The average UK office looks nothing like it did just a decade ago. Commercial office design is big business and the traditional workplace is undergoing some major changes. After a stage where design appeared to go over the top, the new workplace is now really focused. The focus of the new office is the values and experiences of the individual.
The design of your office can contribute greatly to your well-being, and that of your staff members. Just like you may feel uncomfortable in your home to the extent you become unwell, the same goes for the workplace. Spending upwards of eight hours a day in the office, it is very important to get your commercial office design right.
21st Century Commercial Office Design
Modern offices are places where people look forward to coming to on a Monday morning. Modern commercial office design improves emotional and physical well-being. A workforce will feel refreshed and motivated in their surroundings. They will foster creativity, ensuring that your business will succeed. You will be aware of how important it is to have a happy workforce, and this can be brought about when you use the very best office design and layout.
Modern commercial office design is an approach that is being used with the millennial generation in mind. You will find more open office spaces, unconventional furniture such as beanbags, and modern accessories you would normally find at home. A modern office is a home from home, and will have a real residential feel about it. Sofas and bright colours will stimulate the minds of your workforce, and even gaming areas and kitchens are the norm. Within these open spaces, your workforce will collaborate, sometimes unknowingly.
Biophilic Office Design
Modern office design is what the younger generation seek. One area of office design that has become extremely popular of late is biophilic office design. Biophilic design means the incorporation of natural elements within the office. As people work indoors it is very important to bring nature in from outside. Water features and whole green walls are common. Plants are a must, as is the natural free flowing of fresh air. As humans we are automatically connected to nature and therefore feel most at home when surrounded with things from nature.
Bringing the outdoors inside is extremely important in city areas. With long office hours and commutes, many workers will not see greenery or sunlight from Monday to Friday in wintertime. Plants and organic materials in the office will ensure your employees feel at peace with each other and within themselves. Rooftop gardens are an excellent example of a biophilic office design. But, if don’t have a rooftop, a few plants and water features are the next best thing.
Resimerical Design
Resimerical is a new term for office design. Simply put, it means the bringing together of the office environment with a residential feel. If your staff feel comfortable and have some home comforts around, they will enjoy the time they spend at the office and won’t be in such a hurry to head home. Quiet areas for staff that need to take a break are important, as are communal areas where staff can get together and collaborate and brainstorm. Spaces for group work are essential and these can be as formal or as informal as you wish. You can include sofas and low coffee tables, bright colours never failing to lift spirits even on the coldest of winter days.
Conclusion
Commercial office design has changed beyond all recognition of late. A decade ago, no one would have dreamed of sitting on a beanbag at work or relaxing in the roof garden. Sofas and water features were rare, and offices were generally very clinical looking. Clinical looking offices feel cold, and they are no good for getting creative. The best way to be creative and to work to your full potential is to work in an office that is a home from home.
Bright colours and natural features will ensure a positive mood throughout for your office. If you look forward to coming into the office on a Monday morning, then for sure your staff will too. So, choose a welcoming environment with open office spaces where your employees can get together, connect, and work to their very best potential.