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Supportive chairs

Having a chair that provides solid back support keeps you from slouching and makes it easier to sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor. Not only does this improve posture and reduce neck strain, but it also helps increase blood flow and alertness. Look for a chair that allows you to easily adjust the height of the seat and armrest so your forearms are parallel to the floor and your elbows and knees stay at 90 degrees. Humanscale’s Liberty Task Chair automatically adjusts to your weight and includes a pivoting backrest that provides support for whatever sitting position you choose.

Moveable desks

Sitting at a stationary desk all day constricts your blood flow and can take a toll on your health and productivity. Invest in a desk that allows you to move as much as possible and alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. A sit-stand desk like Humanscale’s Float desk can accommodate various weight loads and comes with a streamlined lever that makes raising and lowering the work surface quick and seamless. Or you can try a standing desk converter that you can put on top of any desk or table to lift and adjust your monitor and keyboard when you want to stand.

Monitor arms

It’s natural to look down at your computer screen, especially when using a laptop, but this causes aches in your neck, shoulders and back. Avoid this strain on your upper body by positioning your monitor directly in front of you so your eyes hit the top third of the screen. A monitor arm can help you adjust the height so you don’t have to tilt your head up or down, plus it allows you to pull your monitor closer so you don’t have to lean in to see the screen. This is especially useful for workers who require multiple monitors to manage their work! Monitor arms typically come with an easy-to-install clamp base that mounts to the edge of any desk or table. Some even come with laptop holders so you can prop your laptop up and use a separate keyboard and mouse.

Keyboard trays

Positioning your keyboard directly in front of your monitor with the mouse to the side can contribute to neck and shoulder strain as well as Carpal tunnel syndrome. Your upper arms and elbows should be relaxed and as close to your body as possible when using your keyboard, and your wrists flat and level. An adjustable keyboard tray enables you to bring the keyboard and the mouse closer so you don’t have to lean forward or strain your wrists.

Task lights

Lighting in the workplace can have a huge influence on creativity and mood—and the same is true for your home office. Using desktop task lights to supplement natural or overhead lighting can help reduce eye strain from backlit screens and boost alertness and productivity. Task lights like Humanscale’s Horizon 2.0 lamp provide glare-free light that can be adjusted with the touch of a finger and provide just the right amount of light for tasks ranging from reading documents to writing emails.

Workstation spacing:

Social distancing will carry over into the open office, where people will need more space and distance between coworkers to feel safe. Instead of desk setups that face or bump up against each other,reconfigurations might include desks positioned back to back or in staggered patterns with six feet (or more distance) between them. Expect to see repurposed communal areas, such as conference rooms and lounge spaces, with more spacing and fewer seating options, plus wider corridor paths throughout the office.

Signage:

Design elements used to nudge behaviors like social distancing will become staples in many offices. Think road markings for offices, from circles around desks reminding employees to stick to the six-foot barrier to stickers in elevators indicating where to stand. Companies can use directional and instructional signage like dry-erase boards to divert congestion and route workers through the office in a one-way flow or disposable cushion covers to block off seating.

Screens and enclosures:

Open office floor plans have already been incorporating more physical barriers into spaces to give employees the privacy they crave, but this will increase even more due to the need to socially distance and minimize the spread of germs. Companies can use panels and screens with opaque and transparent materials to preserve the feeling of openness in their offices while protecting workers from virus transmission. Dividers with varying heights between or at the ends of workstations can help create more physical separation between workers and add to their psychological comfort.

Sanitation stations and antimicrobial materials:

Hand washing and office cleaning policies will ramp up in the post-COVID-19 world like never before. Stations stocked with sanitizing supplies can be mounted at the ends of workstations for employees to clean their hands and frequently used surfaces, while portable sinks equipped with a hot water heater, towel rack, and fresh and soiled water tanks can be rolled in when employees gather for meetings or group projects. Offices can also limit contamination by replacing porous materials and hard-to-clean textiles with smooth, impermeable surfaces and bleach cleanable fabrics.

Improved air filtration and lighting systems:

Natural light and fresh air will become vital to physical (and mental) health as workers return to the office from weeks of isolating at home, especially as workstation enclosures and barriers go up. Most office HVAC systems recirculate dirty air, so companies will need systems with better ventilation to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens, including COVID-19, which can linger in the air for hours. Some offices have already started using UV lighting to disinfect offices at night or meeting rooms in between uses.

