Office environment design ideas

[edit] Introduction

What elements make up the ideal office? Is it plenty of light and quiet areas for productivity? Is it a neutral colour scheme or bright colours that make the area vibrant and exciting to work in? When it comes to getting the balance right for the perfect office environment, it’s rarely the gimmicks that make it stand out. Understanding what employees need to work at their best, both individually and as a team, is far more important.

[edit] Embrace natural light

Light should be a priority when planning an office, as it plays such a big part in how well staff are able to work. Natural light helps the body clock reset every day and boosts the mood, as well as releasing serotonin to make employees happier and more productive.

If your office doesn’t allow for much natural light, you can create a bright work environment through overhead lighting instead. Linear ceiling lights can be customised to tighter spots in difficult areas.

[edit] Break up open layouts

The open plan layout is adopted by so many businesses, but while there are certainly advantages to a bright, spacious layout, it’s not always the most productive for every employee. Instead, cubicles and partitions can be used to separate work areas and incorporate pockets of privacy so that employees can work in the locations that best suit their needs. If they need interaction to plan out ideas as a group, there will be spaces to accommodate them, while staff who need peace and quiet to meet a deadline will be able to work quietly without being distracted.

[edit] Opt for ergonomic furniture

In an office environment, staff are likely to be sitting for long periods of the day. So ergonomics have to play a part to prevent injuries and enhance wellbeing.

You need to choose supportive chairs that can be adjusted to each individual, have arm rests and neck support, and are curved to protect the lower back from excess strain. Likewise, desks that can be height-adjusted to keep staff moving throughout the day can help prevent back pain and improve focus.

[edit] Provide areas for socialising

The office is a place for work, but staff also need somewhere to catch up with colleagues, take 15-minutes away from their screen and brainstorm in a more creative environment. Give your team the chance to get inspired away from their desks with lounge areas and spaces for socialising – comfy sofas and chairs, tables that seat larger groups and additions such as pool tables or coffee machines that make the office somewhere enjoyable to be.

[edit] Choose colour carefully

Colour can make or break an office – it communicates so much that it should be an element that’s carefully considered. Too many neutrals can make an office bland and sluggish. Too bright and it can be chaotic and overwhelming, while too dark can have staff feeling tired before they’ve even started their day. Instead, strike a balance by choosing neutrals paired with one or two bold accent colours that add interest without being too garish.

[edit] Bring nature inside

Studies have shown that nature can help to brighten our mood and lower stress, so it should be a factor in an office design. Bring elements of nature into the office space with tall green plants and floral arrangements that will not only brighten up the space and make it look more inviting, but will also purify the air and have a positive impact on the stress levels of employees.

[edit] Final thoughts

When planning an office design, consider the hurdles staff may come up against and work to mitigate those. For example, a hindrance to productivity might be too much noise or a lack of areas for focus – in these instances, having acoustic screens and soundproofing will help employees work in quiet when they need to.

By thinking of the ways staff might be held back in the office, it is possible to work around these issues and design a place built for efficient working.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• 2019 Office Design Trends.
• Defining the office.
• Office.
• Office space planning.
• Wellbeing and creativity in workplace design - case studies.