office fit-out


Light fantastic Workers’ priorities: the human touch


In a digital age, it’s easy to get sucked into using new technologies, and we’ve known of many businesses which have implemented new tech just for the sake of it. But our research shows people across the Thames Valley value human interactions and face-to-face conversations with colleagues more than anything else. When asked which aspects they would most like to have in their offices, people ranked more interaction with colleagues; more meeting rooms; better heating and air conditioning; and more conference call technology as their top priorities.


That means two-thirds of office workers’ priorities are based around good communications. In contrast, far fewer office workers rated technology as their top priority with digital document storage, interactive screens, presentation facilities and video conference technology being quite low down their wish lists.


So businesses should consider putting good communications and collaboration at the forefront of any office design project, and avoid implementing arbitrary technology which could be seen as tokenistic.


Quick wins


It seems to me Thames Valley businesses have a potential ‘easy win’ to boost their offices and the bottom line. When asked what they’d wish for in an office, more than half of the region’s office workers surveyed said they would like to see plants and natural features – making it the most popular response for wellbeing. Good air conditioning was a very close second, followed by a better look and feel in the office. While a new air-con system is a considerable investment, introducing green elements through plants is a relatively inexpensive decision which can be implemented immediately.


There are lots of ways to make improvements to your office space without breaking your budget.


If a total refurb is a few years away, then the key is to understand what your people need and make sure every pound is spent well. Too many organisations make assumptions about what people want, without involving those using the space in the decision-making process.


Start by understanding how your current space is working for the people who work in it. By engaging with your employees in the development of the space around them, you’ll not only make them feel they’re being listened to, but ensure that the workplace reflects what they need. A well-designed and managed workspace can help boost people’s sense of wellbeing, engagement, and productivity; ensuring they’re always working at their best – which in turn impacts the profitability and success of your organisation.


morganlovell.com 01344 987650


contactus@morganlovell.com THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 businessmag.co.uk 37 Meeting of minds


Employees everywhere seem to want more meeting rooms and that is reflected in Housing Solutions’ Maidenhead office. The company has a range of different sized spaces to cover different meeting needs, with contrasting carpet to distinguish the spaces and the wallpapers featuring different patterns on top of the same base colour; providing a sense of individuality to each meeting room.


Access to natural light ranks highly on office workers’ wish-lists. Maidenhead-based business consultancy Lane4’s central atrium is a great example of how to bring natural light into a workplace. The space is used as a break-out area, eating place and meeting space; bringing together the teams in a collaborative and relaxed way.


It’s good to talk


Tech giant Riverbed’s Bracknell office is focused around improving communication and collaboration between teams; something half of the respondents to our survey said was important to them. Riverbed’s office offers a range of settings to appeal to differing work styles, allowing people to collaborate wherever and however they like.


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