More office design innovations for combating COVID-19 are on the horizon, including contactless doors and elevators, thermal scanning screens to take temperatures, and voice-activated and videoconferencing technologies that make physical office environments more virtual. With the absence of a vaccine, employees today and in the foreseeable future will expect workplaces to take all the measures they can to protect their health and well-being, while still providing them with a productive space for connection and collaboration.

Natural Light

When it comes to what makes them happiest when working, workers surveyed by Olivet Nazarene University listed exposure to natural light, along with amenities such as free food and drinks, a pet-friendly environment, outdoor space and access to walkable locations. Studies show that bringing more natural light into offices not only boosts productivity and energy, but it also leaves workers feeling happier and healthier. This can be as simple as positioning desks near windows, turning outdoor or rooftop spaces into working areas or augmenting daylight with smart lighting solutions that workers can adjust when necessary.

Reflective Nooks

Noise, distractions and lack of privacy topped the list of things workers disliked the most about their workplace. Companies are catching on to this and looking for ways to provide dedicated spaces for concentration, study, research and reflection. This might include enclosed rooms where workers can find the peace and quiet they need to focus on wrapping up an intense project or prepping for a big meeting. Or it could be more unconventional spaces, such as corridors, window ledges or even a secluded space under the stairs where they can find a distraction-free zone away from their desks.

Connective Spaces

Though many workers are seeking private spaces within offices with open floor plans, they also want collaborative spaces that make them feel connected to colleagues and the culture of their company as a whole. Lounge-like workspaces where employees can mingle, share ideas and problem-solve keep teams energized and engaged. Companies are abandoning classic boardrooms for more versatile meeting spaces with movable furniture, freestanding screens and mobile office tools that can be reconfigured in the moment to fit an array of informal gatherings and group activities.

Group Collaborative Spaces Together

If you have a maker space or brainstorming area, keep these activity hubs near each other to draw noise away from those working at their desks. Place these areas in more interactive spots in the building and use lounge furniture such as high-backed sofas, booths and other soft seating to absorb sound and create a conversational setting.

Holistic Touches

With the growing emphasis on wellness and work-life balance, more businesses are investing in ergonomic furniture and residential-style interiors with textures, colors and other elements that provide comfort and sensory stimulation for employees. Biophilic designs, such as plant walls and other features that bring nature indoors, are also becoming popular for their ability to ease stress and boost inspiration. Increasingly businesses are incorporating sustainable materials like reclaimed floorboards and bricks and upcycled and antique furniture into their office design.

Retro Vibes

More companies are seeking to add character to their workplaces by restoring old, iconic buildings or adding nostalgic pieces that embody the story of their brand or inject a sense of fun. Whether they incorporate company history or retro examples of branding and advertising into their workplace, they want a space that makes a statement and reflects their heritage, values and mission. Not only does this help personalize and differentiate office spaces, but it also gives employees a deeper sense of connection and ownership to their work and its greater purpose.

Ergonomic workstations.

No one wants to sit at a desk all day long. Workstations that give employees the freedom to adjust their equipment and surroundings as needed and move around often can help keep them from feeling confined and rejuvenate them physically and mentally. Adjustable chairs can improve posture and reduce stress and strain on the body from repetitive actions. Sit-stand desks or other furniture that prompts employees to switch up positions throughout the day or work comfortably on their feet allows them to stretch and shake out tired limbs. Versatile workstations that encourage them to move from focused tasks at their desks to whiteboards and other spots suited for brainstorming help break up monotony and keep creativity fresh.

Creative storage and shelving.

A cluttered space is an unproductive space. How many of us have wasted precious time hunting for a document or the right charger or adapter for a piece of office tech? Keeping the workspace tidy and organized helps minimize distractions and improve focus for everyone. This includes providing a home for smartphones, tablets and other electronics and versatile storage that can be used in a variety of ways. Shelvingthat employees can easily reconfigure and personalize not only helps with decluttering, but it also makes it easier to liven up their workspace with pictures, plants, artwork and other individual touches that inspire productivity.

Flexible furniture.

Collaborative spaces are great for projects that require innovative thinking and teamwork, but they can be a detriment for completing tedious tasks that take lots of concentration and focus. Multifunctional furniture that is easy to move and adapt to whatever work setting you need at the moment offers the best of both worlds. Bene boxes can be pulled together to create comfy benches for a brainstorming session, a lounge for an after-hours team meeting or a breakout area for a few colleagues (see all the possibilities here). Demountable walls and dividers can be used to create more private spaces in open offices and filter out noise from high-traffic areas. Cushy, mobile chairs and ottomans can offer a comfy spot for chatting with co-workers or hunkering down in a quiet corner to finish a deadline.

Adaptable tables.

