DESIGN & INTERIORS
need to fit all these types. For example, rather than having allocated desks for those who are rarely in the office, their teams can be separated into “neighbourhoods” with fixed desks for those who are in every day, and flexible desks designed for a variety of uses, one of which is accommodating occasional desk users.
The increase in flexible and agile working means that teams are often dispersed, which can result in a feeling of detachment. Businesses need to ensure the space and culture encourages people back to the office – creating a great workplace experience and environment where people really want to be, not have to be. Employers can do this by making work feel like an experience, with shared goals, a mission and a purpose, adding value to the individuals who work there.
In addition, businesses can learn from the retail and hospitality sectors by creating breakout areas that have a homely environment, and consider health and wellbeing facilities. Research has shown that workers who move away from their desks generate new ideas. So, employers should embrace the power of disconnection and make employees feel that it’s OK to take a break. Encouraging employees to move away from their desks, eat mindfully, and socialise, is intrinsic to creating a balanced and happy work environment and ultimately, the business will benefit.
Technology Another key consideration when re-designing office space is technology, which has transformed the workplace. It facilitates conversations across teams (and continents) and is the backbone of agile working. With our changing working styles and differing work-types, it’s essential that the office is technologically enabled to suit all employees’ needs. It’s best to make it as seamless as
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possible ensuring staff can work with minimal fuss – whether ‘docked’ at a hot-desk, creating a data hotspot on the move; connecting remotely to the cloud or using integrated AV for a presentation.
Changing the office
environment can inject a new energy into the company.
The IT department also needs to be accessible and welcoming. IT Help Desks can be incorporated into breakout areas, encouraging interactions and helping change how the IT department is perceived. The Apple Store is a great example of how you can mitigate IT problems and enhance the experience of technology in the workspace; an IT hub in the workspace means that IT issues can be quickly resolved, face to face.
Brand Lastly, your office should reflect the brand and its culture. What are the design principles that reflect your brand? One of the mistakes we see businesses make is trying to copy what has already been done. It’s easy to become misled by the values of other businesses. Google might be renowned for having a very ‘cool’ and forward-thinking office space, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that its office design would suit your brand. Every company will have its own approach to working practices and, while it’s good to aspire to the values of a respected brand, that’s very different from actually imitating its operational and organisational culture.
www.morganlovell.co.uk TOMORROW’S FM | 39
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