Whether you’re a brand-new startup working with a blank slate or an established business that needs to revamp your office environment, the placement and type of furniture matter.
However, don’t feel like you have to choose just one of these office layout ideas. The ideal work environment offers employees several options for flexible working arrangements.
Here are six of the most efficient office layout ideas to get you started:
Open Plan Layout
As the name implies, an open office layout is an open space where employees work together in a shared working environment without barriers or room dividers between them. This is a smart way to open the lines of communication and turn floor space into a productive hub of collaboration and creativity.
Pros:
Promotes a sense of community and equality in the workplace.
Maximizes space utilization and reduces costs associated with office furniture.
Encourages collaboration and communication among team members.
Cons:
Open space can lead to distractions and decreased privacy.
Noise levels can be high, potentially making it difficult for some employees to concentrate.
Can lead to conflicts over shared spaces like meeting rooms.
Activity-Based Working
Activity-based working (ABW) refers to a flexible office layout that provides a variety of workspaces where employees can choose a setting that supports their different tasks throughout the day. This type of office layout design empowers employees by giving them the tools and spaces they need to direct their own workday.
An ABW office layout design includes work areas such as huddle rooms, pitch rooms, and pods.
Pros:
Increases productivity by allowing employees to choose the workspace that suits them.
Promotes better well-being which could lead to easier recruitment and higher retention.
Optimizes floor space and reduces occupancy costs.
Cons:
It can be difficult for some employees to transition away from traditional assigned seating.
Requires significant office planning and initial investment into work areas.
Lack of storage space and areas for personal items at workstations.
Hot-Desking
In a hot-desking work environment, employee workspaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. With this office layout, no one has rights over a particular office desk, chair, or filing cabinet. This style works well with a collaborative workplace model that encourages open communication among people in different departments.
Pros:
Maximizes hot desking office space and lowers real estate costs.
Promotes workplace cleanliness with less clutter.
Fosters better employee relationships.
Cons:
Coworking spaces can lead to more distractions or employee conflicts.
Lack of private spaces can hinder a sense of belonging.
A loss of structure and hierarchy can be disruptive.
Modular Furniture
Modular office furniture has become increasingly popular in interior design due to its flexibility. Modular furniture is designed to be easily moved and reconfigured, allowing for easier changes in workspace design. This type of office furniture is especially useful in open floor plans, where meeting spaces are frequently changing to accommodate business needs.
Pros:
Flexibility is a principal advantage of modular office furniture, with countless setup options.
Save time and money by purchasing a single type of office furniture that works together.
Easy to add additional pieces as the company expands and still maintains an orderly look.
Cons:
May require a higher initial investment to purchase the entire system at once.
You are limited to preset templates when it comes to staging furniture.
Maintenance can be costly if expert repair is required.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic office design incorporates natural elements into the workspace environment, such as plants, natural light, and water features. This helps to create a more calming and pleasant vibe to the layout of your office.
High-profile companies such as Google have talked about the performance success of this office design trend. Common design ideas include a green wall in conference rooms or hanging plants or vines arranged in common areas.
Pros:
Implementing this design trend is relatively low cost.
Bringing the outdoors to the indoors boosts creativity and productivity.
Several health benefits such as reduced stress, enhanced mood, and better well-being.
Cons:
It can be a challenge to convert certain office environments into biophilic designs.
This style of interior design requires regular maintenance and upkeep.
