One of the fundamental objectives of fitting-out your new office space or refurbishing an existing one is creating an environment that not only allows maximum efficiency but also takes care of the team as a whole. You might want to divide your office space into different sections and plan individually. Still, you’ll need to consider more areas than you have ever expected – to achieve a perfect workstation. The office workplace is not just for the business owner or the brand; it’s also for the team who drives the business ahead.
Maximum flexibility in office workstation is achieved through the use of customised workstations, configured in different plans to suit teams and tasks. Modular office workstation layouts with the least number of variations possible help facilitate future rearrangement if necessary. If you want more control over your workstation, choose its size according to the tasks performed by the user rather than job classification or status. E.g., a multitasking workstation will require more space than workstations where tasks can be carried out in computers only.
Workstation systems should consist of components that can be reconfigured without requiring to invest time and multiple trades. Integrating workstations and desks made from separable free-standing components are advantageous over some custom-built office furniture that restricts reconfiguration.
Modular, free-standing or desk-mounted screens can provide workstations with perfect privacy and flexibility. Lower screens facilitate effective communication and interaction between the members of staff. With increased screen height, privacy increases but communication and outlook are constrained.
More modern offices of today are incorporating open-plan office workstations. Considering future expansion and reconfiguration is essential when planning for the workstation area. One of the most common workstation shapes used in Offices in Perth is straight office desks and the l shape corner desk. The latter workstation shape offers a larger space for both computer and paper-based tasks. There is an increasing trend of using straight office desks, combined with a mobile storage caddy set at right angles to the desk for increased functionality. It not only provides more flexibility but also offers storage, negating the need for stand-alone office bookcases and cupboards.
120degree workstation or pod workstation setup is another common workstation shape used in offices. This shape allows three workstations to form a pod shape, increasing the number of workstations you can fit into the floor-plan. When combined with office screens such as the Interia Systems Prestio32 desk-mounted screen, this workstation shape is a cost-effective answer to the general clerical workstation areas and call centres.
At Interia Systems, we keep innovating better ways of office fit-outs. Our experienced office planners can help incorporate modern and proven concepts into your floor plan to maximise your space with the best functionality. Visit Interia Systems for a free office space consulting service in Perth.
Though the concept of open-plan workspace first appeared in the 1940s, it’s after the tech boom of the early 2000s that this concept is widely accommodated in modern offices. After replacing the ’80s and 90’s offices comprised of dozens of cubes, divided only by partitions, open plan has come a long way. Still, some issues arise with having only the communal areas in the workplace. The trick is to strike a balance between open plan and private spaces.
Adopting a solely open-plan workplace doesn’t take the varying work styles the employees have into consideration. While some people enjoy constant interaction and noise, it can be an unpleasant environment to concentrate and carry out the task for others. An entirely communal area without any private enclosures means workspace planning is only designed for certain types of individuals. Different individuals in an office space perform different jobs and prefer a different environment.
Although open plan encourages collaboration, the regular interruptions from other colleagues can be a significant source of angst when someone is under the pressure of a looming deadline or if someone wants to concentrate. Out of frustration, some employees put on earphones without music playing – to signal they don’t want to be approached.
The key to creating a functional workplace is to adopt a flexible approach where private area workstations are intermixed with open plan. Open plan provides excellent opportunities for interaction and collaboration. At the same time, private spaces allow employees to have the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowd and concentrate the way they want.
On a flexible office plan, you can effectively include small, private rooms for phone calls, meeting rooms for smaller group discussions or meetings and offices where employees can go to escape the noise if they need to. These are some examples of private areas which can be incorporated into the workplace.
Of course, the layout of your workplace furniture depends on the specific needs of your business, but a flexible approach means you can get the balance right between the benefits of open plan and the need for privacy.
Over time, Interia Systems has been continuously researching the workspaces that deliver the best efficiency. We always look forward to creating the best workspace that is not only flexible but also collaborative. Although the open-plan is still one of the most popular options today, it needs to be done innovatively so a collaborative workspace can be achieved while respecting the different working styles of employees
A well-defined collaboration means you need to interact with others to make it happen effectively. An open-plan working environment facilitates employees to communicate with each other and approach other colleagues more easily. While open-plan all the way may not be as effective for every employee, installation of screens can help workstations convert them into private space or collaborative space as per requirement. Low partitions in workstations also help employees to pick up on the activity of their colleagues, keeping noise levels in checks.
Introduce acrylic screens in workstations to achieve a flexible environment. These screens can easily fit in workstations and convert them into private spaces instantly.
Common areas such as lunchrooms and meeting rooms are essential not only to encourage interactions between employees but also to allow workers to have an inviting space away from their desks. Additional areas such as small, private rooms for phone calls or rooms for group conversations can also add to the collaborative nature of a workplace.
Different studies have suggested that employees who often take breaks are more productive than those who work without taking any breaks. So breakout areas have become an essential part of any office environment today.
Once you’ve set up your new office space, it’s essential that you set clear rules on how the different areas should work. It avoids areas being misused and lets employees know what’s expected of them. Setting clear guidelines also means employees don’t need to worry about areas where they can escape the activity of the office and socially interact with their colleagues. For a collaborative outcome, however, design plays a vital role. If your office is well designed, employees should have no problem integrating the best ways to collaborate and deliver results.
Since there is no universal formula to achieve the best office fit-out, you should custom-plan your fit-out according to your business type and your team for the results you desire. However, adopting new trends can help achieve efficiency and flexibility to the next level in your office space. Innovative furniture such as standing desks is widely adopted in modern offices. Accommodating flexible furniture and innovative styles can help you evolve your work norm.
Technology has and continues to change the workplace structures and the way you work.
