A Guide to Creating an Effective Office Environment

21 May 2013

Office environments influence every business no matter how large or small. An effective office encourages staff productivity, contributes toward corporate branding and leaves a lasting impression on visiting clients. With big names like Google and Skype opening new offices in London the debate surrounding effective workspaces has never been livelier.

With this in mind what factors should be considered when designing an effective office space?

Decoration

When choosing wall colours think about the impact on those working within the environment as well as the message conveyed to any visitors. The psychology of colour plays a significant role in this decision as each colour has its own unique properties. Don’t be afraid to break out of the traditional format of neutral shades by using bold colours or even textures and patterns as part of office decoration.

If bright and bold walls are not an option, colour can be introduced in a variety of ways. Consider introducing colour in office furniture, wall art or even plants to create a memorable and stimulating work environment.

Ceilings and floors also play an important part in your office branding and atmosphere. Victoria Crawcour – interior designer for Desk Centre – has provided a guide to choosing office flooring. Suspended ceilings from Armstrong World Industries provide a unique and innovative feature to any office design.

Armstrong Suspended Ceiling

Furniture

Furniture has a significant impact on the office environment. It is not only important to consider the aesthetic value of furniture but also its practicality. Office chairs are a key example of this. While aesthetics and initial cost are important, be sure to factor in the comfort of the user and maintenance costs when investing.

Victoria Crawcour advises on choosing the perfect office desk:

“Your office desk is just as important as your chair, and should be warranted the same level of consideration during the buying process. Firstly, there’s company branding. Is the desk you’re looking at available in a colour and style that reflects your business? Secondly, there’s size. Is it big or small enough to suit the tasks you’ll be carrying out or have incorporated storage to eliminate clutter? Finally, there’s the material. While traditional wooden desks are classic and versatile, modern glass desks ooze style and sophistication and daring metal versions encapsulate the popular industrial trend.”

Flexibility

Layout is another key aspect of office design. Management consultants Anne-Laure Fayrad and John Weeks produced a key study for The Harvard Business Review regarding the ways in which office design can impact staff productivity. They suggest informal meeting areas that allow for “chance encounters and conversations on the job” can promote employee cooperation and innovation.

Alcoves and peripheral areas are ideal informal meeting areas as they are public enough for casual encounters whilst allowing the levels of privacy required for confidential conversation. Vetro partitioning from Troax Lee Manufacturing creates an open appearance for offices, reception areas, and work areas whilst retaining privacy.

Troax Lee Manufacturing Vetro

Creating a design that incorporates each of these factors will lead to an office environment that motivates staff and presents a positive message to any visitor.