Open, flexible, activity-based spaces have replaced cubicles. Owing in part to pop culture, cubicles started getting a bad reputation. So, open plans were adopted to promote open communication and group collaboration. The seating arrangements can be quickly reconfigured to accommodate current needs. Let’s not even talk about the clean lines and trendy vibes it gives. If done right, an open office can cater to many workgroups.
Are there any drawbacks? The open office is so pervasive that we rarely question its usefulness. The truth is that putting everyone in one big room doesn’t increase collaboration and innovation. People who work in open-plan offices are less satisfied with their jobs. They’re distracted by the multiple conversations throughout the day, are given little or no privacy, and are likely to deal with stress. It’s obviously not the right choice.
Create much-needed privacy if you want to make your office a more desirable place to work. Have at least some private spots. Be willing to spend the extra money to make your employees comfortable. In this article, we’ve highlighted some solutions to give your office design a sense of balance.
Incorporate Enclaves into The Office
An enclave offers a quiet spot for reflection. A person can process information and formulate ideas for a job well done. An enclave is big enough for one or two people. People can move anywhere in the office, meaning that they can make any area their workspace. You can make the enclave a desirable destination by adding high-comfort furniture. Also, you can embellish the space with accessories like rugs.
There are several considerations to take into account. The nature of the business can affect the design. In a marketing firm, the design should be more flexible to allow for collaboration. The enclave can be a place with a standing desk and a few chairs. In an investment firm that focuses on how to buy crypto, privacy is a significant consideration. The lobby area should make people feel at ease. An open office doesn’t have to feature the same layout across the room. Create private spaces for different needs.
Take Advantage of Partition Walls
Partition walls can be tailored to fit your company and are more affordable than standard walls. Glass partitions can work alongside solid partition walls to create a multi-functional office space. Building a partition wall with a door is a smart way to divide the space. You don’t have to jam new hires into tiny offices. What is more, you can take on new clients and enjoy the further expansion. The office partitions reduce sound pollution and enhance focus.
Remodeling with wall partitions is fast and cost-effective. The office partitions offer privacy but don’t sacrifice valuable space. An office partition wall can make the difference between having a happy and motivated staff and leaving employees feeling cramped, uninspired, and upset. Partition walls can be installed with minimum disruption to business operations. Reach out to the experts and get an estimate on a design that uses modern glass materials.
Prior to choosing office partitions, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you need to damper excess noise? Nothing is more distracting than a noisy coworker. Overheard conversation and high-pitched noises draw attention away from the tasks at hand. Naturally, demand partition walls with noise-canceling properties. Large rooms amplify the noise as the sound bounces off hard surfaces.
- Does portability matter to you? If portability is a factor in decision-making, get portable panels for separation. They may be stacked, folded, or on wheels. A glass wall partitioning has an aluminum frame for stability. These partition walls are best for large-scale offices that don’t have enough room for single offices.
- Do you work in a rented space? It’s possible to make improvements to the area, but make sure the landlord knows about it. Fixed or ceiling-mounted partition walls might not be a solution, and you’ll be better off with freestanding partition walls. If you move to a new place, they can come with you.
You can use partition walls in certain colors and materials to set the mood and tone of the office. For example, use soft colors like greens and blues, which create harmony. You can introduce colors through paint, colored metal, and mosaic tiles, to name a few.
Have Pods for Focused Work
Pods are used across a variety of sectors and industries. They offer an escape and a place where people can get deep work done. For busy people, it’s a chance for uninterrupted work. Pods are meant for uses other than meetings, such as individual concentration, taking phone calls, and even recharging one’s batteries. An employee can slip in for a couple of moments without having to step too far away from the team.
An open-plan office tends to have higher levels of noise and more distractions. A privacy pod is fairly simple to install. It may come fitted with seating, power, lighting, connectivity, and ventilation. You can choose from various surface materials, including laminate finishes and woodgrain. The pod has a timeless design, but it can be altered to suit the end user’s needs. By incorporating active designs into the office environment, you stand to benefit from team members’ increased productivity.
Create A Getaway That Inspires Wellness
Even if you don’t have the money to build three-story slides in the office, there are ways to craft getaway spaces for employees. They can get away from their desks and recharge after a hectic day. Offer healthy foods and beverages to nourish people’s minds and bodies. Also, coffee should be available daily. The style of the getaway space depends on your company’s culture. A game room is a good way to communicate company culture and let prospective talent know you have fun.
Taking the time to unplug is beneficial for mental and physical health. If you don’t have any private spaces, create a semi-private or partitioned-off space. Set up spaces dedicated exclusively to employees that they can use as they please. As the office landscape continues to transform, more and more companies are blending privacy and teamwork. Follow in their footsteps.
