A well designed office layout is crucial to ensure a safe and functional office environment that also promotes employee productivity and wellbeing. However, it can be a deceptively difficult task to get right, and it’s all too easy to fall into mistakes that can hinder efficiency and be aesthetically unappealing.
Here are some common office layout mistakes to avoid, and suggestions for effective solutions.
Lack of zoning
The rows of cubicles that were commonplace in the latter part of the last century have fallen out of favour, as workers found them cramped, isolating and impersonal. Few will miss this type of factory-farm setup, but the opposite approach of large open plan spaces filled with rows of shared desks also has its drawbacks.
For most types of office, this type is too one-size-fits-all, and doesn’t take into account the different types of work being carried out, nor the various needs, working styles, and preferences of employees. This can lead to inefficiencies and impact productivity and worker satisfaction, lowering morale and potentially driving higher sickness and staff turnover.
The solution: office glass partitions are an ideal way to create zones in an office, because they bring a degree of separation and privacy, but staff can still see each other and this visibility enhances communication and workplace cohesion. They can be used to create broken-plan layouts or fully separate rooms for meetings, quiet zones, and so on.
Lack of natural light
Natural light is fundamental to human health and wellbeing, and numerous scientific studies demonstrate its benefits, from improved sleep cycles to better mood regulation and mental energy levels. Dingy offices or those with too much harsh artificial lighting can lead to health problems such as headaches, eye strain, low mood and anxiety.
This can lead to worse job performance and higher sickness absences. It also creates an unwelcoming environment for clients and visitors to the office, with limited views and an uninspiring atmosphere.
The solution: While it may not be possible to reconfigure the number or size of the windows, it’s still possible to maximise natural daylight by using clear glass partitions rather than solid walls to divide up spaces. Avoid placing tall furniture in front of windows, and position workstations near windows wherever possible.
Lack of soundproofing
One of the most common employee complaints about the office environment is noise. The emphasis of open-plan layouts over the last 20 years means that staff are expected to work when there may be noisy collaborations, phone conversations or meetings going on around them, causing annoyance and distractions.
The drive to create open and collaborative office environments may have been well-intentioned, but it ignores the fact that sometimes workers need quiet spaces for tasks that require deep concentration. Some people find even low levels of noise distracting and are unable to do their best work, particularly if they are neurodiverse.
The absence of soundproof areas for confidential meetings, phone calls and video conferences can also be a problem. Soundproof glass partitions can create dedicated quiet zones for meetings and interruption-free work areas. Further noise reduction solutions include using acoustic panels in screens and soft furnishings to absorb noise.
No reception or breakout areas
In smaller offices, there may be no distinct reception or breakout areas, which can make the office feel unwelcoming and signal a lack of professionalism. A reception area is the face of your brand, where clients and potential new staff form their first impressions of the company. If they walk straight onto the office floor, this can be off putting.
Glass partitions can be used to create stylish reception areas in smaller offices, by zoning off a corner or small entrance lobby. Add some comfortable seating, wall art and greenery to complete the space. The company logo and branding can be incorporated into the glass wall if required, helping to reinforce your brand identity in the minds of visitors.
Screened or partitioned breakout areas are important for workers to take time away from their desks, make drinks and consume food so they can replenish their energy levels throughout the day. They also provide a less formal space for colleagues to chat, exchange ideas and build stronger relationships as they get to know each other better.
