Thinking about giving your office a much-needed refresh?
Office Refresh is one of the best investments a company can make today. An effective office refresh can increase productivity, eliminate daily frustrations and make employees look forward to coming into the office again.
Here's the problem:
Office refreshes rarely succeed. Sure they're Pinterest-worthy, but they don't improve team performance. Learn how to properly plan a refresh with productivity in mind.
Let's jump in!
Here's the breakdown:
- Why Office Refreshes Matter More Than Ever
- Planning Your Layout For Real Focus
- The Role Of Cubicle Divider Panels
- Key Elements That Actually Move The Needle
- Budget & Timeline Planning Tips
Why Office Refreshes Matter More Than Ever
The workplace has transformed overnight. Businesses that don't embrace this are falling behind quickly.
Studies show that optimised work environments lead to a 17% increase in productivity. Wow.
Think about what a 17% productivity boost means for your team:
- More work getting done in less time
- Fewer distractions and interruptions
- Happier, more engaged employees who stick around
Pretty compelling, right?
However, it goes beyond statistics. When you revamp an office, you are sending a message. You are communicating to your employees that you value their work environment and workspace. That type of message fosters brand loyalty beyond what napkins and snacks can do.
Planning Your Layout For Real Focus
Now here's where most people go wrong…
Paint colours. Ergonomic chairs. These are things they'll think of. But here's what they won't consider: office layout can increase productivity. Here's why:
- Traffic flow through the space
- Noise zones and quiet zones
- Dedicated focus areas
- Collaboration spaces
Begin by mapping out your existing office space. Observe how people cluster. Where does the noise level become overwhelming? Where can no one focus?
Consider cubicle divider panels, which can create your oases of calm without costing the earth in construction fees. Panels allow for flexibility in the office that fixed walls never will. Keep dimensions in mind when selecting panels – check out desk divider sizes – as too tall will segregate your employees and too short will do nothing to block out sound. Properly sized cubicle divider panels are the key to a thriving work environment.
This kind of upfront planning saves you from expensive mistakes later.
The Role Of Cubicle Divider Panels
Cubicle divider panels are one of the most underrated tools in modern office design.
Here's why they work so well:
- Noise control: They absorb sound so people can properly focus.
- Visual privacy: They cut out visual distractions from neighbours.
- Flexibility: They can be moved around when your team grows or shifts.
- Cost: They're way cheaper than knocking down and rebuilding walls.
When selecting cubicle divider panels for your upgrade, consider what your employees truly need on a daily basis.
Are there lots of calls taken? Opt for taller panels that have acoustic material. Do departments work together frequently? Choose shorter panels that allow for open communication.
Successful offices mix them both. Tall panels around areas meant for concentration. Lower panels closer to collaboration spaces. This allows your environment to cater for multiple work styles without creating entire rooms dedicated to each function.
Key Elements That Actually Move The Needle
After you have your layout figured out, think about value-adds. These will set you apart from an office that looks good and one that works well.
Lighting
Bad lighting kills productivity faster than anything else in an office.
The top answer, by far, when you ask people what they want in their workplaces is natural light. If there's a way to add more natural light to your space, by all means: Go for it. Tear down a wall. Install skylights. Rearrange desks to be closer to windows. When that's not possible:
- Use warm LED lighting in focus areas
- Add task lighting at every single desk
- Avoid those harsh overhead fluorescents
Good lighting reduces eye strain and keeps energy levels up all day long.
Noise Management
Open plan offices are noisy. That's just the trade-off.
Of course there are ways to keep that noise down without reverting back to isolation cubicles:
- Acoustic panels on walls and ceilings
- Cubicle divider panels with sound-absorbing cores
- Carpeted floors instead of hard, echoey surfaces
- Designated quiet rooms for deep, focused work
Ergonomics
If your team is uncomfortable, they simply won't be productive. Full stop.
Invest properly in:
- Adjustable sit-stand desks
- Quality office chairs
- Monitor arms and screen risers
- Footrests where needed
It's a straight-up investment in output.
Budget & Timeline Planning Tips
Ok, onto practical matters. A refresh without budget is simply a wishlist.
Here's how to approach it:
Budget Realistically. Get at least 3 quotes from different suppliers for every high dollar item. Furniture and partitions are your biggest expenses.
Focus on what matters most. Room configurations, cubicle panels, furniture, and lights are priorities. Wait on knick-knacks until 2022.
Schedule downtime. Refreshment will inevitably involve some downtime. Time the largest updates for slower periods or long weekends.
Do it in stages. You don't have to do it all at once. Complete one area, then tackle the next.
Studies have even found that employees are 6% more productive and experience 15% more well-being in offices which include biophilic elements. Remember to incorporate plants and natural elements through each stage.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Before starting your refresh, watch out for these common traps:
- Copying Google/google-like trends blindly: Google has slides in their office. Does yours?
- Micromanaging: Ask your employees what they NEED, they will answer truthfully.
- Cutting corners on the fundamentals: No shiny espresso machine is going to make up for poor lighting or uncomfortable seating.
- Forgettabilty: Your team will evolve. Your office space should be able to evolve with them.
Stepping into these pitfalls can cost you time and money. Not to mention massive headaches. Avoid them at all costs.
Rounding It Off
An office redesign centered around productivity is one of the best investments your business can make.
To quickly recap:
- Start with the layout, not the aesthetics
- Use cubicle divider panels to create flexible focus zones
- Nail the essentials: lighting, noise, and ergonomics
- Plan your budget and timeline realistically
- Skip the trends that don't fit your team
When you do this effectively, employees want to work in your office. Productivity increases. Turnover decreases. Your business thrives.
If you could refresh your office, last year would have been the ideal time to do it. The next best time is today.