Office space planning has transitioned from a place where all staff members congregate and work is done, to a hybrid style environment where creativity, collaboration, staff well-being and work is taken care of.

Employee retention and productivity metrics are often at the core of office space design in 2024 and beyond. As South Africa bleeds talent and Europe and the USA experience staff shortages in many categories, it has become ever more important to retain experienced and suitably qualified staff.

The employees of the future, including the younger generation of today have different attitudes towards work and the companies they work for. Employees increasingly need to feel a connection with the company they work for, need to identify with the values of the company and leadership as well as need to feel sufficiently remunerated for the efforts and input.

A lot can be achieved by offering office spaces and working environments that offer flexibility, comfort, and identity. The modern workspace can be looked at more as a multi-dimensional tool that employees use in their day-to-day activities of getting their job done. It must incorporate certain privacy aspects like quiet rooms of different sizes for online meetings and presentations of different sizes. The use of as much natural light as possible for both energy saving as well as promotion of mental wellness, reduced stress and a more natural environment. In many ways the modern office needs to take it’s cue from the hospitality industry and residential design by creating spaces that people wish to spend time in.

Workspace and workplace flexibility

This not only encompasses the ability of employees to work from home and at the office but the ability to create any type of space that will best service the purpose of the task at hand. Furniture selection is of great importance in this aspect of the design process. Can the furniture be reconfigured easily to enable a large group and be returned to individual workspaces after the task as an example. This type of design feature in the space planning phase is critical and saves not only overall space required but reduces unused space in the office.

Nature based forms and textures are incredibly well received in office space design by staff. Simply optimizing any views and using natural textures and imagery on the walls and using as much natural light as possible, goes a long way to creating a comfortable space that fosters
collaborative energy.

Transforming offices into enticing destinations by integrating work, living, and recreational areas to support professional and personal well-being.

Break rooms

These are areas in the office space plan that provide the staff with a place they can gather their thoughts, prepare for meetings, recuperate and think after a meeting and engage with fellow staff members in a comfortable setting with couches and a kitchen close at hand.

Private areas

Any open plan workspace needs to have spaces where staff can go and take or make a call without interruption or the general noise and activity of an open workspace.

Open areas

There are a few ways that open areas can be used but one aspect that comes through from our numerous installations, is the use of natural light and plants makes an enormous impact on both the productivity and enjoyment of staff members. Selection of the right furniture, plant types and wall coverings like living walls and natural imagery create spaces that are most enjoyed by staff members.

Glass walls and partitions

Visual connectivity can be very effectively achieved with the use of glass or transparent materials. The display of company logo’s, inspirational quotes or patterns on the transparent materials affer a unique method of fostering openness, creating a trust environment and has endless opportunities for staff identifying with your brand.

Promoting a transparent work culture while ensuring employees feel they are not being micromanaged requires a delicate balance of open communication, trust, and empowerment.
Where we are dealing with the office space planning and design aspects to create environments that staff will want to engage in, the incorporation of technology, leadership style and expectations all need to flow in the same direction for maximum effect.

Glass Shelving and Storage

Use glass shelving and storage units to display items such as books, plants, or decorative objects. This not only adds visual interest to the office but also creates an illusion of openness and spaciousness.

Embracing technology

Implementation of digital communication tools that promote transparency, such as project management platforms, shared calendars, and messaging apps. Encourage employees to use these tools to share updates, progress, and challenges openly with their teams. Planning and designing office spaces that are able to incorporate the latest technology are best envisaged in the initial concept and our designers may make design suggestions based on the technology you use.

Effective Space planning can achieve many things

By using cutting-edge design and materials in workspace design to prioritize flexibility, staff well-being, activity-based areas and a hybrid style, we are able to create office spaces that that are adaptable, give the staff an identity they can engage with and identify with and at the same time contribute to the success and satisfaction of your staff.

Engage with us to help create a working environment that your staff will actively want to angage with. Embrace the latest technologies that will help achieve both fexible workspaces, create a feeling of belonging and well being, embrace a hybrid approach to work and at the same time lower your carbon footprint and create a light, bright, work experience.