Despite the fact that modern businesses are turning more and more towards remote working, some industries depend on having a dedicated office space.
We’re talking customer-facing businesses as well as businesses that need to maintain a corporate appearance for one reason or another.
Unlike home interior design, office interior design introduces a few extra factors you need to think of when decorating your workspace.
Functionality
Before you even start digging into the aesthetic aspect of interior office design, you first need to make a functional layout. A functional office is an office where work gets done. Why is functionality so important?
For one, the primary purpose of an office is to accommodate the employees’ needs as they’re the ones who will be there the most. More importantly, a functional office enables good workflow, especially if your line of work requires you or your employees to move a lot.
Of course, the definition of office functionality is industry-specific. Data crunching jobs thrive in offices where each employee has their own privacy. You’ve guessed it — cubicles, or a flexible space partitioning formula, and, on the other hand, creative gigs are different. With creative jobs, there’s a lot of cross-referencing going on between different posts, which warrants a more open office space. The key is figuring out what works for your office dynamic and following that lead.
Aesthetics Matter
Function over form doesn’t mean that there should be no form at all. In the corporate world, aesthetics matter. Whether you’re leaving the first impression on potential business partners or just trying to make your company look professional, it’s always recommended that you give the aesthetics of your office some thought.
There are many interior design styles out there. New tech startups packed with young people will generally go for a more colorful aesthetic that represents the fresh spirit of the company. On the other hand, a century-old financial firm will most likely stick to something conservative and business-like.
Build Around Your Branding
Branding is an essential part of running a business in any industry. Your clients and the public at large will know you through your brand. Your offices should reflect that in the most tasteful way possible.
Let’s stick to the new startup vs old financial firm analogy. The former can get away with being direct and borderline aggressive with their branding. A massive logo in the lobby of the company, branded clothing, and company-themed marketing paraphernalia are a common sight among new startups.
None of that would work in a top-tier financial firm. Traditional companies push their brand through much more subtle ways. Think pens and letterheads, branded envelopes, and other office materials. It’s worth mentioning that there is a whole spectrum of options in between these two. You have to fine-tune your branding exposure to meet your company’s image.
Comfort Reigns Supreme
At the end of the day, your office is a place of work. You, your employees, or both, will have to spend 8 hours per day in this space without feeling like a train wreck after business hours.
In other words, comfort is extremely important. There are two ways to ensure that your employees are comfortable while working from the office — furniture and temperature control.
Don’t Skimp on Office Furniture
Office furniture is essential for both the productivity and wellbeing of those who use it. Cheap office chairs can expose your employees to a risk of chronic back pain and severe injuries. We’re not built to sit behind a desk all day, so a chair that mitigates all the issues associated with sitting for so long has to be expensive. If there’s one thing you should invest in, it’s this.
Temperature Control
We live in a world where every office building is fitted with an AC unit. Your job is to ensure that the AC unit in your building is capable of servicing the needs of your entire office.
There is nothing worse than having to sit all day in a space that is either too cold or too hot. Not only does productivity suffer in such conditions, but people will have a hard time thinking about anything else.
Take One Step at a Time
Coming up with a solid interior design for your office is a process. Make sure to take your time and cover each of the items on this list thoroughly.
Allow yourself to modify your design as you go. Make changes and keep things fluid. That’s the only way to find a solution that works for you.