Office design for small to medium enterprises
4 minute read
Designing a small to medium sized office can seem like an impossible task for many, since there’s limited space to work with. This certainly shouldn’t be the case. You can create the space you’re envisioning with the right advice, planning and materials.
The first step to redesigning a small office is decluttering and getting rid of any unnecessary items. It’s also a good idea to consider either going paperless or using less paper, since this will create less clutter in general and allow for more storage space. The advances in technology mean that businesses can now store any important documents on their computers, whilst creating shared online documents for collaboration. If you have cables dragging across floors, either take the time to organise these or consider installing wireless devices. Without careful consideration, cables can make a small office appear very cramped and disorganised.
When planning the initial design, take some time to think about which colours you’d like to use. Small and medium sized offices benefit from bright colours, such as white and yellow – since these make spaces appear larger. However, try to use these colours sparingly – as walls that are too plain have been shown to decrease motivation and productivity in employees. Try to strike a balance between using bright, enhancing colours and incorporating colours that express your brand awareness.
When considering your furniture, it’s a good idea to incorporate cabinetry that fits from floor to ceiling. This avoids the appearance of bulky storage spaces, whilst creating the illusion of a larger office. You’ll also have much more storage, allowing you to hide unsightly documents and files away. It’s also important that you think about other furniture items carefully; they should offer comfort in addition to functionality, and – especially in a small office – should not take up too much space. Try to invest in ergonomic, slimline seating whilst avoiding the installation of too many desks. The notion of ‘hot desking’ is becoming much more commonplace and involves employees taking on a much more flexible method of working. Employers are now opting to create a space where workers can jump from desk to desk – so they can work from a different location each day. Not only does this allow employees to have more control over their working day, it also means that you can spread desks across different rooms, whilst also attributing multi-functionality to communal areas.
Although requiring a slightly different approach, designing small to medium sized offices doesn’t have to be a daunting or difficult task. Enlisting the assistance of a professional designer will help you to create an office that’s inviting whilst making the most of the space you have to work with. To speak to one of our team, please click here.
