Hybrid working has been adopted by most industries now, managers believe hybrid working models directly increase the productivity of their teams, while the flexibility creates higher employee satisfaction and retention.
But with employees split between office and remote working, this means the way teams communicate and work together needs to adapt.
How do you flex your office space to make office and remote workers alike feel engaged and part of the conversation?
Effective hybrid office design is anchored on incorporating design, tech and functionality that you cannot access at home.
Think of how you can optimise working styles through collaboration areas, tech innovation and working areas.
Here are 8 ways you can optimise your office for a hybrid workforce:
No matter where an employee works from, your office space planning should accommodate both in-person and virtual collaboration.
Incorporate multiple styles of workstations to suit different working styles and hybrid collaboration, use glass partitioning to maintain an open feel while providing privacy and quiet for meetings and focus work.
Where possible, create space for collaboration and breakout sessions for more creative work.
A hybrid office wouldn’t work without the right tech. Every working space in the office must be equipped with adequate audiovisual equipment to allow remote workers to join meetings and discussions with ease.
Build seamless communication with digital whiteboards, collaborative software and online workspaces to allow remote and in-person employees to access notes, add ideas and brainstorm.
Working from home for many is much more relaxed. By creating a more comfortable environment in the office, you can avoid employees dreading their office days.
Choose ergonomic desks and chairs for comfort and reduced injury, and add adjustable lighting and temperature controls to give employees flexibility to create an environment they work best in.
Sometimes people need a distraction-free environment to work, and the office can often lack this, especially with the rise in popularity of the open-plan layout.
To provide employees with uninterrupted focus areas without taking away from the open, collaborative space, add quiet zones with soundproof walls and doors for private meetings and working.
You can also use office partitions for a flexible, temporary solution to creating a quiet space for your employees.
Not every type of work needs to be done in a formal office setting, sometimes, more casual environments can spark the best work.
Making space for breakout zones is important for collaborative work, helping to spark creativity, bounce ideas off one another and improve focus by giving employees a break from sitting at their desks.
These areas should be designed to be more relaxed, so opt for comfortable seating, inspiring decor and colours.
Work life is all about balance, hard work, and creativity can’t flourish without proper rest and taking care of our health.
While we’re not suggesting you turn your office into a relaxing spa, it would benefit employees and the business to incorporate wellness features into the workplace.
Natural light regulates our circadian rhythms. Where possible, let natural light in or mimic the light changes throughout the day with adjustable lighting. Introduce greenery and plant life for a calming environment that reduces stress.
Take it one step further by incorporating wellness areas with exercise equipment, or healthy snacks and beverages for employees to take breaks.
An organised space is proven to positively affect your stress levels. Keeping your office space tidy can improve employees’ wellbeing and make work life more efficient.
Add shelving, cabinets, and lockers to create an organised space for business and employee belongings.
Businesses strive for their employees to live and breathe their brand, so establishing that brand identity in the office is essential. It creates a sense of ownership for people when working in the office.
Design your space to reflect your values and branding through the use of colours, graphics and signage. But make sure not to overdo it, too much branding can feel quite overwhelming, try to incorporate colours that represent the atmosphere you want to create.
As a leading office design and refurbishment company in the UK, we understand the challenges businesses face in navigating the hybrid working world. We help businesses like yours create office environments that support and empower those working in-person and from home.
Talk to us today on 0113 388 6522 or email us at contact@buildinginteriorsgroup.co.uk, and we’ll help you get started in transforming your office into a hybrid working space.
