SPACE PLANNING & INTERIORS
THE CHANGING FACE OF THE WORKPLACE
Fred Rademeyer, Chief Executive Officer of Nexus PSL, explains how companies can achieve the ideal workspace to inspire staff and
ultimately increase the success of the business, no matter the size of the space or the industry.
Whether a new office is a fresh start or an expansion, creating an efficient space in which staff can work to their true potential needs careful consideration. Just as a person’s outfit might reflect their values and beliefs, an office is a working projection of the company, its character and culture to both workers and clients.
The aesthetics of an office can also help to attract the right kind of talent. It goes without saying that a vibrant and dynamic space will appeal to an individual who is equally creative, whereas a muted workspace will be preferable to more corporate minded people.
“THE AESTHETICS OF AN OFFICE CAN
ALSO HELP TO ATTRACT THE RIGHT KIND OF TALENT.”
Any working environment must be designed with the business in mind. Will clients be visiting or is it purely for work? What kind of work will take place there? Will people regularly be at a desk? Once you have decided what kind of people your business needs, how they will work and exactly what activities will be carried out, you can begin to build a clearer picture of how the space should look and how to use it.
Some businesses choose to separate their offices into a front and back end, with a stylish and showcase- like area for more creative work and client meetings and another
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more structured and practical place for day-to-day tasks. This set-up inspires individuals to exercise their imaginations if necessary, while also giving them the freedom of a quiet and focused environment.
For certain companies, a zonal approach to working allows staff to fulfill their various duties whilst simultaneously impressing visitors. On the other hand, many businesses, particularly creative ones, pride themselves on sharing their entire workspace with their clients, creating an open and collaborative space for all. Both methods work well depending on the industry and company and careful thought must go into the advantages and drawbacks for the staff, work and clients.
In decades gone by, the office was a symbol of power and substance, where size, numbers and grandeur were the vital elements. Nowadays, value is placed on the ability to deliver and the talent within the organisation. With such noticeable changes, it’s wise for businesses to think about what’s around the corner for work spaces and how their own office might be able to adapt.
Technology has undoubtedly had a huge impact on how and where we work, giving businesses and their staff more flexibility than ever before. This revolution has benefitted smaller businesses that must economise on space and global businesses that need to work in teams across continents. With wireless working, any habitual tasks can be done away from the office space, meaning no space is wasted with extra desks and more people than is necessary.
It’s hard to predict the future but it’s likely that technology will continue to affect the way every sector works and what kind of space they need. In all of this however, it’s important not to lose sight of your staff and the significance of an office that fosters a team spirit. While technology may help us to minimise our work spaces and be productive from afar, the ideal environment is always one that builds upon company culture – whether that’s through branded design, strong stylistic elements, recreational spaces or allowing staff practical areas to work and share ideas.
www.nexus-psl.uk.com
twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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