There has been much debate regarding the importance of office spaces in recent months, as the lifting of the government’s work from home guidance saw employees encourage to return to work. Remote and hybrid working has become a new normal for many, but the office remains an important environment to maintain – for a number of key reasons. If you are on the fence about embarking on an office refurbishment, read on for four vital reasons you should do so.
Morale and Productivity
Working environments can have a profound effect on the wellbeing and productivity of their employees. Offices with little in the way of natural sunlight or colour can lead to reduced morale, in turn affecting the efficiency with which workers tackle their workload – and perhaps even affecting employee turnover rates.
One of the main points against an office refit is the cost involved. But if you were to seek additional funding to cover your refurbishment expenses, you could see that money trickle back in the form of increased revenue – due to improved employee morale, and its direct effect on workplace productivity.
Safety
Safety is a crucial concern in any working environment; it is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of workers under your employ, including in the upkeep of workspace infrastructure. It is not likely that your current office layout is a hotbed for illegal hazards, but investing in a new office refit can ensure the creation of a working environment that is fully compliant with current legislation.
Efficiency
Many office spaces are under-utilised by their residents. Traditional office layouts were often chosen with budget and build efficiency in mind, but new understandings of intra-office dynamics and working processes – coupled with new employer approaches to employee engagement – have seen new developments in office design. Optimising your office space with regard to these developments can create new useful space for workers, and improve employee access to resources at the same time.
This is another way in which productivity can be increased; with a more intuitive office layout, and the shrewd use of additional space for such provisions as break-out rooms and conference spaces, employees may find it easier to work and collaborate. This increases efficiency in group and interdepartmental projects, improving productivity and results in one.
Office aesthetics are key for more than office morale. Your business’ office is a tangible extension of the business itself, something which becomes especially important if you have regular client or customer visits. Refurbishing your office enables you to create a space that accurately reflects your company’s branding and image, and allows you to make a better impression on visitors. Refurbishing working spaces also come with the implication of business success, due to the spending required to complete such work. A new office design illustrates your company’s success and longevity.
