A well-designed office plays a crucial role in a company's success. Every manager has had to oversee an office renovation at some point. Many make the same mistakes, which could have been avoided with proper preparation. Let's look at common pitfalls and how to prevent them.
Lack of a Design Plan
The first and main problem, from which other issues stem, is an unclear vision of the end result. Some managers implement their dreams in their own office, ignoring other rooms. Others start renovations without any plan, and some change it nearly every day. As a result, the office looks chaotic and incoherent, with funds sufficient for only half of the finishing.
To avoid this, a design plan and budget must be prepared at the start. Here's an example of a company that invested in a proper design plan, and the renovated office space helped boost staff productivity by 15%.
Consulting a designer is not mandatory. People with taste and renovation experience can manage independently. However, if you doubt your abilities, it's better to entrust the work to a professional. A professionally designed project can be an element of strengthening corporate culture and company identity.
As for the budget, remember this rule: if you calculate it yourself, add 40% to the final amount, which will be the approximate cost of the finishing. Although the initial budget may seem high, investing correctly in office space will pay off through increased employee efficiency and productivity growth.
Complete Rejection of Custom Furniture
Among office owners, there's a popular belief that custom furniture is no different from store-bought, except for its inflated price. This is incorrect! Company X invested in custom furniture for their office, and it significantly impacted clients' and partners' impressions.
While it's not necessary to overspend on employee desks or typical cabinets, making a custom reception desk is a justified expense. Clients, partners, and guests of your company visit the reception, so the first impression plays a crucial role in future interactions. The desk can be made unique not only in size and shape but also branded, with the company logo, name, and other images.
Neglecting Seating
People working in offices often suffer from health problems due to a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, to minimize such issues, it's important to choose the right chairs. According to research, using ergonomic chairs reduces the risk of back and neck pain by 30%.
Beyond the noble goal, there's also a more pragmatic one: employees who are comfortable at their workstations tend to be more successful, productive, and interested in high results. According to a survey, 85% of employees who received new ergonomic chairs reported increased productivity. This means the entire company will achieve better results. Therefore, it's crucial not just to buy a chair in St. Petersburg but to choose one that is as comfortable and adjustable to the individual's needs and build.
Design and Corporate Culture
Office design is not just about aesthetics but also reflects the company's corporate culture. The choice of color palette, materials, furniture, and layout can convey the organization's values and mission. An open layout with collaborative and recreational areas will foster cooperation and informal communication, while more enclosed spaces are better suited for companies valuing privacy and individual work.
A well-thought-out office design can also strengthen employees' sense of belonging to the company and increase their engagement. When employees see that their workspace reflects the brand's values and history, they feel a greater connection to the company. Using corporate colors, logos, and other branded elements in office design helps create this sense of belonging.
Office Maintenance and Upgrades
Good office design is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Over time, the company's and its employees' needs change, technologies develop, and interiors become outdated. It's important to plan periodic office updates every 3-5 years to keep it functional, modern, and in line with the current needs of the business.
Office updates don't have to be extensive and costly. They can be a partial remodel, furniture or decor replacement, new technology introduction, or creating zones for various activities. Regular updates not only maintain clients' and partners' impressions but also show employees that the company cares about their comfort and strives to create a modern, stimulating work environment.
Good office design should be seen not as a one-time expense but as a long-term investment in business success. A properly designed and maintained office space can increase productivity, strengthen corporate culture, attract and retain talented employees, and create a positive impression for clients and partners.