No matter what industry you’re in, your company can benefit from a collaborative work environment. This is especially true for creative fields like advertising, marketing, interior design, architecture, and media. However, a collaborative workspace also benefits fields that rely on consistent, clear communication and regularly deal with time-sensitive issues, such as attorneys, healthcare professionals, financial advisors, city and government workers, and nonprofits.
While you may think that an open floor plan is all that’s needed to foster communication and collaboration, there is a lot more that goes into designing a truly comfortable, engaging work environment. You need to create a balanced mix of collaborative spaces and dedicated quiet zones, or areas where people can focus. Using a blend of modular office furniture and flexible layouts can create multi-use spaces divided into clear zones. Here are some tips for planning a collaborative office layout.
Start with Company-Wide Conversations
Before you start, you’ll want to do a basic audit of your company’s workflow. It may help to actually speak to each department separately to get a sense of how they work. Ask them what they need each day in order to feel productive, engaged, and supported. Find out what the biggest obstacles are that prevent them from achieving this. Determine if there are any specific suggestions they have for making their existing workspace more functional, comfortable, and collaborative. Getting this information will prevent you from alienating employees by keeping them in the dark about the planning process. Instead, you’ll empower them to have a voice in creating a space that works for everyone. You may also uncover surprising information about how each department works and what they need.
Balance Collaboration, Focus, and Productivity
Take the information you gained from your employees and use it to design a workspace that balances collaboration, focus, and productivity. You want to have dedicated areas where employees can meet, work on group projects, and share information without disturbing others. The best options are:
- Using modular office furniture to create flexible meeting spaces
- Create open, collaborative lounges with chairs, sofas, and tables where employees can discuss ideas and projects
- Dedicating conference rooms and other common areas to meetings or brainstorming sessions
You also need quiet zones, or spaces where employees can go when they want to buckle down and focus. You can do this by adding:
- Dedicated offices designated for one-on-one meetings, private work, or quiet focus
- Study carrels, sound-proof booths, or other small spaces that block out excess noise and bustle
- Small cubicles in designated quiet areas where employees or teams can work together with minimal conversation
Create Both Activity Zones and Neighborhoods
You also want to consider the day-to-day workflow of your office. This will help you create dedicated activity zones and neighborhoods that have a specific purpose. Neighborhoods are intradepartmental areas that can be used to foster team bonding and brainstorming. These areas can feature comfortable seating, whiteboards, presentation materials, and other project tools and office supplies. Activity zones are areas where different departments may gather for specific activities like completing projects, printing and copying, putting together presentations, or sharing data or reports. These areas should have large tables, rolling chairs, and teleconference equipment.
Design Accessible, Comfortable Common Areas
You also want to encourage communication and interaction outside of just work tasks. When employees get to know each other and like each other, they will work together more effectively. Common areas foster relationships and a more friendly, welcoming company culture, rather than one built around competition or isolation. These spaces should include:
- Snack, meal, and break supplies and a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, and toaster oven
- Opportunities to unwind, like a television, books, games, or a pool table or air hockey table
- Outdoor spaces so that staff can enjoy some fresh air and sunshine
- Comfy furniture that encourages interaction, like sofas and family-style tables
Let Gibson’s Office Solutions Help You Plan a Collaborative Office Space
Gibson’s Office Solutions is a family-owned Arizona office furniture and supply company with over 40 years of experience in the industry. We are your one-stop shop for comprehensive office furniture and supply needs, offering a wide selection of furniture, breakroom and facility supplies, office equipment, and more. We can help you plan a collaborative, functional, and comfortable office space using modular office furniture, cubicles and dividers, personalized lighting and art, and storage solutions. Call us today at (520) 622-6738 or (602) 888-7850 or reach out to us online to learn more or get a quote for free, fast delivery of furniture, equipment, and supplies.