6 Tips for Designing a Great Shared Office Space
Nowadays, many people are trying to find alternatives to working from home or at the office. As a result, co-working spaces are gaining more and more popularity, thanks to their professional yet comfortable vibes. Moreover, this has led business owners to let go of the outdated idea of the traditional workplace with cubicles and isolating desks. They realized that when employees feel less lonely, communicate with coworkers, and have control over their time, they tend to be more productive. If you are thinking about opening your own shared office space, you should read the following tips to help you start on the right foot.
1. Provide the Right Facilities and Utilities
Different facilities are one of the most important aspects that you should include in the design, as they will help make the place more comfortable and practical. For instance, a restroom and a kitchen will make people’s lives easier at the office, as they will get to make their own food or store ready-made meals in the refrigerator. If they need to wash their hands or use the bathroom, they won’t have to waste their time looking for a public toilet. Additionally, installing high-quality toilet partitions from onepointpartitions.com can help create a sense of privacy and comfort for employees using the restroom facilities.
When it comes to utilities, you should keep in mind that a stable internet connection is the most crucial one. Almost all jobs require it, so you need to make sure that the wireless signal is always strong no matter how many people are using it. A weak signal can frustrate people and drive them away from your co-working space.
2. Invest in Shared Work Tables
You should meticulously pick the furniture that you will add to the office. The first items you should buy are the tables. We often hear people complaining about working in a cubicle that cuts them off from other employees. Box-shaped stations suffocate employees, as they stay in the same place without any communication for almost eight hours per day. We are social animals, and you should never underestimate the effect of human connection on our psyche, which is why you should break this office stigma by investing in shared work tables. Every remote worker will still have a separate laptop and office supplies, but they will feel less alone and more connected to their peers.
3. Choose Flexible Seating
Speaking of human connection, the flexibility in moving around with the chairs and the ability to look at other workers to discuss projects or brainstorm ideas make it easier to stay connected. That’s where adjustable, mobile chairs come in handy.
Mobile seats can improve client retention because the better rapport they have, the less hostile the environment will be, which allows everyone to work in harmony. When you design a place that promotes interaction and socialization, the whole atmosphere becomes more inviting, which increases your clients’ loyalty towards the place. The right arrangement and choice of furniture can provide these benefits that help remote workers get the job done in a timely manner without feeling too stressed or isolated. Furthermore, with a flexible seating arrangement, any emergencies can be addressed immediately because everyone is in the same place and is one chair move away.
4. Provide a Storage Area
Today’s office should have a storage area where workers can keep their belongings, files, and work equipment. It’s smart to get a locker that is multipurpose and takes up a small space in any room. That way, you can keep the place organized, which, in turn, makes it more inviting. Moreover, this allows workers to focus on their jobs while knowing that their items are kept safe.
5. Add Welcoming Features
The more open the workplace is, the more welcoming it is. That’s why you should choose an office with a high ceiling that gives the illusion of space. Another way to make them feel comfortable is by adding comforting decorations. For instance, add paintings of nature or place a few plants and flowers around. Natural elements in general have a peaceful effect on the viewer.
6. Install Glass Walls
A well-lit workspace that uses the sun as its source of light makes people energetic and more productive. That being said, glass partitions are the best option when it comes to dividing up a space while still allowing natural light to come in. They keep the office space airy and bright while reducing power consumption and saving you a lot of money at the same time.
Designing a great co-working space depends on the kind of furniture, facilities, and utilities you invest in. You should do your research and look for modern designs that will help you provide a unique working experience. Remember that the more comfortable and peaceful the environment is, the more profitable your shared office space will be.