The first step in any office refurbishment is to ask “How much office space do I need?”
In order to answer this question and to address it with a view to ensuring that you plan not only for today but into the future it’s important to take an in-depth look at what’s working and what isn’t working within your current office setup. Once you’ve taken some time to look at this and to determine where you need to make changes you’ll be in an ideal position to start reviewing where and how you can make improvements.
It surprises many companies that with some thought the space they currently have can be made to work far more efficiently for them and their business and they can avoid having to move to bigger premises – in many cases saving a great deal of money.
Office Refurbishment Process
Start the process of your office refurbishment by thinking about how you can maximise the use of your current space. Consider what changes can be made and what new ideas or innovations can be put in place since you moved into the space or since your last refurbishment.
It’s often the case that if it’s been some time since you last refurbished there may now be new technologies available that will help you to meet your new office requirements. Even if this isn’t the case then thinking through how best to use your current space will still enable you to improve the office setup/layout and ensure that space is better utilised.
Make a start by drawing up a comprehensive list of all the areas that need improvement. Think about your existing layout and what areas aren’t working for you.
New Office Layout / Functionality
You may decide you need more offices. If that’s the case you’ll want to think about whether “private” enclosed offices will work best or if “open-plan” will best suit your requirements.
The best solution will depend on whether your staff needs privacy or if a more collaborative space will result in a closer working team? While an open-plan solution may not suit everyone, it’s worth considering opening up any areas of your office that would lend themselves to a more open plan layout.
The ideal office layout for your business may be a combination of both closed and open office space, keeping in mind the particular needs of your various employees and teams.
Your review may have highlighted a need for more meeting rooms (or other areas). Innovative use of partitioning can divide your workspace up into the space types you require. Unlike solid walls, partitioning can also be far more easily rearranged as your needs change.
Many companies are finding it’s as important to have “informal break out areas” as it is to have well-designed office space.
Research has shown that sitting in front of a computer screen too long can cause eye and back problems. Health and safety laws require staff to take frequent breaks from their work stations when computers are being used. Break out areas enable staff to “get away” from their desks and PCs and to take some much needed down-time.
Break out areas can fulfil a number of different functions e.g. they can be a place for employees to relax, take a break or eat their lunch, hold meetings, brainstorm with team members or meet with clients. Very often just moving out from behind a desk and into a more informal area can help drive the creative process and enable the exchange of ideas.
Use Natural Light and De-Clutter
Where your offices have natural light, make the most of it. Studies by Mental Health Research UK (MHRUK) have shown that bright, well-lit offices give a feeling of space and make for more productive, stress-free and contented staff. Dr Laura Davidson from MHRUK says “Employers and educational establishments need to take on board just how important natural light is to good mental health. They have a responsibility to ensure that work and study environments have sufficient windows to flood the building with as much natural light as possible”.
Interestingly a neat office can also help staff feel they have more space. When planning your office refurbishment keeping your workplace tidy should also be factored into your plans. Try to remove clutter and promote open spaces so that staff don’t feel hemmed in by their surroundings. This can be achieved through the use of floor to ceiling storage walls enabling staff to store paperwork, files and folders in a way that keeps the workplace clean and uncluttered.
These are just a few of the many things to consider when you next come to plan your refurbishment or office fit out.
JBH Refurbishments
Contact us to discuss your existing space and refurbishment plans. We may even be able to suggest new ways of using your office space which will greatly improve your office layout.
Call our helpful team to discuss your options on 0333 207 0339 or email info@jbhrefurbishments.co.uk.
