Open-plan offices have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to increase collaboration and communication among employees. However, many people find them to be very distracting and noisy, which can lead to decreased productivity. In order to get the most out of an open-plan office, there are a few things that you need to do in order to create a more productive environment.
Create a Design Brief
Designing a space can be a lot of fun, but it’s also important to have a plan in place before you start. Having a design brief will help you to stay organized and on track, while ensuring that your final product is exactly what you had in mind. Here are a few tips on how to create a successful design brief for your next project!
Design a space that is functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. At the end of the day, you need to consider both your employees and your clients when designing your offices, so it’s important to have something that looks nice but also makes sense for your work.
Make Sure There Are No Distractions
One of the main reasons people dislike open-plan offices is because they are distracting and noisy, which can make it very difficult to concentrate on work. You should create a layout that ensures employees aren’t distracted by noise and other factors.
Figure Out How Much Space You Need
The goal is to have a design that works for everyone, so it’s important to figure out what your employees are going to be doing and how much space they will need in order to complete their work. Once you’ve figured this out, you will know exactly how many people can fit in your space.
Figure Out the Needs of Each Department
Each department in an organization will have different needs when it comes to office layouts, so you will need to develop a plan that is catered specifically towards them. Once you know exactly what employees in each department are looking for in an office, you can design layouts that cater to their needs and ensure that everyone is happy.
Create a Design Scheme
Having a color scheme and style guide for your office can make it look very professional and cohesive, which clients will appreciate. It also makes it easier to maintain design continuity as you move through different projects. If you need help with how to create a design scheme, here’s some advice for you!
Using the design brief that you have developed, create a number of options for your open-plan office layout. This will help you to figure out what works best for your company and how you can fit everyone in the space.
Design the Office Layout
When it comes to designing an office layout, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. The goal is to create a space that is functional and aesthetically pleasing, while ensuring that there are no distractions for employees. You should also figure out how much space each department will need in order to complete their work. Once you have a plan in place, you can start to design the actual layout of your office. Here are a few ideas on how you can do this!
Design with Clusters
Rather than having one long row of desks, consider breaking up the space into different clusters. This will enable employees to have their own personalized area, which they may appreciate more. However, if people prefer to work out in the open, you could design an office with long rows of desks.
Locate the Office near Windows
If you have natural lighting, it can be beneficial to put employees closer to that space so that they can enjoy work with some sunlight. A decent amount of light will reduce fatigue and help people feel more active during their day, which is why it’s important to look for offices that have windows in them.
Look For Other Amenities
If your office does not have windows, you could put in skylights to ensure that employees feel like they’re working outside. Other things you can add include water fountains, exercise equipment and plants. Even if the space is small, it will give people a chance to get some exercise while they are at work.
