Designing a Coworking Office Space

One of the biggest changes in office interior design over the last couple of years has been the introduction of co-working office spaces. With many employers offering hybrid working patterns that incorporate working from home with flexible office hours, the traditional approach to office interior design of individual offices, cubicles, or designated desks is now incredibly old fashioned.

Instead, co-working office spaces, or shared desks are the latest trend. They return the professional appearance of the office, while promoting a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere that has proven conducive to improved employee morale and productivity. Indeed, with so many of us splitting our time between our homes and the office, the need to incorporate the benefits of both within the workplace has never been more important.

In this article, we’re going to look at some of the ways you can create a productive co-working space with effective office design and space planning:

A home away from home

Employees who spend part of their time working from home become accustomed to all of the comforts of… well… home. You should consider bringing some of those into the workplace. We don’t mean comfy slippers, the family pet, and a Netflix subscription (though don’t let us stop you!), but some of the everyday utilities and facilities that we take for granted at home. This includes a kitchen area where they can store their lunch, make a variety of drinks, and heat up food, as well as wash dishes and mugs. Simple things like a fast and reliable internet connection won’t just benefit your employees, but your bottom line as well.

Shared work tables

One of the biggest complaints about office life is having to work in a cubicle, completely cut off from other people in the office, even if they only work a few feet next to you. Break down those dividing walls and invest in shared work tables. Not only does it encourage team-building, which is key to improving morale, they also make your employees more efficient and willing to share ideas and solutions among their colleagues.

Flexible office furniture

We’re not talking about esoteric, bendable, free-form art installations here, but rather office chairs that give your staff the flexibility to move about the room freely. Either wheeled chairs on moveable casters, or lightweight folding chairs you can pick up with ease will work wonders for your team’s cohesion. Combined with the shared work tables and designated project areas, staff can call a group brainstorming session in minutes to get buy-in from all members, rather than waiting on email responses.

Storage

You should always consider a personal storage area for your team if they are working flexible hours or hot-desking. Both work patterns mean you’re never assured the same desk from one day to the next. A row of lockers or personal storage bins give your team somewhere to keep their bags and other private items, as well as work equipment that they need for their specific role. Storage areas are also a great place to socialise at the start and end of the work day. Don’t forget to invest in a row of coat hooks, to avoid staff hanging them off their chairs and them becoming potential trip hazards.

Welcome to work

If you want to entice employees back into the workplace, make your office a welcoming work environment. High ceilings and large windows make any place of work more appealing to staff, while potted plants, decorative pictures, and sensitive lightning promotes a more peaceful office lifestyle.

Whatever your office interior design needs might be, you can rely on Westcountry Group to deliver the results you need. As experienced office refurbishment contractors, we work with commercial clients across the South of England, providing them with end-to-end office redesign solutions that make a difference. Give the team a call today on 0330 030 0330 to discuss your requirements or to arrange a free consultation with one of our experienced office designers.