A well-designed office space can support creativity and innovation, help to engage employees and contribute to greater productivity too. Creating this kind of environment involves taking into account a range of different factors, from the culture of the business to employee health and wellbeing and requirements for sustainability. It’s not simply about where to put the furniture. Plus, it’s important to bear in mind that an individual approach to office interior design will always be more effective than trying to replicate what you’ve seen elsewhere.

Redesigning office interiors

There are 5 key questions to examine when you’re redesigning office interiors.
1. Would an open plan office improve collaboration or disrupt workflows?
2. Could you increase productivity by giving employees the opportunity to choose where to work? (hot desking).
3. What are the tech needs of the business and how can a redesign incorporate these? It’s also useful to look at how effective office interiors can support optimisation of investments made in technology equipment (e.g. wireless charging, integrated touch screens etc).
4. What kind of an environment does the team need? This could be something stimulating, with bold colours and creative shapes or quiet spaces where employees can work without being disturbed. Often, the easiest way to find out what staff want is simply to ask them.
5. How can you use an office redesign to reinforce brand identity? Rather than just copying what you know about Facebook or Google’s innovative offices, how could a redesign channel the vision and values of your organisation?

Effective office interiors – the key components

• Colours. You don’t have to stick to the colour schemes used in your business branding to create cohesive office interiors. In fact, it may be worth moving away from that and focusing instead on the impact that colours have on the human brain. There is a wealth of research to suggest that colour has an effect on productivity, for example, with green providing a calming but focused environment and blue being associated with logic.
• Lighting. Interior design that maximises available natural light can have a big impact on everything, from employee wellness to productivity. High-quality lighting – as opposed to cheap fluorescent bulbs – creates a much healthier environment and one in which employees are more likely to feel like their needs are being considered.
• Office furniture. Desks and tables come in many different designs today, from modular choices that can be arranged and rearranged right through to warm, old school wood styles. Comfort, durability and ergonomic support – as well as cost – should all be key factors when making furniture choices.
• Employee experience. The experience of those people who occupy the workspace is another vital element to bear in mind. Research suggests that a fifth of employees value a purpose-built area within the office to relax, for example, and plants and vegetation can make a big difference creating a calming atmosphere.

Designing the right office interiors will contribute to a positive environment and help to convey the right impression of your business. From lighting to aesthetics that channel brand vision and values, all these elements have a part to play. To find out more call us on 0208 899 1100 to discuss your requirements.