Designing an Office Space Based on Employee Needs
The aspect of design in the workspace has always occupied an area of recognition in the corporate world. In fact, the office space itself can be regarded as the most important business tool. Modern office designs and furnishings have been in a constant state of evolution, particularly to keep up with newer methods of working, as well as to incorporate newer technology. It is estimated that on an average, a full-time employee works 1,800 hours per annum which amounts to a considerable amount of time spent in the office. It is therefore essential to pay attention to the comfort of employees. While trends in office design keep changing from time to time, the factor that remains constant is the impact that an office environment has on an employee’s overall well-being and productivity. This is something companies cannot afford to underestimate, as the individual performance of employees would finally impact the performance of the company as a whole.
Ergonomics is defined as “the study of people's efficiency in their working environment”. This should be the underlying premise of office design, since it implies that every aspect of the office must contribute to the comfort and needs of your employees, based on the type of work carried out in an office. An ideal office design will take into aspect the lighting, furniture, art and colours, recreational zones and technological requirements. Remember that designing an office is taking into consideration the human aspect; since people are physiologically different, the process of designing must factor this in. One of the most important elements in the office is functional furniture, which is the only item which comes into actual physical contact with humans, unlike the flooring or ceiling, for example. Careful attention to detail is required to promote optimal ergonomic conditions in the workplace. Spinal support and good posture are vital while seated for long hours at the desk, for the good health of employees. For this reason, it is important to have office chairs, seating in India that score high on aesthetics, comfort and lumbar support. Office chairs must feature a stable 5-star swivel base, synchro-tilt or push-back mechanisms, mesh or upholstered well-contoured backs, as well as user-friendly functions for fine-tuning the seat height, back control and adjustable arms.
Office work desks should be of appropriate height to allow office workers to work comfortably, accessing keyboards and monitors at the correct height and angle. Studies have shown that any strain caused by improper posture could result in neck and shoulder pains, spondylitis, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Current trends in office design call for the use of modular workstations, with configurations based on function and space planning. Modular workstation manufacturers in India have a varied range of models in linear, cockpit, organic and L shaped workstations. These workstations ensure comfort, privacy, and also offer convenient cable management within workstations. Models like the Alpha workstation and the Cube workstation facilitate modular, open plan office settings which are flexible and reconfigurable.
All offices require well organized and efficient storage, for the systematic storage and quick retrieval of the many records and documents that are an integral part of any organisation. Office furniture manufacturers India offer a wide range of office storage like cabinets, mobile drawer pedestals, credenzas and wall storage to help in maximizing the available space to store binders, files, stationery and books. Another useful type of office storage is mobile storage that can be moved on wheels, to help in providing flexibility and mobility for multi-functional office spaces.
When designing an office space it is important to source functional office furniture with practical attributes, to inculcate good ergonomic habits and help in making the office more positive and productive.