Deciding on the layout of your office is a big decision. You want to make sure that the layout of your office is efficient and that it can accommodate you and your employees.
Coming up with a layout can be challenging if you’re not aware of what you should consider when making this type of decision. Once you’re aware of what you should consider you will make the right decision and your office building will look beautiful and functional at the same time.
Here’s a look at what you can do to get a great office layout.
Business Function
The functions that you perform in your business must be at the top of your concern when you are choosing an office to lay out. You need to consider how your employees work best.
Would an open office design make everybody comfortable or would they prefer cubicles? While your office should be functional it should also make your employees satisfied. If they feel uncomfortable then they will not be productive.
You may need to look at whether you need individual offices, cubicles, meeting rooms, communal spaces, and specific areas where you can collaborate with your team effectively.
Bear all of this in mind when you are trying to decide on an office layout. Always ensure that you employ the right professionals to assist you with creating your new office layout.
This is especially true if you run a business where certain rooms need special design features. For example, you may need someone to do a cleanroom design for you if you create products that are susceptible to contamination.
Good Furnishing Is Important
How well you furnish your office is important as well. You want to make sure that you have ergonomic furnishings in place for the comfort of your employees.
If employees have to sit at the computer for hours, make sure that their desks and chairs offer comfort. This will help to prevent problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Consider providing your employees with standing desks that can convert to sitting desks.
This will help them to improve their posture. The bottom line is that when you are choosing furniture you should consider the health, safety, and comfort of your employees.
Natural Light
Natural light should be a part of your layout as much as possible. When spaces are not well lit it can have a psychological effect on your employees. Make sure that there are enough windows and doors in the office.
Consider adding a skylight as well. Skylights are a great way to bring in light, especially if adding more windows is not a viable option.
Ask Your Employees
Survey your employees to find out as much as you can about what would make them feel more comfortable in the office. Let them tell you what they like about the current office and the things that they would like to see improvements on.
This will give you a more precise idea of exactly how you should be looking at your layout and how you can work to improve it.
This is easy if you run a relatively small business but do not be discouraged if your business is large, you can still get your employees’ thoughts on the layout of your office. Just ask each department to select a representative to discuss the current layout with you.
Consider Accessibility
Accessibility is something you also need to think about when you are configuring your office space.
It’s especially important if you have clients that come to your office space to do business. Some clients will have disabilities and need a layout that makes it easier for them to access your services.
Get a Smart Layout
You need to maximize the amount of space you have in your office. Having a good layout means that the functions that take place in the office are aligned with your layout. The furnishings in the office and the general environment should also be conducive to productivity among your staff.
Make the most of the space that you have and use the right furnishing. Make sure you consider your budget when you are doing an office layout but also ensure that you get the input of your staff so that you will create a layout that is right for them.
If you succeed at creating the right layout you will be surprised at how much more productive your staff will be. You may also find that the layout motivates them as they are getting tasks done a lot more quickly.
