In this day and age, the workplace is becoming increasingly important. We all want to be productive in our work environments, but how can we achieve that? It turns out that our office design may have more to do with our productivity than we think.
In this article, we’ll answer the question of ‘What is the most productive office layout?’ by exploring the different types, functions and designs available for the modern office space.
Let’s get into it!
What Are The Different Types Of Office Layouts?
Before we get into discussing what the best type of office design for productivity is, it’s important to understand the key differences between the main design models.
There are several types of office layouts commonly used in different work environments. All of these environments offer different benefits in terms of collaboration and privacy.
Here are some of the most popular layouts you can choose for your office space:
Open Office Layout
An open-plan office design is an organisational layout that does away with walls and barriers between workstations. This setup encourages collaboration, allowing workers to interact more easily within the same space.
They also generally offer plenty of natural light, good air quality, and flexible spaces for various activities.
Cubicle Layout
A cubicle layout is a space with semi-enclosed workstations or pods. These are usually created by partitions, which create a ‘cubicle structure’. The aim of a cubicle is to provide a level of privacy and personal space within the office, giving employees their area to work in.
Private Office Layout
Private offices are workspaces which are assigned to specific teams or employees. They are usually their own room, offering a high level of privacy and a good place to hold meetings & catch ups. No matter your office design, private offices are often included for managers, executives & supervisors who may need a larger private space.
Team-Based Layout
In a team-based layout, employees are grouped together based on their teams to help increase productivity through easy collaboration.
What Is The Most Productive Office Layout Design?
The best office layout for productivity largely depends on the type of work being completed and the team size.
For instance, if a small team works together collaboratively, an open-plan design with communal tables can be beneficial as it encourages interaction among the members. On the other hand, those who need more privacy to focus on their individual tasks (such as managers) may prefer cubicles or separate workspaces to concentrate better.
Open-plan office spaces are often regarded as one of the best layouts for productivity due to their ergonomic design. A comfortable workspace helps reduce stress and fatigue so employees can stay productive throughout the day.
This means ensuring enough space between furniture pieces so people can move freely around them, providing adjustable chairs and desks, and offering natural light when possible. And Open Office designs are great at encompassing all these factors – offering plenty of space for movement.
Many modern office spaces have adopted a ‘collaborative design’, with an open plan design for the main office space and a few private offices for managers and board members to conduct meetings.
What Are Productive Colours For The Office?
When creating a productive office layout, colour also plays an important role.
Bright colours have been shown to increase productivity and creativity in the workplace as they can stimulate the mind. However, It’s important to note that incorporating too much colour into an office may become overwhelming and distracting, so it's best to stick with just one or two main hues when designing your work area.
Neutral tones, such as beiges and greys, create a calming atmosphere conducive to concentration-based tasks. Depending on the type of work being done in the office, selecting either bright or neutral shades can help promote productivity.
Light blues are often seen as one of the most favourable hues for offices; they create a refreshing environment that encourages employees to stay focused while still feeling comfortable.
Overall, choosing appropriate colours for your office will ensure that you get maximum productivity out of your staff. Alongside a strong office layout, having an office colour scheme can help increase your productivity.
Redevelop Your Office Space Today
Interested in redesigning your office space? Whether you’re ready to try an open-plan office design or need more inspiration, Gazelle Office Furniture is here to help. Contact us today to speak to one of our office design experts!