14 Ideas For a Better Office Environment

For a great many of us, work is an inevitable part of life. From the daily grind to those pending deadlines and the overbearing boss to that demanding client, work can sometimes feel like a necessary evil. On those particularly stressful days, we might seek to review the manner in which we assimilate work, looking at how, why and where we work.

The Working Environment

One key aspect that is frequently neglected by employers and employees alike is the physical working environment. And yet the environmental context of an office is central to our ability to concentrate: by positively considering the make-up and cultivation of our working environments, we typically increase our levels of motivation and engagement. The fundamental premise of 21st century working has morphed how we think about work, causing us to question outmoded working practices. In today’s world of work, more and more of us will choose to base ourselves in co-working spaces, home offices and third spaces.

Several inspiring office spaces include:

The Plaza concept by Herman Miller offers a smart break-out space. Furniture includes Herman Miller's Public Office Landscape and Nelson Pedestal Table. Image © 2016 Herman Miller, Inc. — The Plaza concept by Herman Miller offers a smart break-out space. Furniture includes Herman Miller’s Public Office Landscape and Nelson Pedestal Table. Image © 2016 Herman Miller, Inc.

Paris-based ARRO Studio transformed a 19th-century warehouse into a modish design studio for trusted British shoe brand Clarks. Image via Dezeen.

The multi-use lounge area of Dezeen's office includes Ilmari Tapiovaara's Kiki sofa and armchairs and Aino Aalto's 606 Side Table. Image via Dezeen. — The multi-use lounge area of Dezeen’s office includes Ilmari Tapiovaara’s Kiki sofa and armchairs and Aino Aalto’s 606 Side Table. Image via Dezeen.

Office Furniture

Increasingly, the conventional office is no longer fit for purpose: traditional furnishings, colorless interiors, space restrictions, harsh lighting, hot-desking and clear desk protocols are the afflictions borne by countless unfortunate office workers. Naturally, a workspace is many things to many people and through design should aim to accommodate an array of working predilections. Small desks are perfect for solo working, while larger tables are ideal for teams and informal meetings. A place to lounge, network, unwind, have a coffee and chatter is sure to win favour with employees. Well-designed furniture, lighting and accessories will add to the overall creative vision of a workspace, bolstering expression, passion, communication and professionalism.

Office furniture and lighting ideas include:

The Von iron coffee table by Morten & Jonas. Image courtesy of Morten & Jonas.

Ogle Mini cluster (black and white) by Form Us With Love for ateljé Lyktan. Image courtesy of ateljé Lyktan.

Ogle Mini (modular) by Form Us With Love for ateljé Lyktan. Image courtesy of ateljé Lyktan.

Royal System® in walnut. Image © by dk3.dk.

The Royal System® was designed by Poul Cadovius in 1948. One of the world’s first wall-hanging furniture systems, the rights to produce the Royal System® were acquired in 2010 by dk3.

The Asterisco lamp by talented Valencia-based design studio Cuatro Cuatros for LZF Lamps. Image courtesy of LZF Lamps.

The Eames Molded Plastic Chair makes the prefect office seat: simple, clean and classic. Image © 2016 Herman Miller, Inc.

Details

Simple details in any office are not added extras or privileges, but rather a must. The availability of fresh coffee, greenery, a good stapler, a decent radio and a personal water carafe will enhance and improve employee satisfaction, productivity and creativity.

Ideas include:

Flower Pot by Monica Förster for Skultuna. Image © Skultuna Messingsbruk AB.

Corky series in grey by Andreas Engesvik for Muuto. Image courtesy of Muuto.

REVO SuperConnect in classic midcentury-esque American walnut and silver anodised aluminium. Image courtesy of REVO.

Zenith 520 stapler. Image © 2016 Balma, Capoduri & C. S.p.A.

The Zenith 520 stapler was created in 1943 and is made by Balma, Capoduri & C. With a lifetime guarantee, every part of this sturdy stapler is tested by hand. The Zenith 520 stapler is a veritable stationery design classic. http://www.zenith.it/index.html