The office design of a workplace is very important. This aspect of a work environment can make or break a company in how efficient the job gets completed. An office design needs to take into account a few key elements such as size of the space, company goals and employee input. These are all very important aspects in designing a perfect office space.
Improving and maintaining employee morale as well as productivity is a goal of many big companies. A high employee morale means more work is getting completed. Many offices are small, dark and dreary. This mood will affect how the employees work and that in turn affects profits. An office manager or owner needs to decide on what is the correct solution to the problem of office design and then decide how to proceed to correct it.
To start with an office manager should use their observational skills. By observing carefully, they can figure out where the problem areas may lie. They can determine if the space is too small for all of the equipment and furniture.
A good idea is to have the manager draw a picture of the traffic patterns within the office. Observe how employees move throughout the day. Also observe the conference rooms and workstations and see where the work is getting completed. Is there any empty space not being used?
Asking employees for their input can bring other issues in to the equation as well. Employees may make unrealistic demands. Try to work with the employees concerns but remember no one office design can please every employee. Remember if the new office design is going to make big changes such as move employees out of individual offices and into cubicles, remind the employees of what the added benefits will be for their move such as new and bigger lunchroom, more room around equipment, etc...
Determining office goals is a good thing to do prior to a redesign project. List four to five goals and determine which shall be addressed. An idea that has grown in importance is to move the manager to the middle of the work floor and move the workers near the windows which give them access to natural light. It has been proven that by moving the workers, it increases morale and productivity since these workers are at their desks most of the day.
Once the problem areas have been identified, a big question becomes apparent. What will it take to redesign the space into a functional and efficient work area? Is it a big overhaul or just moving furniture? What will the cost of a complete overhaul and construction be including how people would work in the space with construction going on? These are questions that need to be raised. If it becomes apparent that it is too expensive, then the next question becomes is it more feasible to seek another space?
An office design can be difficult and challenging. It takes planning, patience and initiative. A team approach and good communication with everyone from every level in the organization is important. It is worth the time investment as a happy employee will complete more work in an efficient manner. In the end your profit margin will increase and that will boost everyone's morale.
Improving and maintaining employee morale as well as productivity is a goal of many big companies. A high employee morale means more work is getting completed. Many offices are small, dark and dreary. This mood will affect how the employees work and that in turn affects profits. An office manager or owner needs to decide on what is the correct solution to the problem of office design and then decide how to proceed to correct it.
To start with an office manager should use their observational skills. By observing carefully, they can figure out where the problem areas may lie. They can determine if the space is too small for all of the equipment and furniture.
A good idea is to have the manager draw a picture of the traffic patterns within the office. Observe how employees move throughout the day. Also observe the conference rooms and workstations and see where the work is getting completed. Is there any empty space not being used?
Asking employees for their input can bring other issues in to the equation as well. Employees may make unrealistic demands. Try to work with the employees concerns but remember no one office design can please every employee. Remember if the new office design is going to make big changes such as move employees out of individual offices and into cubicles, remind the employees of what the added benefits will be for their move such as new and bigger lunchroom, more room around equipment, etc...
Determining office goals is a good thing to do prior to a redesign project. List four to five goals and determine which shall be addressed. An idea that has grown in importance is to move the manager to the middle of the work floor and move the workers near the windows which give them access to natural light. It has been proven that by moving the workers, it increases morale and productivity since these workers are at their desks most of the day.
Once the problem areas have been identified, a big question becomes apparent. What will it take to redesign the space into a functional and efficient work area? Is it a big overhaul or just moving furniture? What will the cost of a complete overhaul and construction be including how people would work in the space with construction going on? These are questions that need to be raised. If it becomes apparent that it is too expensive, then the next question becomes is it more feasible to seek another space?
An office design can be difficult and challenging. It takes planning, patience and initiative. A team approach and good communication with everyone from every level in the organization is important. It is worth the time investment as a happy employee will complete more work in an efficient manner. In the end your profit margin will increase and that will boost everyone's morale.
About the Author:
John Seah is a Writer and Business Adviser. Who likes to help people.He writes article about office interior design frequently. From office setups, choosing furniture,equipments,themes...Know more about office design.
