The way we do business had changed over the years; pre-1970s saw offices made up of many rooms, each belonging to a single employee or a small department; telephones were used to communicate with colleagues, who they only saw during breaks and lunch hour. The mid 80s was a time when the open plan concept gained traction, with an environment that encourages dialogue, then workstations became a thing, where employees have a certain level of seclusion.
Boosts productivity
People love to collaborate and today’s busy office would have several areas where people can relax with tea and coffee; a whiteboard and a large table to facilitate brainstorming sessions. Studies show that open plan offices increase production and there are numerous reasons for this. Time is saved as workers can communicate with colleagues in an instant, plus they have easy access to things they need.
Important conversations
Many Australian offices have an acoustic booth for those private and confidential business calls; the eliminates background noise enabling you to focus on the call. If you would like to learn more about acoustic booths, Google will find a top-rated Australian supplier and you can read up on all the powerful features and options.
Create workstations
Using a combination of full and half partitions, you can easily create workstations at any location and moving things around keeps everyone on their toes. When looking at office layout, it is always smart to get the input of those who work in the environment, as this gives staff a feeling of ownership. Ergonomic chairs are a wise investment, as they enable employees to spend many hours seated without suffering from lower back ache. Double glazing can eliminate exterior noise, which is great if your office is on a main road.
Collaboration is key
At least one third of the office space should be designated as an area for collaboration; set up a large table, a few ergonomic chairs, a whiteboard and a coffee machine, then you have the right area for staff to relax and brainstorm problems as they arise. Place a few full-size partitions to screen off the area and make sure there is ample natural light and you have the ideal problem-solving environment. Click here for ways to optimise your business.
Create a busy ambience
People perform better in an ambience with positive energy; put up a few motivational quotes and have some natural greenery, which adds a natural touch. Of course, climate control is essential, people need to feel comfortable in order to perform at optimum levels.
To conclude, an open plan office is more productive and by paying attention to even small details, you can create a winning ambience that boosts productivity. It is always a good idea to consult with your office staff regarding any changes you intend to make, as they are the people who work in the environment.
Let your staff set the bar and they are far more likely to overachieve.
