Changing the Office Work Environment with Commercial Office Fitouts
The dilemma of many offices these days is how to deal with workstations being reduced by size as well as in number. At the same time, the space used for formal and informal interaction is increasing. In many situations, commercial office fitouts are resolving these issues by changing and improving the workplace environment as companies evolve. This article details some of the ways a commercial fitout can transform your office work environment.
Create Flexible Spaces
Many organisations are changing at a fast pace and need to adjust fast to new trends. Traditional tasks and procedures that once were the norm are quickly becoming a thing of the past. The number of employees working in groups is set to increase, leading to the trend of creating flexible workspaces that can be easily adjusted. This can involve using movable walls and sliding door to create an office space that can be quickly and easily reconfigured.
Implement Open Plan Workstations
Many workplaces are being made more open. In some cases, partitions are being removed or their height is being decreased. The goal of doing this is to encourage more employee interaction. Some companies have eliminated private offices altogether, opting for a more open workplace for all. The common exception to this trend is for individuals working in human resources and accounting, as they are required to handle confidential matters.
For open plan offices, it’s especially important to create congregation areas such as break rooms. Most employees no longer eat at their desk and choose to instead socialise with their colleagues in a communal area.
Improve Privacy and Noise Management
An open office environment can encounter problems with providing privacy. It’s also possible for the level of office noise to make it difficult to concentrate. With commercial office fitouts, you can implement sound-masking technology to decrease distractions caused by noise. Some companies are also providing small enclosed spaces for their employees to use when quiet and privacy are required.
Maintain Uniform Standards
It’s now common for workers in certain organisations to work at multiple company locations. Many companies have had success in maintaining aesthetic continuity at each of their locations. These companies provide their employees with offices that have a uniform standard for lighting, colour scheme, material choices and more. This provides a way for employees to feel more comfortable and know where to get what they need when working at any company location.
Create Private Offices with Glass
Some companies carry out commercial office fitouts with the aim to create new private offices that are no longer enclosed by traditional drywall. Instead, these are enclosed with glass partitions. This provides a private office with two major benefits − it enables people to see who is present in the office, and it also allows more natural light to enter. In some situations, companies have used translucent panels instead of glass. Other companies have found that frosted glass can effectively provide more privacy while still allowing a private office to enjoy the benefits of natural light.