9 small office fitout ideas to give your business a boost
The modern business world is characterized by the environment in which we work as a determining factor in productivity, satisfaction of employees, and overall business success. A well-designed office brings out the aesthetic appeal of the office in addition to functionality and efficiency. Here are nine small office fit out ideas that will boost your business.
1. Open plan layout
An open-plan office attracts better communication and teamwork among people. There are no physical barriers to hamper interaction and provide for a more cohesive team environment. It is particularly useful for small offices because it saves space by opening up cramped areas, hence making the workspace more flexible.
Study insight: In accordance with this, an analysis by Gensler discovered that workers who worked in open-plan offices reported higher degrees of engagement and collaboration, and thus better performance and job satisfaction.
2. Ergonomic furniture
Invest in some good ergonomic furniture so that your employees are healthy and productive. Proper chairs with back support, height-adjustable desks, and monitor stands can help reduce the exposure risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder. Weak postures bring a lot of strain and discomfort to the body; hence a good working posture reduces discomfort by reducing these strains to the muscles and joints. Superior comfort therefore promotes productivity. It will be prudent to hire a commercial electrician to set up all outlets that may be needed for power and ensure electrical safety.
Research insight: It has been reported by the American Journal of Industrial Medicine that ergonomic intervention can reduce workplace injuries by 50% and boost productivity by 25%.
3. Natural light
Natural light is another causative agent for a pleasant and productive work environment. It relaxes straining on the eyes, elevates mood, and rejuvenates workers’ energy. Setting workstations at a window and using light colored, reflective surfaces maximizes the amount of natural light that is allowed into your office.
Research insight: According to Cornell University, workers who worked in an environment that offered natural light reported an 84 percent decrease in eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision symptoms.
4. Cute storage bins
Small offices are most likely to suffer from clutter and lack of storage. A few creative storage solutions, from wall-mounted shelving and under-desk storage to multifunctional furniture, can help to keep your workspace organized and looking better, not solely for functionality.
Research insight: According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, NAPO, an organized workspace can save employees up to one hour a day, which opens room for increased productivity.
5. Breakout spaces
It is also important to have breakout spaces for relaxation and casual meetings, thereby creating spaces for employee well-being and creativity. Breakout spaces can feature comfortable seats, coffee tables, greenery, among other things. The employees will, therefore, be provided with a space where they can relax, brainstorm, discuss without feeling the pressure associated with formal meetings.
Research insight: According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, the presence of breakout spaces ensures that employees are 17 percent more satisfied with their workplace, with increased creativity levels.
6. Acoustic solutions
Noise is one of the major offices’ distractions, especially in open-plan areas. The use of acoustic solutions will definitely reduce noise levels by deploying sound-absorbing panels, carpets, and ceiling tiles to ensure a quieter and more focused environment for staff to work in. You will also enhance the general ambiance of the office by hanging pictures with the help of picture hanging services across various locations, which also reinforces additional sound absorption.
Research insight: Research by the University of California Berkeley that reduced noise distractions found improved focus to result in a productivity boost of up to 15%.
7. Biophilic design
Biophilic design incorporates elements of nature into the office design and helps to improve workers’ well-being and productivity. This can be accomplished by using plants, natural materials like wood, or colors and patterns inspired by nature. It has been demonstrated that biophilic design can reduce stress, clean the air, and increase general happiness.
Research insight: According to the study by Human Spaces, workers in an environment that featured natural elements reported a 15% higher level of well-being and a 6% increase in productivity level.
8. Flexible workspaces
Different tasks require different workspaces, which may include more or fewer people in a team; therefore, making a workspace versatile and easily modifiable can help the users be more efficient and adaptable. Moving partitions, modular furniture, and adjustable workstations are some of the design elements that facilitate flexibility in workplaces. In that respect, flexible workplaces would allow staff to adjust their work environment, making them more dynamic and responsive.
Research insight: According to the International Facility Management Association, IFMA, flexible workspaces have defrayed up to 60% on real estate costs and as much as 21% improvement in employee engagement.
9. Technology integration
Add some modern technology to the office design in order to fast-track procedures and improve productivity. Such equipment includes high-speed internet, video conferencing gadgets, wireless charging station, and intelligent office system. Integrated technology facilitates better communication, allows proper collaboration, and easier task management. This shall run smoothly if you get reliable installation and maintenance services, which can be assured by Lane Cove electricians.
Research insight: The latest report of Deloitte says that companies deploying the latest technologies have witnessed a burst of 20% in productivity and 30% in improved performance.
Conclusion
These little ideas for small office fit-outs are sure to bring about invariable change to any business, making it more resourceful, comfortable, and eye-pleasing. It will help in enhancing the well-being of staff and increasing productivity by providing better ergonomic furniture, natural light, and flexible workspaces. You are not only investing in an office space but in the future of your business.
