Your Office Refit: Everything You Need To Know About Creating Better Spaces For Your Teams

Over the last few years, businesses, especially office based workplaces, have had to adapt to different ways of working. The concept of the traditional office space where all workers follow a typical 9 to 5 work pattern under the same roof has undergone a significant transformation. Now modern businesses are flexing in terms of their expectations of where and when work is carried out.

The shift towards ‘hybrid’ working models, i.e. where staff work partly at home and partly within a business’s office, and the need to prioritise workers’ well being have highlighted the importance of creating better, more accommodating office environments for teams.

In this blog post, we will explore the key considerations for your office refit – including office space standards and guidelines UK. We’ll also look at how a carefully designed commercial office refurbishment of an existing office can contribute to the attractiveness of your business as an employer and the overall wellbeing and productivity of your staff.

Striking the balance for hybrid working

The office workplace looks a little different to how it used to a couple of years ago. Before the covid-19 pandemic, heading into the office was the norm, but now, thanks to better technology, changing work practices and a need for businesses to reduce costs, hybrid working – where staff can also work from home – is here to stay. What is great about hybrid working is that it gives employees flexibility – but many businesses are also keen to ensure a balance is maintained, and teams can spend at least some of their time interacting in the office each week.

1 in 4 workers now work a hybrid work week, and that looks set to grow over the coming years as businesses compete to offer the best working conditions to attract the best people. To help facilitate a balanced hybrid approach where staff want to come into the office as well as work from home, businesses need to consider their office spaces and boost their appeal to employees. One answer is to carry out a commercial office refurb that not only complements hybrid working, but also contributes to the health, wellbeing and satisfaction of employees.

Why carefully created office spaces are essential to demonstrate they are a great place to work

Research consistently shows that the physical environment has a profound impact on employee wellbeing and performance. A well-designed office space, including carefully selected office furniture, can reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall job satisfaction. Recognising the importance of staff wellbeing is a key factor in creating a positive and productive workplace.

The right office space can also have an impact on attracting top talent to your business or organisation. Job seekers are being more selective about their terms and conditions of employment these days – and the benefits that are on offer. The workplace itself can have a big impact on whether a candidate chooses to accept a job offer or look elsewhere. Ultimately, what modern businesses need to do is present their office as a great place to work.

Office space standards and guidelines UK

In terms of setting up an office, most legal requirements focus on health and safety considerations, and the minimum amount of space permitted for staff. For example, for one employee, an area of at least 11sqm is required, whereas 30 or more employees would require a minimum of 330 sqm.

However, the standards to be considered for a successful commercial office refurbishment should go far beyond what is required legally. They should focus on key questions such as – is the space attractive for staff? Will the environment contribute to staff creativity and productivity? Will the environment support workers’ health and wellbeing? Will the space foster a sense of community amongst staff? Does the space provide everything employees could need to work comfortably and productively?

There are no legal regulations to mandate for providing a ‘good place to work’. However the UK Government has produced office space standards and guidelines UK for its own civil service workspaces that give a comprehensive design guide on things to consider, and sets a clear standard for modern workspaces to follow.

The guide includes key considerations, such as safety, inclusivity, offering employees choice over where to work, supporting wellbeing, creating friendly collaborative spaces, maintaining a high standard of repair, and effective space planning to maximize efficiency and accommodate various work styles.

Designing your office design fit out to create a better environment for your teams

Carrying out a commercial office refurbishment that ticks all the boxes can feel daunting, however it can boil down to just a few essential factors. Effective project management is crucial in ensuring smooth and successful office refits. To achieve a successful office refit that caters to the needs of your teams, consider the following elements:

Consider the different aspects of office life

When designing your office space, you should evaluate the various aspects of office life, including individual workspaces, meeting rooms, communal areas, wellbeing rooms, and break spaces. Each plays a unique role in fostering community, collaboration, concentration, and relaxation. You can create ‘zones’ by making different areas look different, changing up the décor, providing different furniture, adding plants, and using office partitions to provide some separation and give each space a clear meaning or purpose.

Consult your staff

It’s important to engage your employees in the design process. Gather feedback on their preferences and requirements, ensuring that the new office layout reflects the diverse needs of your team. Additionally, understanding the company structure is crucial as it helps tailor the office fit outs to align with your goals and operational dynamics.

Focus on an environment that promotes health and wellbeing

Prioritise features that contribute to a healthy workplace, such as ergonomic furniture, ample natural light, good air quality, and efficient air conditioning – renting office plants can help with this. A focus on employee health not only enhances wellbeing but also boosts productivity.

Make it suitable for hybrid working

Acknowledge the prevalence of hybrid working and design your new office space to accommodate both in-person and remote collaboration. Ensure that technology is seamlessly integrated to support virtual meetings and collaborative tools. Now that we have a better understanding of remote meetings, it can make it much easier to accommodate suitable spaces and help ensure everyone feels connected.

Incorporate wellbeing – like adding plants and greenery into your décor

Introduce green elements into your office design by incorporating plants and greenery. The option to rent office plants is a simple way to transform your existing space, and you can benefit from maintenance services to help them look their best. Not only do plants and flowers enhance the aesthetics of your workplace, but they also contribute to improved air quality and a sense of connection with nature.

Keep things flexible

Modern businesses stay modern by futureproofing their spaces through well-planned refurbishment projects. Design a flexible workspace that can adapt to changing needs. Incorporate modular furniture and versatile layouts that accommodate different work styles and preferences.

Transform your space by renting office plants

Consider renting office plants as a cost-effective way to enhance your workspace. Plants not only bring a touch of nature indoors but also contribute to a positive and calming atmosphere. Whether you choose office plant hire services or you want an artificial flower design, there are different options available to suit your needs and budget.

Office plant hire with phs Greenleaf

If you’re planning a commercial office refurbishment, conducting a spatial audit of your workplace can help you make the most of it. It will also help you to clarify how to create a more positive office space for your employees, as well as how to make better use of your workplace for your business. To help you with your office refit, why not add some green into the mix? At phs Greenleaf, we specialise in renting office plants to businesses across a range of industries, helping them become a more attractive and welcoming space. There are a lot of benefits that come with office plant hire, and our design teams are on hand to help you create the right look for your workplace.

Contact phs Greenleaf today to discuss your office refit or any of your plant rental needs.

 

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