- Embrace Technology In The Office
As time moves forwards, new
technology changes how we live our lives, this includes the workplace.
So
when you're upgrading your office environment for 2018 and the years ahead, think
about the ways that you could integrate technology into your workplace. Perhaps you
could use pieces of modern furniture in the breakout room that have wireless
charging technology so that employees can charge their compatible devices whilst
they are enjoying their breaks.
- Think About Collaboration In The Workplace
In recent years, the
workplace environment has drastically changed. Previously many offices were private
enclosed spaces where employees had their own space to work in. However open plan
spaces that promote collaboration have become more popular and can be seen in a wide
variety of industries.
If you feel that your workforce could benefit from a
boost in collaboration, look at your office design. Search for ways that you can
improve your office environment to provide a better layout to promote teamwork,
innovation and creativity in the workplace. Consider using modern office furniture,
think about the layout of the furniture, for example do the tables promote group
working, or do they separate employees from each other?
Open plan office
environments that promote collaboration can however have some disadvantages, for
example noise distractions. However, there are ways to combat this, such as using
acoustics in an office environment. If you would like to learn more about this
topic, you can read our blog titled, “Considering Acoustics In The Open Plan
Office". In this blog you can learn about designated concentration areas, phone
booths, acoustic furniture, acoustic panelling and more.
- Focus On Employee Wellbeing
In previous years one of the
primary focuses of office design has been functionality and productivity in the
workplace. However, in recent times many believe that a more person-centred approach
to office design is required; suggesting that in order to create a high performing
and productive work environment, employee wellbeing must be a high priority.
Whilst many companies consider health and wellbeing programmes for their
employees, perhaps with discounts to a local gym. In order to tackle the issue and
promote employee wellbeing, you need to start this focus in the design of your
office environment.
Consider the layout of the workplace: is it flexible,
does it provide spaces for quiet concentration and privacy? Consider the furniture
of your workplace; is it high quality ergonomic furniture that promotes good
posture?
Did you know that according to the International Stress
Management Association (ISMA), flexible working conditions can significantly reduce
employee stress and make for a much healthier and happier workforce?
If
you would like to read more about how you can adapt your workplace to promote
employee wellbeing, you can read our blog titled “Wellbeing in The Workplace &
Office Design; 5 Things to Consider". It discusses numerous things such as office
layout and the growing trend of including natural elements into your office
such as office plants and living walls.
- Prepare For A Multigenerational Workforce
As the years go by
new generations rise up into the workforce. In today's workplace we have a wide
range of generations, for example the contemporary office could now include baby
boomers in their late 50s and 60s and the newcomers, the digital natives of
Generation Z, the eldest of which being born after 1997.
Whilst it is
indeed very important to remember that every individual is exactly that, an
individual. It is also important to recognise the cultural differences between
different generations. Whilst individuals vary from person to person, if you observe
a generation as a whole, you can notice some trends from regards to what 'they' want
in the workplace.
As the years move forwards, more and more members of
Generation Z will be entering the workforce and as such, workplaces need to adapt to
provide a welcoming space for these new colleagues. However, creating a welcoming
office space that fulfils the needs of both the older generations who prefer more
traditional spaces and the younger generations who prefer more contemporary spaces
can prove very challenging indeed.
Creating a multigenerational workspace
can be a difficult challenge but the Active team can help. If you visit our blog you
can learn about what generations such as Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z want
in a workplace and learn how you can create an office environment designed for a
multigenerational workforce.
- Embrace All The Senses, Not Just Sight
When people think about
new office designs, they often think about how they want the office to look; they
want guests visiting the premises to have a fantastic first impression of the
business. However, it is important to remember the other senses, not just sight.
For example, the sense of smell is very important. What does your office smell
like? Did you know that smell is the closest sense linked to memory? Additionally it
is also responsible for up to 65% of the emotions we generate on a daily basis! As
such, smell is very important when designing the workspace.
Think about
your workplace culture and different scents that you could use to create a welcoming
environment, perhaps you could use a selection of flowers to provide a refreshing
natural scent or perhaps you could fill the room with the smell of freshly brewed
coffee that your employees and guests can enjoy.
There are numerous ways
that you can create an office environment designed for all the senses; if you would
like to learn more you can read our blog titled “Office
Design: Designing for all the senses" It includes advice for sight, smell,
sound and even taste.
Design Your 2018 Office Environment With Active
There are lots of office fit out companies to choose from, so why should
you choose an office solution from Active?
When you're searching for an office fit out service, you need to find a trustworthy and
reputable business that has the skills needed to provide a high quality professional
service. Over our years of experience the Active team have provided office fit out and
refurbishment projects for well known businesses such as Virgin Media, Mercedes-Benz and
Channel 4.
So if you are interested and would like to learn more about office fit out services from
Active, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.
You can make an enquiry by giving us a call on 0845 130 9066, however if
you would like to contact our team online, you can do so by:
- Filling out our contact form.
- Using the chat feature in the bottom right of your screen.
Or by following us on Twitter @activefmcouk or on Facebook @ActiveFMLtd.
