Designing Office Spaces to Look Fun yet Professional
Contemporary and creatively curated workspaces are replacing closed cabins and rigid interiors. Office interiors are all about bringing work-life balance into the workspace. While high-performing companies like Apple and Google have already set an example, Reliance Retail and others are following without sacrificing on professionalism. Today, top interior designers in India are designing office spaces to look fun yet professional.
Why create a fun office space?
Creating a fun office space means introducing playful elements in the workplace. It not only boosts employee morale but has added benefits like
Attracts talent
Reduces stress
Increases focus and productivity
Improves employee well-being
Enhances creativity
Fosters open communication
Inculcates improved collaboration
Promotes better mental and physical well-being
Rallies pride in the workplace
Reduces staff turnover
Contributes to a positive company culture
Top 7 tips for designing office spaces to look fun yet professional
Modern office designs provide extra amenities to transform a regular office into an exceptional one. Here are seven tips to consider while designing office spaces to look fun yet professional
1. Open-plan layout
Modern office designs have a more open-plan layout and fewer partitions and cubicles. It not only makes the area appear bigger, but it also offers employees more space to collaborate. Employees feel they have more freedom to communicate and work as a team. They also find it easier to approach their superiors. Glass partitions are replacing wooden cabins to create a more open workspace while maximizing the use of natural sunlight. Also, ergonomic furniture is fast replacing the old work desks.
2. Smart technology
The next most important feature in a modern office design is Smart technology. Smart technology includes artificial intelligence and automation, Smart screens to communicate with remote teams, project management software, access control, cloud storage, virtual and augmented reality, digital visitor management systems, and more. Incorporating Smart technology into modern office design means getting the office future-ready. It helps the company to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the competition.
3. Flexible workspace
A modern office space is a dynamic and flexible workspace that allows employees to meet in a common space, split up with teams, and to work alone in a quiet space when required. Unlike traditional offices with fixed seating, modern offices offer a variety of workstations that can be rearranged to accommodate changing needs. Flexible workspaces include activity-based workstations, standing desks, collaborative workspaces, private offices, private phone booths, chill-out social gathering areas, comfortable lounge areas and outdoor workspaces. Flexible workspaces accommodate different work styles and employee preferences to bring out the best in them.
4. Sustainable Design
The sustainability factor is another must-have for a modern office design. While it helps to conserve the planet, it impacts employee well-being and creates a positive corporate image. An eco-friendly office design with efficient usage of renewable energy resources, eco-friendly materials in buildings, and energy-saving appliances contributes to a more sustainable future. Sustainable designs also maximise natural light and fresh air that are good for employee health and well-being. Sustainable office designs incorporate green spaces (indoor plants and green walls), wooden furniture, natural fabric furnishings, recycled paper, etc.
5. Wellness and health amenities
Having a physical fitness area, multi-purpose game room, yoga room, meditation room, a gym, and onsite clinic helps to reduce sick days, combat burnout and increase productivity and cost savings for the company. Introducing wellness and health amenities improves employee morale and goes to prove that the company is committed to the well-being of its employees.
Other wellness features to include in a modern office are – a high-quality dining area serving healthy food, reclining chairs/relaxation pods, outdoor garden space, and fun social spaces.
6. Collaborative and break-out spaces
Most modern offices provide different working zones and break away spaces. While collaborative spaces encourage workers to brainstorm with the team, break-away spaces provide unobtrusive areas for creative thoughts to flow. Both these spaces aid productivity. An expert interior designer can make collaborative and break-away spaces fun, creative, and modern.
7. The extras for enhancing employee experience
Modern office environment typically focuses on keeping its employees happy. It is no longer about the salary alone, but perks and office atmosphere matter. To help achieve this, employers are introducing additional features like a crèche, a pet zone, shower facilities, etc. Also, bright colours, neon signs, slides, and comfortable sofas add to the fun aspect of working in a contemporary office.
Conclusion
A modern office is about striking the perfect balance between fun and professionalism. While providing your workforce with a contemporary office design, remember to create clear distinctions between work and fun areas. Also, set goals and rewards so employees understand that the office is not all about play. For employees who are meeting with clients, insist on a formal dress code. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing corporate scenario upgrade your office to stay competitive and innovative. By incorporating the above features, be a successful module for others to follow!
