Design is about so much more than aesthetics. The right interior design and office arrangement can boost productivity and worker satisfaction. In coworking spaces, it can be used to designate areas for specific businesses or administrative tasks. These key office space design tips and tricks can make everyone’s business more profitable and their employees more productive.
Finding Balance
Crafting a coworking office space that appeals to a diverse range of professionals and encourages productivity requires careful consideration of many key elements. At the heart of successful coworking space design is the concept of balance.
The first aspect to consider is the blend of private and shared spaces. While coworking areas thrive on collaboration and community, it’s crucial to provide private spaces for focused work and confidential discussions. Integrate a mix of open desks, enclosed offices, and meeting rooms to cater to varied work styles and requirements.
The second aspect is the balance between functionality and aesthetics. Your coworking space should be not only practical and comfortable but also visually appealing. Think about incorporating ergonomic furniture, well-planned lighting, and thoughtful furniture layout designs that facilitate ease of movement and communication.
The third aspect is crucial. The balance between innovation and tradition plays an important role in a shared office space. Modern amenities like high-speed internet, advanced tech tools, and eco-friendly features can exist harmoniously with elements that add warmth and character, like indoor plants, artwork, or a well-stocked library.
Creating An Atmosphere With Colour
Choosing the right colour palette and decor for your coworking space can significantly impact the mood, productivity, and overall satisfaction of its occupants. The colour schemes can influence the perceived room size, lighting, and even the energy levels of the people working there.
Colours like blues and greens are known to create a sense of peace and focus, making them excellent choices for concentration-intensive areas. For brainstorming and collaboration zones, warmer hues like oranges and reds can spark creativity and discussion. Neutral colours serve well for communal spaces, exuding a professional and clean ambience.
Decor plays an equally vital role in establishing the workspace’s personality and vibe. It should reflect the values of the coworking community and create a welcoming and inspiring environment. Local artwork, unique furniture pieces, and indoor plants can enhance the aesthetic appeal. Redecorating office spaces doesn’t have to be disruptive, and can increase output. Professional painters and decorators can work around office hours or complete work in stages to suit the demands of the working environment. Use MyBuilder to find local painters and decorators near you with the skills and experience for the job. You can read reviews and recommendations from previous clients, view photos of completed work, and look for contractors with previous experience working in office spaces.
Power Up Productivity Through Design
Coworking spaces thrive on the synergy of diverse professionals sharing a workspace. However, to fully harness this potential, it is essential to design and manage spaces that support productivity. Redesigning areas within the coworking office can create designated zones tailored to specific tasks, creating efficiency and promoting focus.
Start by defining the purpose of each area. Quiet zones can serve as a refuge for those needing solitude, while open-plan areas facilitate collaboration and exchange of ideas. Breakout zones offer a less formal space for impromptu meetings or a change of scenery, stimulating creativity and reducing fatigue.
Consider the users’ sensory experiences in each area. In quiet zones, incorporate soundproofing materials and design elements to minimize noise pollution. For collaboration areas, equip them with the necessary tech for seamless brainstorming sessions. In breakout zones, comfortable seating, relaxed lighting, and even the availability of refreshments can make a significant difference. Redesigning with purpose and functionality in mind will turn your coworking space into a productivity powerhouse, satisfying the diverse needs of its users.
Flexible Working
As work evolves, so do the requirements of working spaces. Designing for flexibility means creating an environment that can effortlessly adapt to the changing needs of its occupants and the work they do. Modular furniture is a prime example of adaptive design. It allows for easy reconfiguration of the workspace to accommodate different activities, from solitary work to team collaborations. Desks, partitions, and seating arrangements that can be moved and adjusted foster a dynamic and versatile environment.
A flexible design also includes the provision of varied workspaces within the office. Not everyone thrives in an open-plan office; some may prefer a quiet nook or a communal table. Offering a range of work areas gives members the freedom to choose where and how they work best. Integrating digital technology effectively can support remote and hybrid workers too, making the space more accessible and inclusive to the rest of the team. From booking systems for workspaces to virtual collaboration tools, digital features can enhance the flexibility and convenience of a coworking office.
Creating a more friendly, collaborative, and productive space is beneficial to every business in a coworking space, and the employees that work there. Use these simple design principles to maximise output from your shared office space.
Photo credits: eOffice