Factors to Consider in Planning for Work Spaces

Space planning is great for business. A well-designed workspace has been proven to boost productivity and increase the happiness and satisfaction of a workforce. If a company has an office, than they should certainly consider utilizing a space planner to maximize the potential of their space. With some careful planning and creativity, every office can be an inviting place to work. Here are six key factors to creating an efficient and productive space:

1. What do you need versus what do want

There are different requirements in each office space that are uniquely designed for each and every occupants.  However, it is often a question of whether these requirements are actually needed or if these are only what the designer wants to have. In dealing with this kind of question, we have to take note that a well-designed space will always feel natural to the occupants. The space will have to adapt to the needs of the workers, not the workers adjusting to its workspace.  If a company is highly collaborative, more open spaces are needed to be provided so that the employees can work and meet together.

2. Personality

It is not just the individual that needs to have a personality. A space can also create their own by having a unique visual appeal wherein the occupants can actually have the freedom to personalize it. By using standard equipment that compliments the nature of the work done in the space, you create a general look, a persona, that is uniquely owned by that given space. This creates a sense of ownership, a sort of branding, which promotes productivity and loyalty to the individuals occupying the space. Using wardrobe sliding doors in the pantry, for example instead of the usual drawers, and adding cabinet hinges latch onto it, will make your workers remember their bedrooms instead of their working spaces.

Each department also requires a different type of work spaces. Sales may want cubicles or offices due to being on the phone most of the day and requiring less sound, while other departments would rather work in an open plan. A solid space plan will work the different space types required into a cohesive and logical design.

3. Promote Positivity

Maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace can help your workers become motivated unconsciously and encourage them to give, as well as receive, positive feedback from everyone while at work.

4. Functional

While it is easy to envision an award winning space design, the number one priority is still to ensure that the organization can be functional in the most cost effective way possible in performing their day-to-day operations. Considering the location of each department, taking into account their daily interaction with each other must be properly planned. These choices will ensure a layout that helps increase productivity and efficiency in the work environment.

5. Adaptable to Technological changes

It is also important to consider required technology and the equipment needed for each space that may change in the near future – for example, before, office desks were arranged to accommodate the installation of phone jacks, but now many workers use mobile phones for day-to-day communication. Whereas cabinet hinges are often used in sliding doors in our wardrobe, this is not true in the drawers and pedestals that we can find in our office spaces.

6. Adequate Storage

Storage and filing often plays important role in each company to accommodate the amount of papers and documents that are being kept in the office. Ensuring space allocation for such things plays a vital role in creating a worker’s friendly office space. Proper storage of needed documents also increases productivity at work.