09.05.2019, 09:32
Design Features for Modern Offices
Does the fashion for modernising offices mean the end of desks cramped full of bulky technology, more green indoor spaces, and more stylish furniture designs?
The attention to detail that goes into contemporary office design is making many workplaces more pleasant, healthy and productive.
It can be useful to consider some of the key trends designers are championing and adopting.
Ditching cubicles for collaboration
While everyone does have work to be getting on with, businesses are increasingly focusing on collaboration, rather than employees sat alone in cubicles. If you’re planning on constructing an office space, it’s a good idea to create desks that have multiple uses and are flexible. One employee may use their desk to work on projects, host regular meetings and talk to colleagues one-on-one.
On top of having desks that are designed for collaboration, there has also been a rise in offices designing spaces specifically for the purpose of group collaboration. These spaces are often vibrant and full of creative design, to encourage an open-minded atmosphere. Unlike a regular meeting room, they feel open and breezy and may even have a number of plants scattered around to create the illusion of an outdoor space. Some offices are even implementing leisure facilities such as yoga studios and coffee bars to ensure that their colleagues feel as relaxed as possible in these spaces.
Paying attention to lavatories
Lavatories are an important aspect of any office building, as it’s often where colleagues go to touch-up their makeup before a meeting, change to go to the gym or to simply take 5 minutes out of a busy day. Creating a space around the sinks to leave bags and makeup, and maybe even some added extra toiletries for convenience will leave colleagues feeling as if they’ve been looked after. Replacing old toilet cubicles with new, modern ones and maybe adding some benches or chairs to leave coats and bags while getting changed will also give the office’s lavatories a modern feel.
Provide options for flexible working
It’s certainly not news that the office lifestyle of sitting perched at a desk isn’t entirely suited to everyone. For those who a bit more fidgety or lively, a standing desk might be a much more suitable option. This method of working has even been touted as a solution for the health problems associated with sitting for too long. Providing options for who want a bit more of a dynamic desk set up could lead to much more employee satisfaction.
Modern office spaces are all about attention to detail. They aim to create spaces that employees can happily generate new ideas in without being suffocated by the feeling of a corporate meeting room. On top of this, it’s about considering the everyday needs of their workers: making restrooms enjoyable to be in and catering to the needs of employees who might wish to stand at their desk, rather than sitting for eight hours a day.
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