Designing an office that works
Businesses of all sizes are actively reshaping environments and expectations to navigate this new world of work. The focus is now on crafting positive, productivity-enhancing spaces through thoughtful design, ergonomics, and practical tips for all office inhabitants.
Image of Obis by FR-One
It is surreal that when someone says they’re going to work now, we feel compelled to ask, “In the office or at home?” Work life has changed! Businesses of all sizes are adapting and changing the environments, schedules and expectations of their employees as they navigate the new world of work.
From open plan offices that went from bustling hubs to more holistic, hot desk and meeting room setups to workspaces at home that were created and evolved over the past two years, where we work isn’t quite the same. Now, work environments should be positive spaces for optimal productivity. This can be achieved through a combination of good design, ergonomics and some useful tips for any office inhabitant.
Get the right look
The principles of colour psychology state that certain colours stimulate productivity, focus and even creative thinking. Office design, even at home, should create a space that is functional, safe, has good ventilation and, most importantly, is comfortable.
“Say no to dull, bland, cluttered, disorganised work environments.”
Any office can be spruced up with a change of upholstery on the furniture, some framed pictures (or even wallpaper in frames as art), good storage and organisation. When designing a commercial or residential office, consider products such as FibreGuard fabrics that are soft to touch, stain-resistant, easy to clean and offer a wide range of colours and designs to turn work environments into desirable spaces.
Ergonomics for head, shoulders, knees & toes
Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them. In short, ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to minimise the risk of injury or harm.
If your work involves sitting in front of your computer screen all day, Find a posture that allows you to see the screen while sitting back in a way that provides lower back support. If you work on a laptop, invest in a laptop stand or monitor that allows you to look at the screen without tilting your head up or down.
Achieving an ergonomic position for your arms and wrists can come at the expense of an ergonomic position for your lower half. You can prevent hurting your back by placing your feet flat on the floor. You can also use a footrest, a stack of books or a firm pillow to get your feet to the right height.
Finding your rhythm
Some people are most productive in the morning while others are most productive at night. Light and sound management are critical to maximising those optimal productivity hours. The right choice of soft furnishings such as drapes, cushions, and rugs contribute to achieving a comfortable workspace.
It is for this reason that co-working spaces and offices undergoing refurbishment now are investing in fabrics that absorb sound while also letting light in and they are considering the role of texture as part of the sensory experience of work. All these elements help ensure privacy, should be able to withstand high volume use and still look inviting to experience during the work hours. The same goes for home offices; a home work space benefits greatly from drapes that control light and help dampen the sound from other areas of the house. A familiar pillow or throw, an armchair for quick breaks and a lovely rug shape a productive sanctuary for work at the hours where one functions best.
For individuals, productivity tracking apps, noise-cancelling headphones and privacy screens are all tools to stimulate a stong work mindset. Once a work mindset is cultivated, it’s important to minimise distractions, like turning off phone notifications. Many interior decorators too fall prey to the pretty distractions on social media and multitask but they, like everyone else trying to figure out working life, know that a little discipline goes a long way to having a happier day at work.
Rest breaks are Important too
Even when working in a perfectly ergonomic position, the body is going to get tired. Opportunities to step away from the desk, walkabout for a bit or get a chance of scenery are vital.
Research shows that the ideal routine is about every 20 minutes, take a short break to stand up and stretch out a little bit maybe for a minute or two. Or even better, walk and make a cup of tea or coffee. Movement improves circulation, comfort, and performance. It also decreases the risk of injuries.
This is also why spaces to rest are moving higher up the list of priorities in offices. For years, the tech giants of Silicon Valley have been leading the way in providing rest and relaxation spaces for their employees that the world has envied. With fully stocked kitchens, game rooms, bean bags, nap pods and even libraries, they’ve proven that having a good place to rest in between work boosts productivity and general feelings of positivity.
Texture can provide a tactile experience that soothes the mind. Boucle, corduroy, velvet, leather and even soft cotton flatweave fabrics on generous sofas or other seating areas gives a sense of comforting space away from the desk. For those who are now working at home full-time, there’s a growing demand for redecorating the living areas as they are being utilised more frequently and can now be a sanctuary for those all important coffee breaks.
Solutions for any office
Designing an office space is always an exciting challenge. Whether it’s a business with a clear brand vision or an executive who needs a professional environment within their home, it always needs to be beautiful, inspiring and highly functional.
Home Fabrics is proud to offer a wide selection of decorative soft furnishings and wallcoverings that contribute to beautiful workspaces. Our team in our showrooms around South Africa as well as sales representatives work with our valued clientele in selecting and supplying the best quality products for all offices.
