Is your office fit for purpose?

A commercial office has to have it all to be a successful workspace these days… It must be functional, practical, efficient – plus inspiring and relaxing. On top of this tick-list, it needs to be the face of your business too.

So the question you could ask yourself now is whether your office ticks all the boxes? Is it truly fit for purpose? Let’s think through this…

Does the office environment matter?

Interestingly, a newly-published UK study – ‘Britain at work’– points out that almost a third of workers dislike their office design, with almost a quarter unhappy with insufficient desk space.

If staff feel this restricted within the office, you’ve a serious productivity problem on your hands. Think of it this way: your office is more than bricks and mortar. The right office environment plays a crucial part in your employees’ daily lives.

The wrong environment can seriously de-motivate staff, which ultimately affects your bottom line. Far better to build features into an office fit out which support staff doing their job properly. And which make them happier, motivated and valued.

Can the office environment affect health and wellbeing?

Yes, without doubt… The Lansons report noticeably paints a worrying picture of the UK workforce – revealing how everyday difficulties damage workers’ wellbeing.

For instance, almost a third stressed they didn’t take a full lunch break due to work pressures – with more than a quarter working well beyond their set hours, leaving little time to enjoy life beyond work.

The combination of exhaustion and apathy with office layout frustrations can be damaging. Worryingly, since over 50% surveyed said they’d not recommend their workplace to future employees, it’s worth looking at what you can do to stem such disengagement.

How office design advice makes the difference

It certainly begs the question: what can you incorporate into your next office design or refurbishment to nurture good health?

For starters, giving workers the opportunity to have quality downtime can pay dividends. Plus creating more relaxed meeting areas, comfort zones and private spaces to meet different working patterns.

Interesting to note that almost 70% agreed that a successful working environment has a variety of working spaces within it. Worth taking on board, isn’t it?