Creativity remains a crucial component of the success of a business. It’s what sets companies apart and allows them to come up with groundbreaking ideas and push boundaries. But what impact does office design have on creativity? And are badly designed office environments limiting innovation?
The connection between office design and creativity
Many companies focus on employee benefits, monetary incentives, and the availability of fun lunch-break activities such as table tennis to keep their teams motivated, in the hope that this translates to creativity.
These are great tools to support the emotional wellbeing of employees, reducing stress and leaving space to think clearly and come up with new ideas. But managers often overlook the importance of their office design in delivering creativity within teams, often opting for plain walls and uninspiring furniture.
A cluttered or dull workplace can leave employees demotivated, and that’s not the best mindset for coming up with out-of-the-box ideas and staying productive. A well-designed space can enhance focus, boost motivation, and stimulate innovative thinking, leaving employees excited to get to the office.
Office design to get the best out of your team
In this article, we’ll have a look at what you should incorporate into your office design to get the best out of your team.
Natural materials
Using natural materials to bring the outdoors in creates a sense of calm in the office, while giving an eye-catching and inspiring finish – the perfect environment for creative-thinking.
Introduce plants
Plants reduce stress and increase creativity. It makes sense – humans have an innate desire to be around nature, yet most office spaces are stripped of all natural objects. Find plants that are suitable for your office environment, paying attention to the light available and how often they can be watered.
Use of colour
A bright and open office with vibrant colours can evoke feelings of energy and improve the atmosphere of any workplace. Use accent walls, colourful furniture, and artwork to create inviting offices that boost productivity.
Ergonomic furniture
Employees who are uncomfortable or full of aches and pains may struggle to be 100% engaged in their work. Furniture that promotes good posture and circulation will naturally lead to increased energy levels, leaving your team to tackle tasks with heightened enthusiasm.
The importance of light
Poor lighting is a key cause of common ailments amongst office workers, such as headaches and eye-strain. Well-designed lighting can boost mood and enhance alertness, making it crucial to a productive team. If your office isn’t bathing in natural light, don’t panic; there are healthy artificial lighting options that can transform your office space.
Office layout
Collaboration is vital to team success, so make sure your office layout allows for it. Incorporate meeting rooms and breakout rooms so teams can work together while also offering quiet zones for deep-thinking and focussed work. Designing different areas in this way allows employees to choose the environment that best suits their current needs and tasks.
Are badly designed office environments impacting innovation?
Yes, badly designed offices are holding your team back from being their most creative and innovative. Using our tips above to make your office a colourful space featuring plants and natural materials in a layout that works for everyone is key to boosting productivity.
Here at Plann:d, we believe that no two workplaces are the same and that office spaces are as individual as businesses. Book your workplace consultation with us now for access to our experienced space-planning team.
