The nature of our work changes constantly. But offices don’t. This creates problems.
There are rows and rows of depressing, empty desks, but newly created teams don’t have their own dedicated space. There’s no common area to sit and chat. The furniture setup is inadequate, and poor lighting affects mood and focus. And so on, and so on…
On top of that, the company has more important financial priorities than improving the office, and moving to a new location would cost even more.
However, it doesn’t mean that nothing can be done. By rethinking and optimizing the use of your existing resources, you can significantly improve your office environment on a limited budget. Focus on creating multi-functional spaces, enhancing lighting and ambiance, and encouraging personal touches.
We call this process OFFICE STAGING.
So, how do you approach this?
1. Start with analysis (this doesn’t require a budget at all)
- What are the worst things in your office that you want to eliminate?
- What office functions does your team miss the most? Common areas? Conference rooms? Quiet zones?
- What is the real usage of the space? Do your teams work onsite or in a hybrid mode? How much space can you free?
- Do you want to improve the whole office or just a part of it? Perhaps it makes sense to focus on the common area – the “heart” of the workplace.
When you know your goals and priorities, it’s time to get to the work. And the Office Staging work (as at home) starts with freeing up the space.
2. Free Up Space
- Group desks together to create open areas. This can foster collaboration and free up space for other uses.
- Consider hot-desking (shared desks) for employees who do not need a dedicated workspace, reducing the number of desks needed.
- Identify underutilized areas that can be transformed into common spaces or meeting spots.
- Declutter whatever you can.
- Optimize storage by using vertical space with shelves and wall-mounted organizers to free up floor space.
3. Designate Work Zones
- Use portable dividers or bookshelves to create semi-private meeting areas or quiet work zones.
- Designate certain areas for specific purposes (e.g., a quiet zone, a collaboration zone) using existing or cheaply obtained, used furniture.
4. Enhance the Common Areas
Some things that can be done even with a very limited budget include:
- Adding comfortable seating (e.g., bean bags, lounge chairs) to these areas to encourage informal meetings and relaxation.
- Using foldable or stackable chairs and tables that can be easily rearranged to serve as impromptu meeting areas or break rooms.
- Buying portable whiteboards or bulletin boards that can be moved around as needed for meetings.
5. Improve Lighting and Ambiance
- Maximize the use of natural light by keeping windows clear of obstructions.
- Rearrange desks and workstations to benefit from the natural light available.
- Consider adding some lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
6. Go Green
- Incorporate indoor plants to improve air quality and create a more inviting environment.
- Use low-maintenance plants like succulents or spider plants, which are budget-friendly and easy to care for.
7. Add a Sprinkle of Design
There are thousands of options, but let’s name a few:
- Add some framed prints or posters that reflect your company’s culture or mission, such as motivational quotes, abstract art, or photographs.
- Use stylish bulletin boards or whiteboards for a mix of functionality and decoration.
- Create a small vertical garden on a wall to bring in a touch of nature.
- Use decorative table lamps and floor lamps with unique designs to enhance lighting and add a stylish touch.
- Choose colorful or patterned storage boxes and baskets to keep items organized while adding a pop of color.
- Install floating shelves to display items like awards, books, and decorative objects.
- Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair and a small bookshelf filled with interesting reads.
- Use branded items such as mugs, notebooks, and pens to subtly reinforce company identity throughout the office
All those things really are doable, they do fit even within a very limited budget, and – with expert help – can be done in weeks.
If you would like to create a more functional, appealing, and productive workspace without breaking the bank, contact us.
We help our clients with this.
