Office design is a facet of management that is often overlooked and yet makes a large impact on the efficiency of the company and morale of employees. An office space that is designed well can motivate workers, while a poorly designed office space will not serve the needs of the business and could decrease in efficiency. Some of the design of an operation is the responsibility of the architects of the building, but a good facility manager can help a building become as effective as possible.
One of the best ways for a facility manager to improve office design is to understand the amount of space necessary for the employees to do their jobs. If there is not enough space for workers to perform their duties, they will feel cramped, which could lead to workplace accidents. On the other hand, you don’t want too much empty space and waste potential for the facility. It can be difficult to find the right balance, but it is useful for maximizing office space efficiency.
The layout of the office is also an important part of the design. This arrangement can have a big impact on the productivity of the office. For instance, the location of the company printer can be too close to neighboring employees and cause a noisy disturbance, or it can be positioned in a place that increases ease of use. Employee desks can be designated with individual cubbies or can be located near coworkers to encourage social interaction. How the facilities manager lays out the office can greatly improve efficiency.
When it comes to executing an office design plan, the best way to get effective results is to ask employees for their input. While a facility manager has a good high-level overview of the work that happens in an office, individual workers know at a first-hand, granular level what works and what doesn’t. Employees will be able to give specific recommendations for how they can accomplish the most work in their space. Collaborating with employees can certainly create the best office design for everyone, but it can also help with employee relations. Having open communication with employees also fosters professional relationships and increases morale.
Office design is important to any corporate facility by increasing the efficiency inside of it. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to maximize your office space.
