A workplace design defines the body language of an organisation. There are various ideas that will help create the perfect setting for fostering collaboration among the workforce.
Open office
The open office concept is not new, but in recent times, it has been enjoying great patronage across industries and organisations. It’s much preferred, because it promotes collaboration within an organisation. It disrupts the little alcoves. The identical design fosters a free flow of communication amongst the employees and breaks the sense of hierarchical superiority within a company.
Various organisations have taken the open concept layout to a next level by offering flexible workstations. Their employees are not confined to designated seats and have the freedom to match their seating arrangements with their work requirements.
An open office is comparatively more cost-effective and allows more flexibility for expansion and contraction and is easy to maintain.
Flexible workspaces
Offices need to focus on two major concepts — that of being ‘space-centric’ and ‘people-centric’. The millennials and the upcoming Generation Z prefer to work in an organisation that is designed to reduce stress. Companies today have to structure their offices to support the well-being of its occupants.
Though the open office concept is ideal to build a modern workspace, it can also offer distractions such as a high level noise and invasion of privacy. This can be tackled by creating small enclosed spaces with sound-proofing that will help increase concentration, ensure privacy or provide a ready free space for meetings or phone calls. Products like privacy pods or furniture islands can also be added. These are specifically designed to provide a mobile private space that will break the monotony. Along with this, conference rooms with glass windows will allow workers to feel the continuous flow of the office and add a modern touch to the space.
Breakout zone
Today, young employees focus more on work-life integration. Keeping one’s employees’ stress-free and happy should be one of the primary aims of an organisation. To meet this objective, it has to create a Breakout Zone, a space where employees can catch up with their acquaintances while playing games or relaxing on a stressful day at work.
Breakout zones also encourage impromptu conversations that will help build strong bongs among employees. Add sofas, lounge chairs and arm chairs that will provide comfort and give an opportunity to people to hang out more informally.
Smart furniture
Opt for smart furniture that are crafted keeping in mind the long hours spent at work. Though offices today are shifting the needle from the regular 9to5 aspect in design and culture, the average amount of time an employee spends at work is still relatively high. Modular furniture is of multipurpose nature and created using ergonomics. This will contribute to employees’ health and also play a key role in boosting the organisation’s productivity. More and more companies need to go in for customised furniture that will focus on the needs of its personnel. Designs such as radical, flexi-seating and adjustable workstations that provide support both for sitting and standing postures while working, have to be introduced. Furniture should also be designed in such a way as to motivate the young workforce. Pick up those vibrant lounge chairs that are trendy and add a slice of life to your space.
Natural elements
Introduce elements such as green walls, indoor water curtains and light ducts. Keep indoor plants and use biophilic designs. Focus on a design that will capture natural lighting. Go for bigger windows that will allow sunlight to entre dull spaces. Small open meeting rooms can also be designed in the balconies or terraces, which will help reduce stress.
United by technology
Play with your space with the aid of technology. Technology runs an organisation. Invest in shared displays and tables with built-in touch screens, and this will make the office cutting edge and improve collaboration.
( Himanee Mrug is director at Vector Projects (I) Pvt Ltd .
