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5 Things to consider when planning the workspace 

In some way or the other, your workspace is crucial and acquires a central place in the business operations of any industry. Hence, it’s important to plan your office space in a way that supports employee wellness and is conducive to productivity and positivity. Finding the right approach to office planning is foremost for the current and future success of the organization. 

Here are the five core pillars of office space planning that you must look into to make sure your office space turns out to be a hub of productivity. These five core factors are a smart way to lead office space planning to a vibrant workplace.

1. Space and layout

The space footage and its layout are the two most important aspects of workspace planning. If we incorporate too many elements in a small space, it will make cramp your workspace. The same stands true for large spaces as well. Lack of proper planning and utilization of available space and layout can impact several aspects including employee satisfaction. 

The two factors to look at for ensuring space and layout have been utilized efficiently are how well the employees are accommodated in your space and what level of space utilization efficiency is achieved. 

2. Natural elements 

A very recent trend in workplace planning is the rise in the demand for more biophilic design with natural lighting. The incorporation of natural elements in a  workspace has been proven to improve focus, mood, and motivation, and benefit the health of your employees. 

Considering a natural perspective when planning your workspace ensures that the space does not lose its human and earth element. The incorporation of elements like natural light filtering in from the windows and skylights, greenery in the form of desk and floor plants, and a rooftop rock garden in the workspace planning invites appreciation from your employees. 

3. Colors and textures 

Contrary to popular belief color and textures are not a luxury but an essential element of workspace planning. No motivation and great ideas come in an environment filled with monotone colors and drab textures. It may not seem very apparent but the vibrancy of the workplace affects the success of the organization through its impact on the workforce. 

Therefore it is suggested to incorporate vibrant colors and textures, following a similar theme or palette, in workspace planning. You can also make use of brand colors to create affiliation among the employees. To further elicit emotional responses from the workplace ambiance, you can make use of colors complementing the brand colors. Many successful organizations also make use of color psychology to bring more depth to their workspace. 

4. Comfortable furniture 

Ensuring employee comfort is important for so many reasons including their productivity. Employees tend to give their best work to the organization when they are accommodated well and made to feel comfortable. Though core workspace planning plays a major role in ensuring employees’ comfort, the true difference comes from what’s inside the workspace. 

A crucial factor that plays a major role in this is the selection of furniture. High-quality, supportive, and ergonomic chairs, desks, and other furniture are a major plus. Other factors that ensure employee comfort are amenities. Workfree zones and experiential spaces like yoga studios, break rooms, or nap rooms, all of which focus on employee comfort at the workplace. And don’t forget the importance of personal space. It is very important to ensure employees that their personal space won’t be violated at the workplace. 

5. Acoustics 

Workplaces, more often than not, are a center of commotion as a conglomerate of departments and employees come together. Everyone talking, playing music, and typing together can create a humdrum. Hence, it is critical to managing ambient noise. 

Controlling ambient sound depends upon the office floor plan. It’s often more challenging to solve noise issues in an open workplace than in a more segmented one. Some of the common solutions that you can incorporate in the workplace design are – convertible work areas, segmented floor plans, and soundproof cubicles. You can also bring in creative design elements to solve the noise issues. These elements include sound-deadening panels and large pillars which control ambient noise through acoustical manipulation. 

When planning a brand new office concept or redesigning the old workplace, keep these five factors in consideration. Each of these factors governs workplace planning at a fundamental level and ensures employee satisfaction, efficiency, and productivity. 

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