First impressions last. And, in the working office world it is no different. Office interior design has become a strategic tool to drive branding through colour selection, textures, patterns and layouts. An entire office building can enable the company values from the outset. From entering a building through reception, to taking an elevator or stairs to an office floor, organisations speak to their employees, customers and visitors portraying a message with no words necessary.
Office Interior Design & Productivity
Office interior design has a unique ability to silently impact the daily working undertone of an organisation. Yes, it can make for eye catching surroundings, but more importantly, it can yield greater productivity. Studies have demonstrated this to be true, where there was a direct relationship between office design and productivity. No longer deemed an indulgence, well thought out design and surroundings are vital to create, not only a functional and safe space but to go further in ensuring that it gives employees a comfortable and visually appealing office environment that enables greater productivity.
The Impact on Customers
This silent messaging we refer to also applies to customers who, upon entering an office, will face multiple messages in the medium of light, colour, tone, pattern and textures. Consider entering a dimly lit office reception, cramped and hot. It’s unkempt and unorganised. How will the customer feel walking through this office? The alterative airy and spacious office will no doubt leave a very different impression. It speaks volumes about how a business operates in terms of its professionalism and its overall brand
Planning and design can tell a lot about the type of business operating in a space and the customer type they attract. An architectural firm could appear clean and crisp with sharp lines and corners to demonstrate the importance of angles and a building’s architecture. A toy brand could have elements of its branding on show in its office, with brightly coloured areas and personality oozing from every corner.
Office design can impact a workspace in both a decorative and functional way. Consider:
- Colour choices, textures and patterns
Many studies show the importance of colour within an office environment and its impact on general mood and overall wellbeing. One such study highlighted the evidence that white, beige or grey, led to increased depression and sadness. While colour may not have been a priority in the past for facility managers, it is increasingly becoming more prominent as a very important factor in designing an office space. So too are patterns and textures which can add a high level of comfort and love of an office environment.
- Layout / space planning
In terms of functionality, there should be easy access to fire exits, sufficient room for cubicles and spacious conference rooms. Consider utilising every inch of space and improve space efficiency where possible. How will the organisation interact in terms of its common areas, agile working spaces, quiet rooms, coffee docks, etc? Ask yourself as many questions as you need to to determine what should go where and how the overall space will function as well as the people.
- Communication and connectivity between employees
Take Google as an example here. With a global pandemic on their hands, they had to change their way of working with many employees working from home. Now, to allow for blended office and remote working, they have created additional meeting rooms called Campfires. This involves those in person and those who work from home to work alongside each other with large video screens. Those at home are essentially present without being physically there.
- Lighting elements
Lighting is a known factor for improving mood. This is also true within a work environment where a mixture of direct/indirect light and daylight is recommended. Studies have shown that those in an office with increased light exposure enjoyed greater benefits in terms of sleep duration/quality, and increased physical activity compared to those with less light exposure.
What’s clear is that the many elements which encompass interior design have a specific role to play in creating a space where everyone feels relaxed, comfortable, organised and safe. Colour, form, space, texture, pattern, lines & light, each allow for increased happiness, overall mood, productivity, branding, values and company messaging. With many of us spending more time in an office than we do at home, ensuring every office space is specific to its own employees and organisational values is key to retaining happy employees and high levels of productivity for your business.
If you would like to know more about The Future of Office Design – How to create a space that works today and plans for tomorrow. Download our guide today. Alternatively, why not book a space planning consultation with one of the members of our team?
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