The traditional office space consists office desks, computers, and cubicles. These traditional spaces offer some advantages, such as privacy and concentration. But is that all there is to it? Office spaces that promote isolation can be good for some companies, but others may need variety and seek an office space that moves them.
Great Ideas Come from Everywhere
When you’re seated in the same place for more than eight hours, you’ll feel tired and uninspired. The combination will make it harder for you to come up with new ideas for a project, especially when your job demands innovation and change.
Facebook and Samsung are two well known brands that have working spaces designed differently from other offices. Facebook, for example, places its employees in a single room whereas Samsung encourages a different approach. It’s U.S. office involves outdoor areas that encourage people to mingle and share ideas.
According to Scott Birnbaum, creative ideas aren’t born from sitting in front of a computer. There is growing evidence suggesting that unplanned encounters improve work performance. These improvements range from higher sales, improved innovation, or productivity.
An effective workspace doesn’t have to be different from traditional ones, but sit hould consider the following:
- Office spaces aren’t just locations, but should be used as a tool for growth. A space that encourages interactions can improve performance in key business areas, such as sales and creativity.
- Incorporating digital communications in physical spaces increase interactions. This can lead to increased productivity and creativity.
A typical office space is in any means not a bad thing. However, these changes can be observed to boost employee morale and encourage productivity.
So what do you need to change your workspace?
Consider the following concepts:
Reflecting Work Culture
If a business represents being eco-friendly, their decor and practices must echo that in the office. For example, your business in the Beehive State could install commercial solar panels from Utah and implement a recycling policy.
Break and Resting Locations
Employees need to take a break, especially when it gets busy. But they need the right environment to rest and recharge their minds. This not only improves performance, but it also gives them the opportunity to bond and develop better collaboration with coworkers.
Promoting Individuality and Expression
Allow people to be themselves and reflect behavior on company values. This means that they love what they’re doing and are proud to be part of an organization that reflects their own interests.
Quiet Time
Employee interaction can breed good ideas, but quiet locations are still needed for concentration. People tend to lose focus when they overhear chit-chat. They’re likely to get distracted and lose track of what they’re doing.
Support Groups
Building a community of workers ensures that they are being listened to and share the same energy. A good support group with fellow employees can help them generate ideas. The ideas shared and creativity expressed in support groups can be valuable assets in any organization.
Office spaces have a lot of variety and impact how employees work every day. But recognize that different people have different ways of going about their jobs, and different industries will require offices suitable to their operations. Keep these things in mind when building your workspace.
