The quality of a workplace directly impacts employee productivity, so it should come as no surprise that many business owners and office managers are interested in refurbishing their spaces to boost morale. For those who have little to no experience with interior design, it can be hard to figure out how to get started. Read on to find some design tips for bringing an outdated office into the 21st century that could help.
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Know When to Call in the Pros
If there’s one thing that all business owners must excel at, it’s knowing when to take the lead and when to delegate tasks to those with more experience. In the case of office remodeling, it often makes more sense to enlist the help of commercial office design services than it does to take on design projects alone. However, it’s still important to have an idea of what effect the designers should go for, which means those tasked with managing the redesign should still learn some basic tips and tricks.
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Open Up the Space
No matter how large or small an office may be, it’s always beneficial to open up the space. Cubicles and office partitions give off a very last-century vibe and make it harder for employees to communicate and collaborate. Getting rid of all those walls can make the office feel larger and give employees more of a sense of freedom, boosting morale and making it easier to work as a team.
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Let There Be Light
Studies show that natural light improves employee health and morale. Happy, healthy employees are more productive and less likely to take sick days, so it makes good sense to allow in as much natural light as possible. Whether that means getting rid of shades or knocking down walls, it’s worth making the necessary changes, especially given that reducing the office’s artificial lighting needs will also help to keep energy costs lower in the future.
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Help Employees Stay Healthy
It’s often the case that office workers spend a lot of time sitting at their desks. Unfortunately, all that time spent in the same sedentary position is bad for their health and can lead to all kinds of medical problems. Try to incorporate elements into the office design that encourage employees to get up and move around during the workday.
Sit-stand desks are one good option, but they can be expensive. Adding break-away spaces that encourage office workers to get up and move around, collaborate with others in person instead of via the internet, and refresh themselves throughout the day can also help.
Get Started Now
Designing the perfect, modern office takes some time, so it’s best to get the process started as far as possible in advance of the intended remodeling date. Seek out a reputable design company, brainstorm ideas by checking out magazines, blog posts, and other resources, and start coming up with designs now, even if the office redesign won’t happen for months. There’s never any harm in getting an early start.
