"The most effective workspaces take into account, and help shape, staff wellbeing and company culture"
Phil Sugden, sales marketing director at Portal
Businesses considering a move or an office makeover this year already have more choices than ever before with countless innovations, evolving trends and a wealth of passing fads to choose from.
Yet, Phil Sugden, sales and marketing director at Portal Group, insists modern workspace is much more than just desks, chairs and a water cooler. Rule one of any redesign should be to help your staff do their jobs as effectively and comfortably as possible.
Phil’s top tips for Nottingham businesses, looking to redesign their look and inspire their team, are:
1. Be Functional
“The most effective workspaces take into account, and help shape, staff wellbeing and company culture.
“While the offices of the past focused primarily on simple functionality, the balance between the old and the new can be achieved through a number of clever design techniques: small changes that put people at the centre.
2. Space – Room to breathe!
“Whatever the size of your business, create a comfortable space. Contemporary spaces such as breakout areas and layouts that are less regimented and boxed-in than a traditional flat office are a great way of creating a working environment that promotes creativity and face to face time with colleagues. It’s about creating space wherever you can.
3. Colour -Express yourself!
“It sounds obvious but bright colour can bring life to a workspace, whether by enforcing your brand identity or by creating a personality, a unique feel and atmosphere for every area and space.
4. Furniture – Do away with bulk!
“The rising popularity and embracement of flexible working patters means large, bulky desks designed for desk-top computers are increasingly a thing of the past.
“Contemporary furniture such as pods and stools create a series of touch down points throughout an office space to facilitate impromptu meetings and team gatherings and create more light and airy spaced for your permanently based staff.
5. Flooring - Map it out!
“Want to point your staff in the right direction? Shape your walkways and accentuate particular spaces with colourful flooring tiles or carpets. This can help drive traffic around desks and towards open, meeting spaces once again facilitating an interactional and communicative workplace.
6. Coffee- An office essential!
“The importance of a good cup of coffee in a workplace should never be underestimated.
“‘Dark as dishwater’ instant coffee and machine break downs are becoming a thing of the past as modern vending machines offer an array of innovative, efficient and tasty caffeine solutions.
“The modern customer will go out of their way to purchase ‘barista’ style full-bean coffee ahead of cheap instant produce and they expect the same in the workplace.”
For more information visit www.portalgroup.uk.com.
