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Office Space Layout Planning Tips
Many executives feel strongly that a well laid out office space is integral in overall office productivity and good feeling amongst employees and office visitors. It’s not just about cramming as much furniture and as many people into a room as possible, but rather organizing everything so that the overall flow of the office layout aides in efficiency and doesn’t cause a single stop-gap in the day today operating practices. Below are a few basic pointers to consider when organizing a new office space or transforming an existing area:
1. Study the area well before adding or moving furniture and equipment. Don’t just rely on a quick glance at the room or work area, but be sure to locate and mark where all electrical outlets, phone jacks, and ethernet plugs are before adding or moving heavy desks or file cabinets. Know which way doors open and close beforehand, so you don’t move a 200 lb copy machine or table into an area that won’t work.
2. Choose the best locations for the primary, functional work areas in each room or space. Plan the rest of the furniture and equipment locations accordingly. A desk may look great in a particular area or corner, but actually working there may not provide a great feel or could cause hindrances in other areas. Busy work zones should be located apart from heavy traffic areas and break areas.
3. Try to allot for open spaces in office rental and avoid cramming if possible. There needs to be sufficient walking space and breathing area not just for employees, but room for chairs and drawers to move around, open and close. Overstuffed work areas can lead to employee complaints about arm or back strains, eye issues, etc. Not only does that halt productivity, but opens a business owner up to medical bills and other legal headaches.
4. Leave room for future storage. Businesses accumulate paper and new materials every day, so it’s important there’s plenty of room for it in advance. Procrastinating means when it gets too full, work has to stop in order to make room and adjust. A CEO’s worst nightmare.
5. Don’t do it alone. Plan ahead with your team and get their input. After all, they are the ones who will actually be in the new or modified areas on a daily basis, so you want their input.
These are just a few basic tips on organizing the layout and furniture for commercial office space.
