Over the past decade, there’s been a lot of talk about different types of office layout and how they affect productivity. Due to this, open offices and co-working spaces compete to provide a workplace that excels in every respect.
But how do you know that an office is designed to ensure comfort and make you more productive? The following sections aim to answer this question and help you make an educated choice.
What Are the Types of Office Layout?
In general, there are five different types of layout, each with its pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview.
1. Open Space
There are no partitions or cubicles and the workstations are usually set up in clusters or rows. This layout works great for flat hierarchy organisations and fast-growing start-ups because of easy communication.
However, if an open space lacks private meeting rooms and isolated areas you should look for a different office. It’s quite tricky to have a business meeting with a hovering crowd.
2. Private Offices
Venues that offer private offices are best for businesses that require a certain level of confidentiality. And it’s best if you can customise the workstation to your needs.
But having a private office doesn’t mean one should work in isolation. Communal spaces such as meeting rooms, coffee bars, and lounge areas should be within easy reach.
3. Cubicles
Cubicles are still going strong for two reasons. They offer greater communication than private offices, but there’s less distraction than in open spaces.
Ideally, there shouldn’t be too many cubicles in any given area. Otherwise, the environment can feel cluttered and claustrophobic.
4. Workstation Clusters
This arrangement is great for companies with multiple teams that have different roles. The clusters can be partitioned like cubicles, and again the idea is to foster better communication within the team itself.
But if there are no communal spaces, the social interaction between co-workers of different teams will still suffer.
5. Co-Working Space
Co-working spaces may be the ideal work area for for start-ups, freelancers, and small companies. Top venues offer luxurious lounge areas, workstation customisations, private meeting rooms, and more.
But you should be wary of security and privacy. For example, a co-working space should provide personalised card access and storage lockers to start.
6. Hybrid Office Layout
A hybrid office layout is a combination of traditional office design with modern technology, allowing employees to work remotely while maintaining regular communication and collaboration with their team. This type of office layout is becoming increasingly popular due to the flexibility and convenience it offers. It allows employees to work from home or any other location while still having access to all the resources and support they need to perform their job effectively. Hybrid office layouts can increase productivity, as employees are given the freedom to work in a way that suits them best. It also encourages a healthy work-life balance, as employees can avoid long commutes and have more time for personal pursuits.
7. Team-Based Layout
Team-Based Layout is a type of workplace design that emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. It involves arranging workspaces and equipment in a way that enables teams to easily communicate and work together on projects. The layout is typically open and flexible, with areas that can be easily reconfigured to meet the needs of different teams and projects. The goal of a team-based layout is to create a more collaborative and efficient work environment, where team members can easily share ideas, brainstorm, and work together to achieve shared goals. This type of layout is becoming increasingly popular in modern workplaces, where collaboration and teamwork are essential to success.
8. Traditional Office Layout
Traditional office layout is a common arrangement in which employees are assigned a designated workspace, such as a cubicle or an office. This layout is usually characterized by a hierarchical structure, with executives and managers occupying larger, private offices and lower-level employees working in cubicles or open workstations. Traditional office layouts are often seen in established industries such as finance, law, and healthcare. While this layout can offer privacy and a sense of ownership over one's workspace, it can also lead to a lack of collaboration and communication between employees. Additionally, traditional office layouts may not be well-suited for modern work practices, such as remote work and flexible schedules.
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Impact of Office Design on Employee Productivity
According to Forbes, 93% of workers in the tech business state that they’d remain with the company for longer if it offered a healthier workplace.
Some of the perks tech workers look for are an ergonomic workstation, adjustable desk, healthy lunch, and wellness rooms. This is one of the reasons more and more companies adopt the WELL Building Standard.
The focus is on seven concepts that help a worker remain healthy and happy, thus more productive:
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Air
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Water
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Nourishment
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Light
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Fitness
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Comfort
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Mind
The office design productivity research from the World Green Building Council shows that productivity increases by 11% due to clean air. In addition, the human brain is 73% water, so access to clean water is a must.
Sufficient hydration gives you clarity, alertness, and improves your energy levels. It’s similar with nourishment and an ideal workplace should minimise access to processed foods.
With this in mind, light is another crucial component for human wellbeing. Research by the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at the University of Cornell confirms this. The results show that working within 10ft from a window reduces blurred vision, eyestrain, and headaches by 84%.
Designing for Employee Well-being and Satisfaction
Here are some key factors to keep in mind while designing a workplace that prioritizes employee well-being and satisfaction.
Ergonomic Furniture
Ergonomic furniture is designed to promote comfortable and healthy postures while sitting or standing. It helps reduce physical strain and discomfort, preventing back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomic chairs, desks, keyboards, and monitor arms are some of the popular ergonomic furniture options that can improve productivity and overall well-being.
Adequate Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential for various reasons, including safety, productivity, and comfort. Good lighting can help prevent accidents, reduce eye strain, and enhance the overall ambiance of a space. It's important to select the right type and amount of lighting based on the purpose of the area and the user's needs for optimal benefits.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is an important aspect of maintaining comfort in indoor environments. It involves regulating the temperature of a space to ensure that it remains within a desired range. This can be achieved through various methods, such as using heating and cooling systems, insulation, and ventilation. Proper temperature control can also help to reduce energy consumption and associated costs.
Noise Management
Noise management is the practice of controlling and reducing unwanted sound levels in a given environment. It is important for maintaining a comfortable and safe living or working space. Effective noise management involves identifying the sources of noise, measuring the sound levels, and implementing appropriate measures to minimize or eliminate the noise.
Aesthetic and Design Elements
Aesthetic and design elements are essential components of any product or object. They play a crucial role in shaping the user's perception of the item and can greatly impact its functionality. Aesthetics refer to the overall appearance, while design elements refer to specific features such as color, texture, shape, and size. These elements are carefully considered by designers to create visually appealing and functional products.
Recreational Areas and Break Rooms
Recreational areas and break rooms are essential spaces in any workplace, as they provide employees with a chance to take a break from work and recharge. These spaces can take many forms, from lounges to game rooms, and should be designed to promote relaxation, socialization, and stress relief.
Flexibility in Workspaces
In today's fast-paced work environment, flexibility in workspaces has become increasingly important. Providing employees with the option to work from home, a co-working space, or a traditional office setting can increase productivity, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made remote work a necessity for many businesses.
Office Space Prioritizes Employee Wellbeing
The modern workplace should prioritize the physical and mental wellbeing of workers. A well-thought-out office layout and amenities can promote employees' overall wellbeing, sharpen their concentration, increase alertness and decision-making skills. Such a design also provides a homely feeling without imposing any constraints, allowing employees to focus on their tasks. The added benefit is that workers' stress levels are likely to go down as a result. Therefore, it's essential to consider designing an office space that works for you and your team's needs, promoting health, comfort, and physical and mental wellbeing. Remember, it's easy to find such a space nowadays, so take the necessary steps to create a workspace that will benefit you and your employees in the long run.
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