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Modern Office Design Employees Will Love

By wizu | 28 April 2022

Modern office design continues to evolve and shift to meet the needs of employees. Many companies are choosing to go with flexible office spaces that allow more use of the office space.

If you’re considering making some changes to your office décor and layout, do you know where to start? Do you have an idea of what your employees would like in the office environment? If not, we’re here to help!

We’ve put together some office design ideas that will inspire and encourage current employees, retain top talent, and bring in new job candidates!

 

The Goal is Effective Office Design

The ultimate goal of an office redesign is to create an environment that inspires employees and cares for their wellbeing. You want a workplace that concentrates on the people who work there. The design and décor need to make employee work easier when it comes to collaboration, communication, and getting tasks completed.

Here are some office design ideas you may want to consider that your employees want.

 

1. A Living Office Through Biophilic Design

Studies have shown that people who work in an office environment feel better and get more done when they work in a space that includes natural design elements. Biophilic design is all about bringing nature into the office, and it’s more than just using plants.

Biophilic design uses natural elements in the office to improve the environment. Humans have an innate need to be in touch with nature, and this can be achieved through bringing nature into the office:

Natural light: allowing natural light into the office space can improve lighting in the space and improve employee mood and well-being. Light can be allowed through glass windows, walls & doors, glass ceilings, and more.

Flowing water: adds a soothing touch to lobbies, reception areas, common areas, or even in larger offices. You can do this by adding fountains, streams, or even mini waterfalls.

Plants: yes, we can’t forget plants in a biophilic design! Plants can do quite a bit to improve the office. For one thing, they remove toxins in the air and put oxygen back into the office. They can also absorb sound in noisy spaces and look pretty. Adding living plants (not artificial ones) has a huge impact on the humans working in the space.

Views of nature: are there green areas outside your office? Try to use the current window space to bring the green space into the office. Incorporating scenic views can easily bring nature into the office. If your office doesn’t have beautiful outdoor views, you may want to consider using nature-themed artwork on the walls in the space. Another way to use plants is to create indoor gardens, wall gardens, and more.

Natural materials: biophilic design also makes use of natural materials such as stone or wood to bring nature into the office. These natural elements bring texture and contrast to office design when used creatively.

 

2. Home at the Office

Many employees would love to have a comfy place to work that reminds them of home. Doing so can help everyone feel more relaxed and better able to focus on their work. Making the office more comfortable and homey doesn’t have to be difficult.

For instance, you may want to consider adding comfortable sofas, chairs, and tables in lounge areas. Adding area rugs, throws, and pillows can make the space more comfortable and relaxing.

The same effect can be done in other areas of the office, such as the recreational areas. You may want to consider adding recreational swings, ping-pong tables, and more.

The goal is to create spaces where employees can relax and feel as if they’re at home. These spaces provide them with a place to rest their minds and bodies while taking a break from their work. What’s better than getting employees to recharge and stay productive by creating homey spaces for them?

But the comfort of home doesn’t have to remain only in breakout spaces and lounges. It’s possible to create working areas that are fitted out to be comfortable and homelike, too.

When employees feel supported, comfortable, and relaxed, they are more productive and happier.

 

3. Ergonomic Workstations

No matter the office design you choose to go with, ergonomic workstations are imperative for employee wellbeing. Sedentary lifestyles are not healthy and can have a huge impact on an employee’s health. So, many companies are choosing to use modern ergonomic office furniture. You can choose the following new solutions for your office furniture:

Ergonomic chairs: these are office chairs that provide adjustable support for the lower back (lumbar region). The seat height, arms, and more can be adjusted to fit individual employees. The goal is to sit correctly to avoid back problems, repetitive injuries, and more.

Height adjustable desks: these are also a great solution to ensure each workstation fits a particular employee the right way. In addition, the desks can be used as sit and stand desks, which encourage movement and a change in position when needed.

Exercise ball chairs: these are large plastic balls that are inflated with air. The exercise ball chairs can be used in place of a traditional chair. The employee sitting on the ball can bounce up and down, move around, all of which exercises the muscles of the body to stay balanced.

 

4. Glass Walls & Doors

Glass walls and doors have been in the workplace for years; however, they’re still an essential part of modern offices. They bring a couple of huge benefits that can make employees feel better and stay productive:

Lets in natural light: glass doors and windows allow light into the office space and then allow the light to travel to other parts of the office. Natural light can reduce eye strain and ease headaches, too.

Transparency: glass walls and doors also promote transparency in the office. They can be soundproof and yet offer a sense of community in the workspace.

 

5. Activity-Based Working

Another great idea your employees are sure to love is the creation of activity-based workspaces. This office design is best for flexible workplaces that are geared to getting employees to move around as they work.

For instance, if an employee needs to focus in a quiet space, they can move to the quiet area, where distractions from others are at a minimum. On the other hand, if a group of employees needs to collaborate on a project, they can move to another space set aside for this use. Or the space may be turned into a meeting area by switching up the modular furniture to form a meeting and collaboration space.

The goal here is to provide employees with different spaces to work. They can then choose where they want to complete certain tasks and more.

 

Summing It Up

When the office is ready for a redesign, why not consider using one or more of these tips to spruce up the workplace. Making changes that promote employee comfort and wellbeing may even lead to increased productivity, a draw for top talent, and more!

Looking for office space? Be sure to get in touch with us to see what we have to offer!

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