3 reasons why your office needs a renovation
BusinessAt some point in every business, the dreaded question arises: do we move or renew? While renovations cost money and time, an updated office can result in higher worker productivity and morale, as well as brand awareness, which translates to results. In an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) survey, 90% of senior management indicated that the updated design had positive effects on worker productivity.
From the moment your customers or potential customers walk through your door; they are making assessments about you and your business. Likewise, your employees and potential employees are determining what it would be like to work for you. How you care for your office space will be a direct reflection of how you care for your clients and employees.
Too many people, not enough desks
Your business has grown. What could be better than having more new people working for you? But now, where will you put them all? You are struck by the lack of space and need to rethink the design. Before you push one more desk into the corner or search for a new office space, consider consulting with a design professional. Designers who specialize in office space planning often have creative solutions to your space management problems. They are well aware of the psychological effects of space on customers and employees and can help you make decisions about the balance between comfort, privacy, and flexibility.
For example, do all of your employees have to work at the same time or even from the office? If not, the designer can convert assigned cubicle areas into hotel spaces or touchdown spaces where employees come to work as needed.
Its furniture, lighting and technology are outdated
If you haven’t bought new desks and chairs in the last decade, you’re missing out on some of the latest and greatest advancements in ergonomics, not to mention your customers will wonder if you’re innovative enough for them. Workplace injury costs can include lost wages, medical bills, insurance administrative costs, and the cost to other employees who have to pick up the slack. Investing in new furniture is well worth the time and money spent. Today’s office furniture adapts to the different work styles of your employees. Desks can be raised for standing work and lowered for sitting at a computer. Many designers and other creatives prefer to draw standing up. At the very least, adjustable and ergonomic office chairs are the norm. Follow the 90-90-90 rule: hips, elbows, and knees are positioned at a 90-degree angle. Feet should be flat on the ground. If they do not reach, the footrests are effective.
Check the lighting in each office. Is there enough natural light? Lighting has a huge impact on productivity. According to a Scientific Journal study, “the main factor affecting employee productivity is office lighting.” If necessary, add task lighting, preferably full spectrum light. Finally, are your computer systems up to date? Even switching to flat screen monitors has a big impact on the space and feel of an office and having two flat screens can improve productivity.
Its walls, floors, ceiling show signs of wear
Sooner or later, every office is crying out for new flooring and a fresh coat of paint. With customers and employees decked out in shoes and boots, carpet is the first surface in your office that looks well-used. Take a look at those high-traffic patterns and consider installing super-durable surfacing in those areas. There are high-end vinyl flooring that looks and even feels like wood, but is much easier to clean. New rugs are a great way to bring updated color to your office space while speaking to your clients about your brand. Painting the walls a new color is one of the fastest and least expensive ways to update a space. Depending on the color, the color of the wall can help improve productivity. Keep the colors of your industry and your brand in mine as you make your decisions. An office designer can help you with the right colors. Be sure to paint the ceilings when updating the walls, as refreshing a surface will make an old one look drab by comparison.
These are just some of the most important items to consider as you proceed with your office renovation. Early in your plans, be sure to involve a qualified office designer. He or she can help you save money and time and make the process easier so he or she can get back to focusing on what matters: running your business.