At Layrd, we believe the answer lies not in dismantling the traditional office but in reimagining it. A well-designed office space isn't just about aesthetics; it's a strategic tool that unlocks functionality, fosters collaboration, and boosts employee well-being – all essential components for a thriving business.
Space planning is the foundation of this transformation. It's not simply about fitting desks into a room; it's about understanding how people work, interact, and perform at their best. We consider everything from workflow optimisation and activity-based working to scalability, curating the perfect space reflective of each workplace and its employees.
Unlocking Workflow Efficiency
Traditional office layouts can often hinder communication, impacting workflow and productivity. It's integral to take the time to understand your team's workflows. Analyse how information flows and how employees collaborate. We'd recommend thinking about:
Communication patterns: Who needs to communicate with whom most frequently? Do some teams require constant collaboration, while others primarily work independently?
Information exchange: How do documents, ideas, and instructions move through the team? Are there physical handoffs or digital workflows? Are there any delays in information flow?
Collaboration styles: Does your team primarily collaborate in small groups or larger meetings? Do they prefer formal conference rooms or casual breakout areas for brainstorming sessions?
Empowering Activity-Based Working
Modern work styles require a more flexible approach. Activity-based working is a human-centred system in the workplace that caters to differing employee needs. The model provides dedicated spaces for activities, giving employees more choices about how and where they'd like to perform tasks. Consider whether you might need:
Quiet focus zones: Imagine private workstations with sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panelling to minimise distractions. Enclosed booths or privacy screens can further enhance the focus zone, providing a visual barrier to surroundings.
Collaboration hubs: Think comfortable seating arrangements like lounge chairs and high tables that encourage interaction. Whiteboards, writable surfaces, and movable furniture allow for dynamic brainstorming sessions and group discussions.
Formal meeting spaces: Do you need to accommodate presentations and client meetings with formal conference rooms equipped with presentation technology? Ensure comfortable seating arrangements for all participants. Design elements that reflect your company's brand identity can help create a professional ambience.
Private call areas: Ensure privacy for phone calls and video conferences without disrupting colleagues. Phone booths equipped with comfortable seating, sound-absorbing materials, and ventilation minimise noise distractions for the caller and those around them.
You should also think about whether your team would benefit from fixed desking or hot desking. Do they need a dedicated workspace, or would they prefer to choose where they sit each day? Fixed desking can offer a sense of ownership, allowing employees to customise their workspace for comfort and productivity. Hot desking fosters flexibility and space optimisation, allowing your office to accommodate a larger number of employees.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Accessible design principles ensure everyone can navigate and utilise the space comfortably, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering a wider talent pool. Space planning for accessibility ultimately contributes to a more productive and functional office for everyone.
Wider doorways and paths, ramps, lowered counters, and clear signage are among the features that can both benefit your team and create a positive company culture.
Scalability and Future Proofing
The business landscape is constantly evolving. The needs of your organisation may change over time, and your office space should be able to adapt. Movable walls or partitions create flexible spaces that can be adjusted to accommodate additional team members or departments.
We design layouts with scalability in mind. This means considering the potential for future growth and incorporating features that allow for easy reconfiguration. Strategic space planning means your office can remain a functional and adaptable asset for the long term.
Want to Implement Strategic Space Planning?
We can help! Our experienced design team can help develop the ideal set-up for your space. Get in touch!
01223 952992
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