There is no one answer to this question as office design can vary significantly from company to company and even from state to state. However, some commonalities can be observed in many American offices.
For example, most offices will have a reception area where visitors can check-in and be announced to the rest of the staff. Beyond that, individual offices or cubicles might be laid out in an open floor plan or a more traditional configuration with private offices lining the perimeter of the space. No matter the layout, though, it is typically standard for a kitchen or break room area where employees can make coffee or grab a snack.
There is no right answer when it comes to office design. However, there is undoubtedly a list of upgrades you must have in your office. Here are some of them.
Comfortable Seating
No one wants to sit in an uncomfortable chair all day long. However, if you want your employees to be productive, you need to provide them with comfortable seating. This means investing in ergonomic chairs and ensuring that there is enough seating for everyone in the office.
Adequate Lighting
Poor lighting can lead to eye strain and headaches. Make sure that your office is well-lit so that employees can see what they are doing. This might mean adding more overhead lighting or eliminating any glare on computer screens. However, too much lighting can also be problematic, especially during the summer.
High temperatures can affect how your employees work, and glare from the sun can certainly be problematic. Getting a canopy might be a good idea for your office. This is essential for offices that face the sun or are way too hot during the summer.
Quiet Workspaces
Employees need to be able to focus on their work without being distracted by noise. If possible, create quiet workspaces where employees can go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the office. This might mean adding soundproofing to your office or creating separate break rooms for employees to use.
Break Rooms
Speaking of break rooms, these are essential for any office. Employees need a place to relax and take a break from work. Break rooms should have comfortable seating, TVs, and plenty of food options.
If you want inspiration for what extra essentials you need in your break room, look no further than Google. Google has some of the best utilities in their break rooms, from nap pods to video games.
Lockers
If your office has a gym, you will need to provide lockers for employees to store their belongings. However, even if you don’t have a gym, lockers can still be useful. For example, they can be used to store coats, umbrellas, and other items that employees might need during the day.
Storage Solutions
Everyone knows that cluttered spaces can be very distracting. This is why you need to provide your employees with storage solutions for their personal belongings. This might mean getting cubbies for each employee or investing in filing cabinets. Either way, make sure that your employees have a place to store their things to focus on their work.
A Walk-in Pantry
A walk-in pantry is a must for any office. This is a place where employees can store food and drinks so they don’t have to go out to the kitchen every time they want something to eat or drink.
A Well-stocked Kitchen
Of course, you can’t have a walk-in pantry without a well-stocked kitchen. Make sure that your kitchen has everything that employees might need, from coffee and tea to snacks and lunch options.
Office Garden
An office garden is a great way to add some life to your space. Not only will it make your office look more inviting, but it can also help improve the air quality. Plus, it’s a great place for employees to take a break from work.
Good Comfort Rooms
Comfort rooms are an essential place in your office, and not having a good one can certainly affect how employees work in your company. It’ll also affect how they view your company. Ensure that you have good plumbing running in your comfort rooms. Moreover, ensure that the place is always nice and clean.
Childcare
If you have employees who are parents, you should consider providing childcare. This can be a big help for parents who need to drop their kids off at daycare before work. Plus, it’s a great perk that will make your employees happy.
Retail Store
Lastly, and this is a bit optional, having a retail store nearby your office can certainly make a difference. This is because employees will have a place to go to buy things they need, such as food, drinks, and office supplies. Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses.
These are just a few of the essential upgrades that you need to make to your office. By making these upgrades, you can create a more productive and comfortable workplace for your employees.