Up to 73 percent of workers surveyed by Capital One said they work better when they can have access to adaptable furniture like alternative desks. Multi-use, reconfigurable tables with wheels are easy to store and set up and can be adjusted to create any kind of setting you want. They can be pushed together to create a long table for a strategy meeting, separated into rows for a company conference or broken apart to accommodate team huddles. They can also be moved closer to windows, providing employees with access to the natural light they crave, as well as open up space in cramped offices, energizing teams and improving the overall chi of the room.

1. Innovation hubs.

Communal workspaces that encourage collaboration, conversation and camaraderie rank among the most popular amenities, especially for employees in creative and tech-focused industries. These open spaces create the perfect setting for informal meetings, brainstorming sessions or simply shooting the breeze with colleagues. With a mix of tables, chairs and more lounge-like areas, they are designed to bring teams together to share ideas, interact and get to know each other better.

2. Outdoor workspaces.

Research shows that working in environments with natural elements, such as sunshine, fresh air, plants and water features, can boost creativity, productivity and well-being. That’s why some companies are starting to invest in spaces that allow employees to take their work outside when they need to decompress or recharge. Whether it’s a rooftop lounge, cafe-style tables on a patio or a covered picnic table that blocks the sun and rain, outdoor workspaces offer a welcome respite for workers who need to escape the confines of the office for a few hours.

3. Focus rooms.

Though many employees prefer open workspaces, they also crave enclosed spaces where they can concentrate, find privacy when they need it and do more intense, deadline-oriented work without distractions or interruptions. Employees in open offices with access to focus rooms and other spaces designed for individual work report higher satisfaction than those without them. From quiet rooms to secluded spots partitioned off with freestanding screens, spaces like these give workers a place where they can huddle in small groups to discuss a project or retreat without completely isolating themselves from everyone else.

4. Work cafés.

Thanks to Starbucks and the independent coffeehouse trend, cafes have become hot spots for working, catching up on emails and networking. In many companies, work cafés are the new break rooms. Not only do they give employees a place to get caffeinated when the afternoon slump hits, but they also offer a change of scenery, allowing them to work away from their desk without leaving the office entirely. Incorporating elements from hospitality and coworking spaces, work cafés are conducive to individual and collaborative work, impromptu meetings and casual chats with co-workers.

5. Phone booths.

Many offices are bringing back old-fashioned phone booths—but with a twist. Today’s versions are powered, ventilated booths with sound blocking and absorbing capabilities that deliver state-of-the-art acoustics and sleek comfort. These single-person booths provide employees with a quiet, private space where they can do Skype calls with clients or make personal calls that they want to keep confidential.

6. Libraries.

No longer just a quiet room filled with floor-to-ceiling shelves of books and journals, the office library has morphed into a center of discussion, interaction, and digital and social media. Along with a conference table, many come equipped with cushy chairs, space for beverages and snacks, and plenty of outlets for conference calls and digital presentations. These touches aim to put employees at ease and inspire more engagement and productivity.

7. Lounges.

Amenities with a non-work focus like lounges showed the least impact on employee experience at work, according to the Gensler survey. But when incorporated into an open office atmosphere, lounges can provide employees with pockets of calm within a bigger, more chaotic setting where they can connect, relax and regroup. Comfy sofas and armchairs accented with a couple of drink tables and plants offer an inviting alternative for employees eager to get out of their cubicles or stuffy conference rooms for a little while.

Create Private Zones

Designate a private office or a few quiet rooms that employees can use when they need to make personal phone calls or are working on a tight deadline or difficult project that requires intense focus. If you don’t have rooms like these available, invest in movable desks, chairs and furniture that can easily be arranged into more secluded spots for workers who want to avoid interruptions.

Provide Meeting Areas

Encourage employees to book open conference rooms when they need to Skype with a client, discuss a sensitive subject with their supervisor or hold a strategy meeting with their team. If space is tight and meetings are typically informal, set up a few tables, chairs and stools, along with a mobile whiteboard or easel, in corner spaces where teams can powwow without disrupting the rest of the office.

Use Visual Barriers

Placing versatile partitions like freestanding screens and other enclosures in high-traffic spots provides the illusion of privacy without closing workers in or cutting them off from the natural light and energy in the room. Other barriers like plant walls can help block out visual distractions while also creating a Zen-like setting to keep inspiration flowing.

Group Collaborative Spaces Together

If you have a maker space or brainstorming area, keep these activity hubs near each other to draw noise away from those working at their desks. Place these areas in more interactive spots in the building and use lounge furniture such as high-backed sofas, booths and other soft seating to absorb sound and create a conversational setting.

