Is your design future proof?
Future proofing your office isn’t just about technology; design plays an equally important role.
The two complement each other. Unquestionably, technology can assist in improving efficiency but overlooking your physical office space can be a fatal flaw. It’s about finding that sweet spot where smart design and technology intersect.
With the cost of staff turnover increasing, businesses are focusing more on retaining existing employees. Consequently, businesses are finding that future proofing their offices and demonstrating they are forward-focused is a crucial means to providing a workplace that boosts productivity and attracts and retains.
The length of your lease might determine the lengths you can go to with future proofing your office. Different aspects of an office design may last up to 10 years or longer depending on a lease. If you get it wrong and need to make alterations after the fact, things can get costly. Know your limitations and spend your money wisely. If something doesn’t work, don’t struggle on – change it.
If you’re hamstrung by the terms of what your lease (or budget) allows, there is still a range of simple options at your disposal. For example, emphasising natural light, bolder and/or lighter colours or introducing greenery in the form of plants. These are some simpler and less expensive means for creating a more attractive and, therefore, productive office.
A flexible office is also a future-proofed one. Start with a workplace that has few walls, minimal fixed features, reconfigurable furniture. These and many other measures mean space can be altered quickly and cost-effectively. No one workplace is the same so you should create solutions for yourself that are evidence-based: Is music working in the office or is it a point of contention? Are your employees continually complaining about noise and looking for quiet places? Is one team more distracting than another and would they benefit from a space of their own?
The questions you ask are the questions relevant to your particular organisation. Future-proofing is different from one workplace to the next but the one consistent factor is the need for flexibility.
Future-proofing your workspace is a worthy investment. It’s one you can do in small moves. But breaking away from design trends of the past to fully embrace a modern, progressive office requires a working knowledge of where office design is heading.
Be sure to seek the advice of professionals so your future workplace doesn’t become the office of yesterday before it even makes tomorrow.