10 Mistakes To Avoid With Your Office Space Planning
There are many components to consider when it comes to designing your office layout. You need to think about functional requirements – from storage, privacy, and lighting – through to design concepts that are true to your brand. Today, we’re discussing some of the most common mistakes we see when it comes to office space planning.
Lack of Privacy
Often overlooked in office space planning is the need to reflect differences in cognitive functioning. This refers to helping individuals concentrate, manage distractions, process information, and communicate effectively.
A completely open-plan office space with no dedicated quiet zones can be a big mistake. For some, being surrounded by noise and other people is essential for doing their best work. Others, however, will much prefer a quieter environment. Striking the right balance is therefore key. Ideally, you need a blend of shared, open spaces that facilitate collaboration, and smaller, enclosed settings that support focused work.
There are a range of functional options that enable people to choose their desired level of noise and privacy. Before completing your office furniture fitout, consider these options:
Having a range of such spaces allows people to manage their own needs and choose the surroundings in which they work best.
Disregarding Ergonomics
Studying ergonomics can offer useful insights into achieving an optimum office layout design.
For desk furniture, ergonomics takes into account the body’s position, the distance from the computer screen, and whether users will sit or stand. This creates environments where employees can adequately focus. As such, using preventive ergonomic measures can be particularly cost-effective for businesses.
Always choose office furniture that employees can adjust to their height and preferred work style. Height adjustable desks have a quiet motor that converts the desk from a sitting to a standing workstation whenever needed. Just standing for 3 hours a day, instead of sitting, has been linked with a reduced risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Tables with adjustable tabletops – as well as armchairs with adjustable seats, backrests, and armrests – are another must in office space planning. In fact, we would recommend going a step further. Enable employees to work in various places and different positions, both sitting and standing, for the best results.
Ignoring Acoustics and Collaboration
We’ve previously talked how a good use of acoustics can boost office productivity. Acoustic office pods and booths, for example, serve multiple purposes. They’re not only comfortable spaces for individual work, but can also serve as places for creative brainstorming. While planning your office space design, it’s important to incorporate areas where people can collaborate without disturbing others.
These days, office acoustic furniture has excellent soundproofing properties. Incorporating it into your office furniture fitout allows staff to focus on the task at hand while also improving acoustics. Whatever your degree of distraction, maintaining some amount of soundproofing is always beneficial.
Insufficient Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in workplace mental health. Poor lighting in particular can contribute to feelings of fatigue, decreased energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. This can negatively impact productivity as well as overall staff wellbeing.
When completing your own office space planning, bear in mind that lighting needs to be bright enough to support energy levels, mood regulation and sleep quality. At work, this translates into better performance, concentration, and alertness. It also means fewer errors and instances of absenteeism.
Inadequate or improper lighting can also strain the eyes and cause discomfort. To prevent poor lighting, use appropriate light fixtures and bulbs. You should also conduct regular maintenance to replace faulty or flickering lights. Plus, consider incorporating natural light sources and task-specific lighting solutions for optimal visibility and comfort.
Ignoring well being and Breakout Areas
Lighting plays a crucial role in workplace mental health. Poor lighting in particular can contribute to feelings of fatigue, decreased energy levels, and difficulty concentrating. This can negatively impact productivity as well as overall staff wellbeing.
When completing your own office space planning, bear in mind that lighting needs to be bright enough to support energy levels, mood regulation and sleep quality. At work, this translates into better performance, concentration, and alertness. It also means fewer errors and instances of absenteeism.
Inadequate or improper lighting can also strain the eyes and cause discomfort. To prevent poor lighting, use appropriate light fixtures and bulbs. You should also conduct regular maintenance to replace faulty or flickering lights. Plus, consider incorporating natural light sources and task-specific lighting solutions for optimal visibility and comfort.
Underestimating Storage Needs
Over time, a lack of effective storage can really hinder an office’s efficiency. With that in mind, you should always invest in office storage and cabinet solutions. It’s easier to work and be successful when you have a designated place for your possessions. This also reduces the need to spend time cleaning up and decluttering.
Overlooking Future Growth
We often see office furniture fitouts that are designed only for the present. If your business has any ambition, however, you should ensure your design is flexible enough to accommodate future expansion. Consider where the business will be in 3-5 years’ time. What resources will you need? Where should your office be? How many staff would you expect to have and what size workplace will they need? Forecast for the future and accommodate that into the planning stage for an easy, low-cost expansion.
Nature Inside the Office
Research studies have shown that spending too much time in artificially lit and poorly ventilated environments has a negative impact on your health. Therefore it is important include biophilic design elements, such plants, natural lighting, space and natural scenic images. Adding these can boost employee productivity and wellbeing.
Neglecting Employee Input
Don’t forget, your employees are the ones who will be spending the most time in your workspace. So, it makes sense that they should have a say in the fitout design. The reason you’re embarking on this journey is to improve their productivity and wellbeing. To do that, you’ll need to know what motivates them!
Ask employees what they think should be included in the office space planning. Involvement will help get them on board with the process and potentially avoid resistance further down the line.
Inadequate Technology Integration
Don’t forget, your employees are the ones who will be spending the most time in your workspace. So, it makes sense that they should have a say in the fitout design. The reason you’re embarking on this journey is to improve their productivity and wellbeing. To do that, you’ll need to know what motivates them!
Ask employees what they think should be included in the office space planning. Involvement will help get them on board with the process and potentially avoid resistance further down the line.
Office Space Planning with BT Office Furniture
Are you planning a new office layout design? Choosing the right furniture is an essential stage in the process. From collaborative seating solutions to breakroom furniture and acoustic pods, we stock a vast range of high-quality products that are perfect for the modern office. Or why not come to us for assistance on settling on your layout?
At BT Office, we provide complete office furniture fitout, refurbishment, and installation services. We also have years of experience in the office space planning industry. To find out more about our services and expertise, reach us by sending an email to [email protected] or simply calling us on 0800 298 7033.