Designing an office space might seem simple – but poor office design can negatively impact productivity, flexibility, and ergonomics. With employee wellbeing and business success at stake, it’s crucial to plan your workspace strategically.
Today, we’re here to share some insight from our team’s perspective and unlock some common mistakes for you to avoid to help you ensure that your office is a place where wellness and productivity can thrive!
Mistake #1: Ignoring Employee Needs
One size does not fit all, and in this day and age where everything moves and changes so rapidly, it is essential to factor this into your office layout. Ignoring employee needs can lead to a dissatisfied workforce, eventually leading to higher turnover rates and an overall hindrance of productivity.
Today’s workers have a set of clear priorities when it comes to the workplace such as mental & physical wellness, diversity, equity, flexibility, and inclusion – and it’s worth keeping in mind that by 2025, the global workforce will be occupied by mostly Millennials, and nearly 30% Gen Z.
This is why understanding the different generations’ needs and listening to your team’s preferences and requirements can lead to a happier, more productive environment, and in turn, better success for your business!
Mistake #2: Poor Space Utilisation
We’ve all heard it said : “A cluttered space is a cluttered mind”. Having said that, an overly sterile environment can be just as distracting and unstimulating as a cluttered one. So good and efficient space utilisation is essential for boosting creativity!
Did you know that the average person spends approximately 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime? Let’s make sure that your office space is well-organised, inspiring, and uplifting, to help make those hours not only bearable, but enjoyable for all the team.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Ergonomics in Office Design
Ah, Ergonomics – it feels like one of today’s buzzwords but we can assure you it is so much more than that. Utilising correct ergonomics is essential – and overlooking its principles can result in potentially severe discomfort and long-term health issues for your employees, leading to decreased work efficiency.
It’s interesting to know that the word “ergonomics” is derived from the Greek words “ergon” (work) and “nomos” (laws) – signifying the natural laws of work. And we won’t argue with the Greek…
So go ahead and invest in ergonomic chairs, desks, and accessories and guide your team on how to set up and use them according to their individual needs. Check out this video on how to correctly use an ergonomic chair to get started!
Mistake #4: Lack of Flexibility in the Workplace
As mentioned earlier, in today’s fast-paced world, flexibility is key and highly sought after, especially from the current generation of workers. A rigid workspace that does not accommodate today’s various needs and lifestyles will not only hinder creativity and collaboration, but eventually see even its most dedicated employees walking away.
Therefore, by setting your office space up with modular furniture and adaptable layouts – and also offering the hybrid option of remote work whenever possible – you will enhance productivity and increase employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Mistake #5: Insufficient Lighting
Lighting can make or break an office environment. Whether too dim or too harsh, poor lighting can lead to eye strain and fatigue, dampening the mood and impacting overall work performance.
Ensure that your office has as much natural light as possible by maximising windows, and carefully select lighting fixtures and colour temperature (around 4000K) to brighten your space adequately to keep morale and energy high and productivity flowing.
Mistake #6: Poor Acoustics
Noise can be incredibly distracting, and therefore neglecting acoustic design can negatively impact concentration and productivity and increase stress levels within the workspace. By using sound-absorbing materials, creating quiet zones, and designing your office layout with optimal acoustic performance in mind, you will create a healthy, productive, happy and distraction-free environment!
As you can see, a well-designed office enhances productivity, supports flexibility, and ensures proper ergonomics for long-term employee wellbeing. Allow us to help you achieve this – check out our office product range here; from ergonomic chairs and ergonomic desks to acoustic solutions, office accessories, and so much more.
Kick things off by sending us an email to get a quote : hospitality@vivendo.mt
We can’t wait to hear from you and help you get one big step closer to success!