The work environment is an important factor that influences a company’s entire operation. Good or bad, it will either encourage or hinder productivity. This is why entrepreneurs have to be careful with their workplace and the elements they introduce to it, one of which is the layout.
Each layout offers unique benefits. Some promote collaboration and teamwork because of their openness. Others tend to focus more on individual outputs for increased productivity.
The desired outlook is also influenced by the amenities these layouts have to offer. These can be divided according to use: for productivity and for rest or downtime. Among the amenities for typical offices are separate rooms with boardroom chairs and tables to match. Having these spaces mean that some members of the team can have meetings outside of common areas.
In contrast, nap rooms or pods are growing in popularity these days as more companies seek to provide comfort to their employees while they’re on the job. Regardless of category, they can increase productivity if they suit the needs of the company.
Now, there are plenty of layouts to choose from, including the following.
Coworking spaces
Companies who are just starting out may not have that big of a budget to accommodate all needs for a workplace. Fortunately, they can use modern coworking hubs so that no part of the home has to be commandeered for work.
Essentially, these hubs rent out spaces to anyone who wishes to work in a setting designed for productivity. No two coworking hubs are the same, but the basic amenities offered tend to share similarities. A desk and chair in a common area, high-speed internet access, and drinks and snacks. There are also some hubs that offer private rooms for companies that have more members.
Aside from amenities for productivity, there are some for unwinding as well. Depending on the hub chosen, there can be wellness rooms, pool tables, and even sleeping pods available for use.
Cubicles
A traditional office layout still in use is one made with cubicles. Individual workspaces are isolated from others through the use of three walls that make up a ‘box’ or the cubicle part of the equation.
Given the separation from each workspace, this layout encourages a sense of ownership in the office. Each member of the team has a spot that they can call theirs. If kept well-organised, these cubicles can reduce stress and increase productivity.
Additionally, cubicles provide a heightened sense of privacy. This means that there are fewer distractions when members of the team are trying to do their tasks. However, this layout can have some drawbacks if, for instance, companies buy too small of a cubicle for employees to work comfortably.
With open areas divided into cubicles, there rises a need for meeting rooms where employees can gather and collaborate. Hence, the presence of a few meeting rooms in these types of offices. As for non-productive means, break rooms and kitchens have been a part of the traditional layout for the longest time.
Now, one may ask, ‘what is the perfect layout?’ Well, there’s no correct answer to this question. Everything that the working environment has to offer is entirely dependent on the company and what they want their team members to have access to for increased productivity.
