to cart around, they should have adequate storage that can be secured as needed.
8. Install ceiling fans
When setting up areas, consider the temperature. Large spaces may be hotter or colder depending on the season, and a ceiling fan (or two) appropriate for the size of the space can help keep employees focused on work.
9. Keep cords tidy
Plan ways to keep equipment cords tidy, whether that is with nearby outlets, organizers, or even in-furniture connections. This will not only reduce the stress of what to do with corded tech but also reduce the risk of an employee tripping over wires.
10. Allow some autonomy and control
With setting up a flexible office space, employees should be able to work at the office, at the coffee shop down the street, or even at home. Establishing days of no meetings or ground rules for the amount of time expected for in-office work can allow employees a little more of the feeling of control they may need to be more productive.
Transitioning to a more flexible floor plan can aid in keeping your employees happy — and your bottom line happier, too. Do you agree you need to upgrade your office space ? You can call to fix an appointment today !
