When was the last time you looked around your office?

And I mean, really looked around, and considered the impact the layout, lighting and colour scheme are having on your employees’ productivity?

I’d hazard a guess that it wasn’t recently!

Office design can often be an ongoing project, with additional spaces created as an organisation grows.

What this can result in is poor space utilisation and the creation of an uninspiring, unproductive environment for employees. If you’ve expanded your business on the run, cubicles may not be in the ideal configuration. Offices that were never intended to be shared could have two occupants and insufficient storage could be an ongoing issue.

In some circumstances it can be more beneficial to start again and redesign your office space from scratch. This provides the opportunity to undertake a holistic review of what the business and your staff really need and focus on improving productivity.

To create the optimum working environment for your specific business, the following elements should be considered:

• Office floor plan (layout)
• Lighting
• Creativity in colour
• Ergonomics and comfort

Office floor plan

Working with an experienced local fit out specialist can ensure you create an efficient and practical space, optimising every square metre for your business. Depending on the needs of the business, you may select either private office spaces or open plan design (which is the latest trend). The latter provides more functionality and open communication, however you will need to provide some quiet areas for privacy.

Lighting

All the areas of an office should have both ample and appropriate lighting to help employees remain productive. Good lighting is essential to avoid eyestrain whilst sitting in front of a computer. Where possible, design the office to maximise natural light and provide employees with task lighting.

Creativity in colour

An often forgotten consideration of an office space is the impact of colour schemes on employees. Colour can inspire the senses and provide the stimulus for imagination. It can create a sense of tranquility and harmony, or even encourage a sense of ownership and connection with the company brand.

Ergonomics & comfort

The comfort and health of your employees is an important consideration and is vital to achieving maximum productivity. Good quality furniture, such as ergonomic chairs and keyboards and ensuring desks and computer screens are at appropriate heights, are simple ways to achieve this.

When undertaken correctly, an office fit out or refurbishment will not only boost your company’s productivity, but can also add value and equity to your building and increase your long-term investment return.

Working with an experienced fit out specialist will also ensure the project is completed as quickly as possible, with minimal disruption to your day-to-day business activity.