Workspace design and fit-out for flexible working
Dispersed teams, contractors and customers all place demands on a modern workspace set-up when they visit the office. When designing a flexible workspace, we imagine zones and themed areas to give each space a definitive purpose. Whether for creativity and innovation, individual booths, team collaboration, informal meetings or for spaces to take a break or eat lunch. While formal meeting areas and workstations for staff still need to be part of the overall picture, we’re finding that today’s workspaces are showing a dramatic reduction in partitions and cubicle offices.
Office desks
Traditional desks will continue to have a role within many organisations’ business activities. However, through the use of personal lockers, pedestal storage can be made smaller or eliminated. And the workstations themselves can be used more flexibly between workers.
Team collaboration
Encourage creative thoughts and processes with spaces which bring together individuals or teams for problem solving, brainstorming or training. These can be made attractive and vibrant, and the use of sound absorbing materials for walls and ceilings can also limit noise transfer.
Total focus
Workspaces can be created for use by individuals requiring space for periods of total concentration and focus.
Informal meetings
Seating or sofa areas are ideal for quick informal team meetings. Usually with high-backed acoustic sofas, with connectivity for presentations, they can also double-up as ‘focus’ or ‘concentration’ areas.
Formal meetings
Private, enclosed areas are required for strategic and formal presentations and video conferencing. The use of sound absorbing materials for the walls and ceilings helps to minimise noise disturbance for other areas.
Hybrid spaces
Consider creating spaces for use by teams, contractors or transient workers, who are usually based elsewhere, but who need space periodically. These areas are often centrally-placed, and include connectivity and a table space for use while the worker is in the building.
Office pods
Where an office is predominantly open plan, phone booths and individual pods provide an area for individuals to make calls with a degree of privacy.
Breakout areas
Typically a larger area where employees can take a break from their work for refreshment or lunch. The best will be creatively themed, comfortable, and encourage social interaction with colleagues.
Forum areas
Where space is available, create a specific area or Forum for ‘All Hands’ and collective company meetings. This space is important for employee communication, connectivity, and well-being.