It’s no secret that the environment employees work in has a huge impact on their well-being. The right layout, lighting, and other features can make employees happier, healthier, and more productive. But there’s not an easy, one-size-fits-all answer.
Some of the best office designs are also the ones that reflect the unique culture of the company. Your office design can be a great way to showcase company values, like creativity or sustainability.
If you’re getting ready to remodel or redesign your workspace, keep reading and see if any of these 6 office trends inspire you!
1. Open spaces
It’s easy to see how the movement towards open floor plans has swept the professional world in the past several years. Of course, there are pros and cons to every layout, so not all companies will benefit from a barrier-free design, and many industries actually require solitary separate workspaces. The right amount of empty space can make the whole office feel bigger, brighter, and more relaxing.
2. Natural light
Sunlight doesn’t just brighten up a room, it also brings in a long list of health benefits. Natural light has been found to increase productivity, reduce eye strain, and improve psychological health.
Make the most of the windows you currently have. Think about installing curtains or blinds that can be easily adjusted to control the amount of light entering the space.
3. Plantlife (Green Offices)
Like sunlight, indoor plants have many benefits for offices. Countless studies and surveys have reported that indoor plants can:
Reduce psychological and physiological stress
Increase productivity and attract new employees
Reduce sick days
A plant that blends well with your space will improve the overall look and feel of your office.
4. Art in the office
Walls and other blank surfaces are opportunities to inspire and motivate everyone who works at your office. Art also gives you a chance to show who you are as a company and make a great first impression when you welcome guests, prospective employees, and clients or customers.
Not sure what to do with a blank wall in your office? Here are a few ideas:
Old photos (or new ones)
Interesting paint colors
An accent wall
A mural
Framed art
A display of the company’s past work and/or achievements
Your company’s mission or values are written on the wall
An inspiring quote
5. Reclaimed materials
If sustainability ranks highly on your list of company values, it’s easy to incorporate eco-friendly designs into your office.
Use reclaimed materials
Reuse what you can
Minimize energy used on artificial lighting and heating by being strategic about windows and desk placement
Invest in good insulation
Make recycling as easy as possible for employees
Use energy-efficient appliances in the break room and elsewhere
6. Fun and games
Ping-pong tables, dart boards, mini basketball hoops — you name it. More and more companies are adding fun, recreational activities to their break rooms in an effort to encourage employees to bond and get to know each other over some friendly competition.
Games are a great icebreaker for new hires and encourage people to get up and move around instead of sitting at their desks all day. Even small bouts of mild physical activity during the day are great for employees’ health and energy levels.
Contact our team at BHI to help retrofit or build your next office project at www.BHIbuilds.com.
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