New year, new office?<\/p>\n
Post-pandemic we\u2019ve seen the way we think about the office – and how those spaces are used – shift and evolve in line with the wider changes wrought on the world of work. That means there\u2019s no better time than the start of this new year to rethink your design and create a space that truly works for your business.<\/p>\n
Great design has the power to transform productivity levels, shape culture, enhance wellbeing and assist with staff retention \u2013 all key concepts that make a direct contribution to your overall success, no matter your sector.<\/p>\n
To help you get it right, we\u2019re sharing our top 10 office design tips for 2024 right here. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n
Two-thirds of business leaders<\/a> believe that we\u2019ll see a full-time return to the office for all staff by 2026. Ensure that those heading back feel welcome by taking a cue from the hospitality sector. Caf\u00e9-style reception areas with warm lighting, comfortable seating, plants, and a drinks station nurture a sense of the familiar.<\/p>\n Emulating a favourite high street coffee spot, this type of space is a very effective way to invite staff and visitors into the building and encourages them to feel comfortable. It also offers a space for social events, can function as a team lunch spot, informal meeting destination and relaxation spot.<\/p>\n Offering a variety of drinks and snacks such as fresh fruit, pastries and sandwiches can also help to communicate value to team members, which translates to happier, more productive, and more aligned teammates.<\/p>\n With many CEOs keen to have their whole teams back in the office full-time, you may need to rethink the seating arrangements. When considering a new office design, it\u2019s vital to ensure there\u2019s enough desk space for the whole team to work comfortably \u2013 in a way that suits their style of working.<\/p>\n If you switched to a hybrid or flexible model post-pandemic but more people are now migrating back to the office, you may need to think creatively about where everyone will sit. Communal workspaces work well for shared projects and collaboration, but there are times when focused personal space is also called for. You will likely need a mix of workstations to ensure that when the whole team is in the office, everyone has a space to work in a way that works for the task at hand.<\/p>\n Biophilic design<\/a> is the practice of bringing the natural world into the built environment and it\u2019s one of the biggest trends shaping office design today.<\/p>\n Considering how you can incorporate natural materials, textures and patterns within the office environment creates spaces which are inherently calm and restful and promote wellness. Incorporating plants and living walls promotes better air quality for example, while also absorbing excess sound. Likewise, the use of natural materials eliminates some toxins and chemicals. These considerations combined can help to create a healthier space for all office users and boost physical and mental wellness.<\/p>\n 2023 was the warmest year on record<\/a>. Climate scientists have warned that 2024 is very likely to continue that pattern, with a 99% chance that it too will be one of the top 5 hottest years ever experienced on earth. With our summers only set to become more ferocious, smart planning now could help your office space be more comfortable when the full force of summer hits later.<\/p>\n Prioritising natural ventilation during the design process is a win-win. Not only does it help to cool the space and therefore create a healthier, more productive environment for business, it also reduces the need for costly energy-powered cooling.<\/p>\n Lighting plays a fundamental role in how well (or not) your office works and functions. It\u2019s especially key to wellbeing, as too little or too much light can trigger migraines and eye strain.<\/p>\n When thinking about lighting, there\u2019s no one-size fits all approach. Different areas of the office will require different styles of light so you\u2019ll need to give careful thought to designing a well-lit office<\/a> that strikes the right balance of functional and aesthetically pleasing.<\/p>\n While always working to maximise the use of natural light, you\u2019ll also need to decide on where and how task, ambient and accent lighting will feature in your new look workspace.<\/p>\n2. Ensure there\u2019s enough desk space for the whole team<\/h3>\n
3. Don\u2019t underestimate the importance of biophilic design<\/h3>\n
4. Prioritise natural ventilation<\/h3>\n
5. Think carefully about lighting<\/h3>\n