March 27, 2020

21 Best Office Layout Ideas

Article by Micah Weeks

[September 2022 Update] The office layout is one of the most important factors in determining the productivity and effectiveness of your employees. There is no one-size-fits-all, but there are a few general principles you can keep in mind as you design your workplace. Keep these 21 office layout ideas in mind as you plan your office design.

What is office layout and why it matters?

The office layout is the way in which you arrange your workplace furniture and space. It can have a big impact on employee productivity and morale. A well-designed office layout can help to create a more efficient work environment, while a poorly designed one can lead to frustration and wasted time.

How to choose the right office layout for your business

There is no one-size-fits-all office layout. What works for one company might not work for another. However, there are a few general principles that you can keep in mind as you design your office space:

1. Define the purpose of your office space.

2. Consider the needs of your employees.

3. Make sure the office layout is functional.

4. Use the office layout to create a productive work environment.

5. Keep the office layout flexible to accommodate future changes.

The benefits of an open office layout

The benefits of an open office layout are many and they have become increasingly popular in recent years. There are several benefits to this type of layout, including:

6. Increased collaboration: With everyone in the same space, it is easier to collaborate on projects.

7. Increased productivity: Open office layouts can help employees feel more engaged and productive.

8. Increased communication: An open office layout helps to promote communication among employees.

9. Improved morale: An open space can help to improve employee morale by fostering a more collaborative and communicative work environment.

Covid workplace team meeting in breakout space

The benefits of a closed spaces

Depending on the type of business, closed office layouts are still quite popular. Here are some of the benefits of this type of layout:

10. Privacy – A closed office layout provides employees with a high level of privacy. This can be beneficial for those who need to concentrate on their work or need to take confidential calls.

11. Noise Reduction – Closed layouts help to reduce noise levels in the office. This can be beneficial for those who need to focus on their work or for those who are easily distracted by noise.

12. Increased Productivity – Closed layouts have been shown to increase productivity among employees. This is likely due to the privacy and noise reduction benefits that are offered by these layouts.

The benefits of a flexible office layout

A flexible office layout can benefit your company in a number of ways. Here are some of the key benefits that should be noted:

13. Flexible office layouts are more conducive to creativity and productivity.

14. They can help you to attract and retain top talent.

15. They can reduce costs by allowing you to use space more efficiently.

16. They can be easily reconfigured to facilitate change and the challenges of tomorrow.

Adjustable planter box fitout

How to create an ergonomic office space

Creating an ergonomic office space can be tricky, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

17. Make sure your office is well-lit. Natural light is best, but if that’s not possible, make sure you have plenty of bright light.

18. Choose a comfortable chair with adjustable height and armrests.

19. Place your computer monitor so that it’s directly in front of you, at eye level.

20. Keep your desk clear of unnecessary clutter.

21. Encourage breaks so employees can stretch and move around.

The benefits of a wellness-focused office space

By incorporating wellness into your office layout, you can create a more productive and positive work environment for your employees. This will help foster good company culture and reduced sick days – making employees want to come to work. Here are some of the benefits of a wellness-focused office space:

  • Reduced Stress – The office can be a stressful place, especially if you have a lot of work to do. A wellness-focused office space can help to reduce stress levels by providing a relaxing environment and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and meditation.
  • Improved Health – Employees who have access to exercise facilities and other health-related amenities, are likely to have better overall health.

The importance of office acoustics

Poor acoustics can be extremely disruptive and can lead to decreased productivity. In order to create a productive environment, it is important to make sure that the office layout is properly soundproofed and that there are few distractions.

One way to improve the acoustics of your office is to install acoustic panels. These panels help to absorb sound and minimize noise interference. If you are unable to install acoustic panels, you can also try using rugs or curtains to help dampen sound.

It is also important to choose furniture that is quiet and does not produce excess noise. Glass desks, for example, can be a big distraction in an office setting. Instead, opt for wooden or fabric-covered furniture which will help to muffle sound.

Open plan workstation

Other important office layout factors

The importance of storage cannot be overemphasized. In fact, adequate storage is one of the key factors in determining the overall success of an office layout. Without proper storage, everything quickly becomes cluttered and disorganized, which can lead to decreased productivity and frustration among employees. This might include installing cabinets, shelves, or drawers, or it might mean choosing furniture that has built-in storage features.

Different colours can have different impacts on office productivity too. Bright colours can help to stimulate creativity and energy, while cooler colours can help to create a calming environment. It is important to choose the right colours for your office space in order to create the right mood and atmosphere for maximum productivity.

Final thoughts: What to consider when choosing an office layout?

All in all, there are quite a few variables to consider when designing a modern office. Don’t worry though, it doesn’t have to be super stressful!

First, think about the type of business you have. If you have a lot of employees, you’ll want to make sure you have enough space for everyone to work comfortably. You’ll also want to consider the type of work your employees do. If they need to be able to collaborate often, you’ll want to make sure your office layout encourages that. Finally, think about your budget. You don’t want to spend more than you have to, so make sure you asses your options before making a decision. Keeping these few key principles in mind, you can create an office space that will work well for your company.

When you’re ready to start planning your office layout, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced fitout experts who will be able to assist with any further questions you might have.

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