Can you really increase the performance level by changing the space design? With the arrival of millennial workers, the rise of startup businesses, and the increasing number of freelancers, the working environment nowadays is rapidly growing. This trend plays a vital role in redefining traditional offices, particularly in the office space structure.
Workplace design refers to the process of designing and organizing a workplace to optimize worker performance and safety. In an office workplace, the design is primarily focus on an environment that optimizes employees wellness by maximizing conditions such as air quality, lighting, and ergonomics.
With good workplace design, you can create a place where people will be productive and happy. It is essential to design the coworking space so that it enhances user experience and can create a sense of community.
Here are some key reasons on the impact of design in coworking spaces:
Facilitates Interaction
An appealing design can lead to productivity for coworkers. A coworking space is meant for communal work-setting where individuals from varied industries and backgrounds are able to breed new ideas and collaboration. However, it doesn’t mean that collaboration happens right away just because you’re in a shared space. This is why elements to facilitate interaction are necessary.
How much we interact with our colleagues is all in the way we move. Encouraging movement with the flow of foot traffic can do wonders for coworkers proximity to one another. Open work spaces consisting of large round tables or long tables are one option that many coworking spaces adopt. Being in close proximity to others without the barriers of cubicles encourages greater collaboration.
Additionally, nothing brings people together like food, so it may be worthwhile to add a cafe-like setting that encourages conversations with a mix of work and leisure. Providing a place where people can relax and let down their guard, can create a comfortable setting to network and entertain clients without having to leave the office. The key to enhance the interaction among coworkers is to find the right balance between fun and formal.
Increases happiness and productivity
Coworking spaces also need to provide spaces where members can attend to work and calls in privacy. Some members are able to produce creativity and collaboration in an open office layout, but with an assortment of people, some prefer less chatter to function at their best. Office environment with natural elements such as greenery and sunlight can improve the wellbeing of coworkers in their performance and productivity. Introducing nature into the space also helps to boost serenity and calmness. As well as keeping savvy with color schemes and keeping the space bright, open and inviting, are one of the best ways to ensure an inspiring workplace.
Since concentration is a key part of productivity, there must be a striking balance on designing the layout of the space. Open floor plans attracts and increases productivity for interactive people, while quiet zones allow space for others to work on their own. Flexible working hours means that people need a comfortable place to rest for a while. Imagine how delighted the members would be if they have a place for relaxation with natural air and sunlight after a stressful work. These spaces can come in a form of rest pods or private nooks where one can temporarily escape from the bustle of work. This can help reduce well-being issues like eye strain and backache.
Boost moods with Visual Accents
Although it’s like a minor aspect of design, but sufficient lighting can transform a place for coworkers. Natural light can elevate workplace performance and research has shown that a workplace with a good daylight have a 3% to 40% gain in productivity and sales. Adding more windows can help coworking spaces give independent professionals a productive edge during the workday. Make sure desks are positioned towards windows, and if access to natural lighting is limited, consider installing skylights.
Offers a sense of flexibility
Stress at work can be detrimental to productivity. Pressures can keep you from operating at full capacity. As mentioned above, workplaces with informal breakout rooms and relaxing stations provide a chance to regroup and give your members a break. Fun and versatile areas can diminish the burden of work, as long as they don’t impede on areas that are reserved for meetings, phone calls, and private talks. Designing the coworking space where working section and unwind section are separated can produce flexibility.
Conclusion
In summary, the better the workplace design, the better the work performance of the coworkers. In a coworking space environment, it does not only encourages efficiency, but also creativity towards their work. Space owners need to design or redesign their coworking space to create a positive workplace culture, which will lead to satisfied and engaged members.