Why Workplace Design Consultancy is the New Trend

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Fritha Selwyn Jones

Written by

Fritha Selwyn-Jones

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The way we work is changing fast, and so are our offices. Gone are the days of conventional, one-size-fits-all offices. Now, it's all about hybrid setups and putting employee happiness first. That's where specialised workplace design consultancy comes in. Read on to discover why getting a design consultancy on board is the way to go if you want a workspace that’s both nice to look at and great to work in.

Value of Designing for Productivity

Productivity isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter. The design of your workspace plays a pivotal role in this equation. Office furniture can both help or hinder your productivity, so it’s about getting it right.

Here’s how:

  • Hybrid Workforce Design: Integrating spaces for both remote and in-office work boosts flexibility and productivity.

  • Health and Wellness Focus: A workspace that prioritises wellness can significantly enhance employee experience, output and satisfaction.

  • Safety and Smart Technology: The incorporation of advanced technologies ensures operations run smoothly, bolstering efficiency.

To design productive spaces, consider the following strategies:

  • Community areas to encourage collaboration, informal interactions, and teamwork.

  • Technological tools and infrastructure support seamless collaboration, regardless of where team members are located.

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Tailoring Spaces to Teams

Every team operates in its own unique way, with specific rhythms, likes, and needs. When you hit the nail on the head with a workspace that's cut out just for them, you're looking at a happier team with satisfied employees. We know how important employee retention is these days. By investing in your space, you’re investing in your people.

Think about it this way. Imagine a creative design team that thrives on collaboration and free-flowing ideas. For this team, you’d remove the traditional rows of desks and go for a vibrant, open-plan area set out with comfy couches, brainstorming pods, and whiteboard walls for spur-of-the-moment diagrams. Add some personal storage for their equipment, plenty of natural light, and a dash of green with some indoor plants, and you've got a setup that's not just a place to work; but a breeding ground for creativity. It might not stop there… if your team thrive on coffee when it comes to their work, ensuring they have access to their caffeine fix is essential. These tailored features turn a workspace from being boring to somewhere people feel they belong.

Key strategies include:

  • Providing amenities and design elements that reflect individual preferences and requirements. This ensures that your team feel valued and appreciated.

  • Creating environments that are not only comfortable but also stimulating to keep the diverse workforce engaged and motivated.

Examples of Tailored Spaces:

Office layouts that break away from the traditional.

Agile Workspaces:

These are designed to support flexibility and mobility within the office. Think adjustable desks, mobile workstations, and lounge areas that allow employees to choose where and how they work best. Agile workspaces are perfect for teams that value versatility and adaptability in their day-to-day tasks.

Biophilic Design:

Consider the benefits of being surrounded by natural elements such as plants. You see it more and more in office design. Integrating elements of nature into the office to boost wellbeing and productivity. This could mean installing vertical gardens, incorporating natural light through skylights, or using materials that mimic natural textures. Biophilic designs are great for creating a calm, inspiring environment that helps to reduce stress.

Tech-Enabled Conference Rooms:

For teams that rely heavily on technology and collaboration, having state-of-the-art conference rooms is key. These rooms could feature smart boards, high-quality video conferencing systems, and seamless connectivity solutions that make remote collaboration easy.

Creative Studios:

Tailored for design, marketing, or creative teams, these spaces might include large, open areas for collaboration, walls you can write on for brainstorming, and areas dedicated to quiet thinking or digital creation. The vibe is casual and flexible, encouraging creativity to flow freely.

Wellness and Recreation Areas:

Think beyond the desk and chair by offering spaces where employees can unwind or recharge. This could be a fitness centre, meditation room, or even a game room. These spaces are designed to support physical and mental health, showing that the company values work-life balance.

Outdoor Work Areas:

If possible, offering outdoor terraces or gardens where employees can work and take breaks can significantly enhance satisfaction. Equipped with weatherproof furniture and Wi-Fi, these spaces offer a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively.

These examples scratch just the surface of how you can shake things up with your workplace design. Too often, businesses box themselves into a conventional corner, mistakenly believing that creativity in office layout must bow to a rigid set of rules. The reality couldn't be further from the truth. The myth of "one-size-fits-all" in workplace design is exactly that—a myth. By stepping out of the traditional design space, you can create an office that not only stands out but also perfectly aligns with your team's unique dynamics and your company's culture.

Research reveals a truth: 53% of employees are convinced that a thoughtfully designed workspace would significantly enhance their overall wellbeing, while a staggering 83% of workers feel that a well-crafted office environment positively impacts their mental health. These statistics aren't just numbers; they're a clear call to action for a change in workplace design. It's evident that reimagining our workspaces is not just a matter of aesthetics or productivity but an important step towards fostering healthier, happier work environments.

When it comes to transforming your space, a workplace design consultancy is your go-to partner. They know what they’re doing. They take the puzzle of planning off your hands, so you can kick back and watch your vision come to life without the headache.

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Incorporating Brand Identity

Aligning the design of your workspace with your brand identity and brand image is crucial for fostering a strong connection between your employees and the company. There are many factors that can influence workplace design choices. Take a look:


Design Element

Branding Aspect

Impact on Employees

Colour schemes

Company colours

Enhances brand loyalty

Layout

Openness

Promotes a culture of transparency

Lighting

Brightness/Colour temperature

Influences mood and energy levels

Furniture

Style and comfort

Affects comfort and productivity

Artiwork and decor

Creative expression

Inspires creativity and innovation

Green Spaces

Sustainability

Boosts wellbeing and environmental responsibility

Technology integration

Cutting-edge tools

Enhances efficiency and collaboration

Recreation areas

Work-life balance

Encourages relaxation and job satisfaction


By integrating sustainability and environmental responsibility into the design, companies also showcase their commitment to preserving the plane resonating with value-driven employees. When it comes to choosing the right furniture consultant for your business, make sure your values are aligned.

Workplace design consultancy is more than just a trend; it’s a strategic approach to crafting spaces that promote productivity, foster a sense of community, and resonate with brand values. Sketch Studios are always ready to guide businesses through this transformation, ensuring their workspaces are not only functional but also inspiring.

Is your workspace in need of a makeover? Need some furniture consultancy? Sketch Studios offers expert consultancy benefits to elevate your office environment, aligning with the latest trends in workplace design. Let’s create a space that reflects your brand, meets your team's needs, and fosters productivity. Get in touch!

Published on

February 27, 2024