There was a time when an office meant small, cramped cubbies, boring, dark furniture, dull walls and an atmosphere of ‘all work and no play’. But thankfully, times have changed. Today, office interior design is all about positive vibes, productivity, energy, and creativity. That is because modern professionals don’t just work to earn their bread. They like to love what they do, channel their passion in an encouraging environment, and feel comfortable in a place where they spend so many hours in a day. So, if you are wondering how to make your office more employee-friendly and yet something that resonates with your brand, vision and culture, the following tips will help.
1.Try an open plan layout
Letting go of unnecessary partitions is one of the best office interior design tips you will come across anywhere. By doing this, you can open your office space up, both literally and visually. It will become more spacious, airy, bright and easy for communication and movement. An open plan layout encourages collaborations and team huddles too.
2.Use as much glass as you can
Large windows and clear glass partitions instead of solid doors are a great way to make your office space brighter, more cheerful and welcoming. Large glass windows, especially the ones that are wall to wall or floor to ceiling, can not only offer stunning views, but also bring in tons of natural light. This will make everyone feel energetic, enthusiastic and motivated. Plus, you will cut down on the cost of using artificial lights as well. Just make sure every window or glass wall is kept clean and sparkling.
3.Bring in ergonomic furniture
Contemporary office interior design banks heavily on furniture that is trendy, comfortable and ergonomic, especially if employees spend most of their time at their desks. You should invest in pieces that are good quality too, so that they last you long and are worth your money. And the ergonomic aspect is important to keep employees healthy, fit and happy, as otherwise they will be dealing with neck or back pain all day long. Also make sure to leave enough leg room at every workstation, so that people can stretch their legs and unwind after a tiring work marathon.
4.Get creative with décor
Office interior design doesn’t have to involve boring shades of white or beige. You can add splashes of something bright like orange, green, yellow or even pastel shades for visual interest and liveliness. Just make sure the effect is not jarring. You can use the colours in your logo too. In case you are into something creative, a wall can be dedicated to a fun or innovatively designed wallpaper or cladding. You can also bring in potted greens for a natural, refreshing ambiance. Low-maintenance plants that don’t need direct sunlight are a good idea. Vertical or wall gardens can also spice up the workspace without eating into the floor area.
5.Have relaxation zones
These days, professionals crave for work-life balance and they don’t want their entire lives to revolve around work. Plus, no one can work productively for long hours without a decent break. Which is why, the modern office interior design mantra is to have enough chill-out zones where employees can just relax, read a magazine, meditate, or chat. Beanbags, rocking chairs, mats, and ottomans can exude a casual feel in such zones. If your budget allows you to, plan for a workout area. This will boost employee morale and show them that you care.
6.Focus on organisation
No matter how stylish your office interiors are, nothing will look or feel great if there is clutter all around. Piles of paperwork on desks, pens rolling around, crumpled papers or fruit peels on the floor are a huge bummer for anyone. So, make sure you have enough storage solutions so that employees can stash everything away when not in use. Smart storage hacks include inbuilt cabinets, workstations with multiple drawers and shelves, and stationery and file organizers. Make sure every workstation has a notice board on which employees can pin important papers or lists for ready reference. White boards are a great idea too, if the work doesn’t involve papers.
So, now you know how it is possible to get office interior design right if you follow the above tips. Also, choose materials and surfaces that are easy to clean regularly. When it comes to artificial lights, choose a combination of ambient and task lighting for practical and aesthetic purposes. Finally, if you feel the project is a lot to take on for you single-handedly, get in touch with professional interior designers with experience. They can get the results you want without overshooting your budget. You can easily research online and compare different agencies before picking one.