Declutter

Getting rid of unnecessary paper, filing and storage around the office can create a lighter, leaner space that invigorates workers and keeps them from feeling weighed down by a jumble of work materials. Multi-functional organizers such as mobile trays and carts, laptop lockers and accessory docks give them the tools they need while streamlining organization around the office.

Add Outdoor Workspaces

Got a terrace or extra space outside you can use? Pull out some benches and cafe-style tables when the weather is nice and turn it into an outdoor retreat where workers can get some fresh air and destress.

Including a mix of spaces in your workplace that support collaboration and team building as well as more focused, individual work can help you get the most out of an open office floor plan and create a productive environment where all workers can thrive.

We specialize in making office spaces innovative, inspirational, and highly productive. To see how we can renovate your own office, contact us today.

Going Natural

Think about most of the conference rooms you’ve seen. Chances are that they look lifeless and artificial. One way to bring some life into your own conference rooms is to go natural. That means bringing in plants and other natural features. Your design may be as simple as a few plants around the room or as complex as a whole wall of greenery (such as TheCreativeMind’s Healthtech Wall). For added style, you can even add water features. By making the room look like a space found in nature, you can unlock some “natural” collaboration.

Sit or Stand Breakout Meeting Tables

In a perfect world, every conference would be a productive meeting of the minds. However, it’s easy for people to feel tired and unproductive while slouching around the table. Fortunately, there is an easy solution: the TheCreativeMind Zones Canteen standing-height table. This line offers an optional standing-height, allowing employees to either sit or stand during meetings. Being able to stand during a meeting helps bring back the energy and focus you’ve been missing. And it even offers ergonomic benefits that your employees will love.

Lounge Option Tables

A major goal of any conference is collaboration between professionals. However, the traditional conference table design makes it hard for employees to work with one another. One solution to this dilemma is the getting lounge option tables. Such tables make it easy for each member to see the other and to share ideas with comfort and ease. These tables also offer a very hip and modern aesthetic. Therefore, lounge option tables can be a major part of an overall office makeover.

Added Amenities

When you get right down to it, most conference rooms are very Spartan in nature. They typically only have the bare minimum of items in the room (such as a table, chairs, and maybe a projector for presentations). If you want better productivity out of employees, though, you need to create a space they are comfortable inhabiting. And one great way to do that is through added amenities. Things like performance credenzas give you added space to store everything from extra wires and cables to snacks and beverages. The latter can help put employees at ease and unlock higher office productivity.

Tech-Friendly Furniture

Employees always show up to conferences with an electronic menagerie. This includes cell phones, laptops, smartwatches, and more. To ease employee stress and boost productivity, add some tech-friendly furniture to your conference room. Check out TheCreativeMind’s C + D Conference Table which comes with wire management features, as well as a host of standard and non-standard power options. Employees won’t have to scramble to find a plug for their phone or laptop. And employers won’t have to worry about the clutter of dozens of charging cords snaking across the conference room floor while they try to conduct a meeting.

Conference Room Layouts: The Next Generation

Now you have inspiration from cutting-edge conference room layouts. But do you know who can truly modernize your office?

We specialize in making office spaces innovative, inspirational, and highly productive. To see how we can renovate your own office, contact us today.

1. More the merrier

It’s not necessarily about creating one dedicated room, although you certainly can. Some of the most creative ideas come from spontaneous conversations that happen when you least expect it. Make sure you’re ready with small, informal lounge areas that have comfy seating and tables in unused corners, by the stairs, or even the coffee bar.

2. Keep it connected

If employees are going to be able to work anywhere in the office, the tech has to be there to make it easy with access to power sources, smart boards, video conferencing tools, whatever helps your employees to collaborate effectively.

3. Keep it comfy

The idea is to have lounge areas that feel different from the cube or desk. Make spaces comfortable with task lighting, footrests, adjustable tables, perhaps room dividers, partitions, or noise cancelling headphones. That way, head-down work can still be done.

4. Master the art of multipurpose

If space is an issue, have your break room or office entrance do double-duty with large bench tables where multiple people can gather and work with seating that doubles as storage or try reconfigurable tables and chairs that can fit the task at hand.

5. Let there be chill

All work and no play is no good for anyone. Mental breaks can not only relieve eye strain and tension but also boost creativity and focus. Not to mention the boost to morale. So toss in some comfy pillows, bean bag chairs, video games, or stress relievers – massage chairs anyone? Some companies even take it further with ping-pong tables, foosball or dart boards.