What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions the office environment? If you are like most people, then you are probably thinking about long lines of cubicles and dozens of employees working on their computers and telephones in isolation.
For a few decades now, most offices were organised with small cubicles because this concept had proven to be effective even for small spaces. However, modern design and technology are changing these concepts and views and the office environment is starting to change. Let’s take a quick look at some of these changes.
For a few decades now, most offices were organised with small cubicles because this concept had proven to be effective even for small spaces. However, modern design and technology are changing these concepts and views and the office environment is starting to change. Let’s take a quick look at some of these changes.
Open, wide workspaces
Modern offices include workspaces that are open and bring better communication and visibility. So, the old unfriendly, isolated cubicles are being replaced with a more relaxed environment. There are many different design elements that contribute to this such as creating workspaces where a few employees can work together, focused work areas, team rooms, break out areas etc.
If you want to make the workspace more open, you can replace solid walls with interior glass walls. The glass provides good visual communication and it also brings more natural light into the area.
Environments that support collaboration
It is possible to use office space in a different way and to support collaboration between all employees. Obviously, sitting in a cubicle and staring at the computer all the time is not something that encourages cooperation. A collaborative environment stimulates employees to leave their chairs and move around. For instance, some companies are lowering the wall horizons to stimulate communication. They also add whiteboards to help employees share their ideas and thoughts.
Integrating technology
There are also many design elements that help managers and owners include technology in their offices. With the help of technology, employees can improve their work and increase productivity. For example, you can use a docking station for smartphones or tablets. Team meetings can include projector displays. Video conferencing rooms can be introduced. There are numerous smart-tech ideas that can be incorporated into your office space and this is only limited by your budget and, of course, your budget!
Adjustable interior walls
These are interior wall systems usually based on glass and they are highly adjustable. This means that employees can adjust the walls depending on the task. When they are working on a project they can close the walls completely, but when there is a meeting they can free up space by moving them.
These are just some of the ways that the modern office is changing and we could wax lyrical for hours about it. If you’re looking to change the way you work, why not give us a call and we’d be happy to give you our opinions on what you’re trying to achieve.
