A good office design finds just the right balance of comfort and professionalism.
You will have many, many options when you’re choosing the right design for your office. Different opinions will come swirling in on all sides. Ultimately, it is up to you what your office will look like. Your office design should stay true to your company’s general aesthetic and look professional, without totally sacrificing comfort. A good office design finds just the right balance of comfort and professionalism. Here are a couple more things you should keep in mind when designing your office.
Keep Employees’ Comfort in Mind
Simply stated, people who are uncomfortable will be less productive. If someone is too hot or too cold, trying to get away from distracting noises or smells, or otherwise being made uncomfortable, they won’t be getting as much work done. Your office should keep that in mind. Allow personal touches in cubicles. Don’t relegate the IT department to the basement. Design a space that facilitates collaboration without sacrificing privacy.
Find Out Where Your Furniture Comes From
Companies who make quality furniture are happy to tell you all about the products that you’ve purchased. Where was the desk made? What kind of material was used to upholster that chair? Do the company’s manufacturing processes line up with your company’s values? These are all things you can ask about your office furniture. When choosing furniture, be sure to look for companies whose values align with yours.
Keep Health and Wellness in Mind
Healthy employees are happy employees. Design an office that gives your employees some space to move around. If there’s room, you can even add a small fitness center to your building. Adding plants will help filter the air and reduce the negative effects of fluorescent lighting. If possible, trade your fluorescent lighting for something with fewer side effects. Natural light is proven to be the best solution, but where that isn’t available some sort of indirect light source is usually best.
Consult the Professionals at American Design Associates
American Design Associates, Inc. is a furniture dealer and design firm serving clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We strive to ensure that every customer ends up with the office design and furniture to help their business run for years to come. We have the expertise and resources to help you get your move off to a great, stress-free start. Visit us online to see what we can do for you, or give us a call at (410) 823-5500.
To see examples of our work and get more advice on furnishing your office space, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+.