Layout Ideas for a More Productive Office
The right office layout can have a big impact on productivity. With a wide range of different workspace setups to choose from, it can be hard to know which approach is best. However, designing an office floor plan with unique layout ideas and creative color schemes is an efficient way to organize and optimize a productive office space.
Overview
This post offers office design ideas and tips on:
- Designing an office floor plan
- Different layout ideas
- Productive office essentials
- Keys to great office organization
- Choosing the right colors
Designing an Office Floor Plan
Workspaces should foster inspiration, focus and collaboration. Crowded or confined office setups tend to make employees feel discouraged, anxious and unproductive. Uncomfortable workspaces can affect your team’s performance and output, lower morale and decrease overall job satisfaction.
Redesigning your office is a practical way to inspire your team and boost work activity and attitude. When revamping an office, consider dividing your layout to maximize productivity. Open areas are perfect for meetings and project collaboration, while individual seating provides employees a quiet space to concentrate when tackling extensive or complicated job assignments.
Office Layout Ideas
When brainstorming new office layout ideas, be sure to choose a design that suits your business best. What works well for one company may be less effective for another. The amount of collaboration and individual work your employees require will help you decide which layout is most efficient.
- Office Cubicles: Single cubicles have partitions separating them from other work areas. Enclosed workstations allow more privacy and better focus, along with the opportunity to personalize desks with items like picture frames, potted plants and small decorative sculptures.
- Open Floor Plans: Modern office design techniques like grouping desks and tables in a single room work well for companies where efficient communication is a necessity. While an open floor plan office offers less privacy, it’s one of the best desk layouts for productivity if tasks require teamwork and cooperation.
- Co-working Spaces: For the best of both worlds, co-working designs incorporate the group dynamic and communication of an open floor plan while designating smaller areas for specific job roles. Combining closed-off and free-form layouts gives you a collaborative office space, provides semi-private work areas and keeps the layout organized.
Creating a Productive Office with the Right Furniture
Quality furniture is another essential component of a good office space. Ergonomic seating and workstations are crucial considerations when creating a productive workspace.
Chairs
With a cozy office seat, workers are less likely to fidget as they try to find the right position. Adjustable chairs with wide seats and locking wheels let your employees enjoy customized comfort as they concentrate on tasks. For a touch of color, consider chairs in shades like beige, blue and red.
Desks
Fortunately, many options have adjustable sitting and standing features. Some models also have convenient storage drawers, shelves and built-in filing cabinets so employees can keep all of their necessities close by.
Other Office Furniture Ideas
Along with ergonomic desks and chairs, there are several other pieces of office furniture you should add to your layout. From light fixtures that help workers focus to plush, casual alternatives and traditional office chairs, you can use an array of unique furnishings to keep your team comfy and foster productivity.
Versatile Seating
Some offices have small sofas or sectionals to provide ample comfort and space during impromptu meetings. Other companies offer individual leather arm chairs or plush fabric recliners where employees can kick back and sink into a project while enjoying a midday cup of coffee or tea.
Adjust the Lighting
Fluorescent lighting is common in many commercial buildings. Instead of relying on harsh overhead lights, invest in accent lighting such as gold or bronze floor lamps that cast a warm glow throughout the room. Gentler lighting creates a relaxing vibe, encouraging people to feel calm and focused. Ensure you have enough outlets and plenty of power strips for those who want to use their own lamps.
Creature Comforts
For a boost of comfort, add fabric ottomans to employee desks and break room sofas to serve as portable footstools or chairs. You can also use decorative accent pillow sets to bring an extra touch of style and softness to your design. If your office has hardwood or tile floors, try making the lounge or lobby a little cozier by adding an area rug that complements the color scheme.
Fill the Space with Plants
Plants have a natural calming, mood-lifting effect, which is just one good reason why many people keep them around their homes. Adding plants to your office brings those same benefits to the workplace, helping your team stay more upbeat and productive throughout the day. Even low-maintenance green silk florals create a more refreshing and comfortable environment.
Office Floor Plan & Organization
Disorganized workspaces are notorious for causing stress and anxiety for employees. Time wasted searching for work tools, files and office supplies leads to increased frustration and can cause staff members to lose valuable hours. As you develop your productive office layout, make sure to include ample storage for critical documents, supplies and equipment organized for maximum efficiency.
Using different storage solutions like wooden bookshelves, drawers and filing cabinets keeps essential items tidy and accessible. Consider setting up a designated supply closet and invest in a label maker to mark tools and bins of office essentials like pens and post-it notes. Good workspace organization allows personnel to focus on their job roles instead of dealing with distracting clutter.
Colorful Office Design Layouts
Another critical detail of your office interior design is understanding how room colors and unique wall decor affects your environment. Many people associate bright colors with daylight, so lighter hues make workplaces feel airy and cheerful. Consider some of the latest popular colors as well as the following suggestions to find the perfect shade for your office:
- Blue: Shades of blue help people feel relaxed and calm, making it a perfect color for break rooms or lounge spaces. Incorporate your desired shade of blue with fun accents like ottomans or rugs.
- Yellow: Sunny shades of golden yellow can improve focus, mood and productivity. Knowing how to decorate with yellow allows you to easily incorporate this bright and energetic color into your office.
- Green: Green accent walls and furniture offer an instant update that refreshes the look of your office and helps employees feel alert.
- Neutral: Neutral shades like gray, beige and ivory promote feelings of professionalism and relaxation. As such, they make an excellent choice for a laid-back office vibe or a professional video background during client calls.
A chic and cozy office design gives your employees everything they need to relax and focus while they work. Creating a pleasant, productive work environment ensures that your team can do their best and enjoy their jobs every day. Keep these tips in mind when decorating your office so you can create a comfortable and eff