Creating a warm office interior design can increase productivity

Your staff are integral to the success of your business, so it's important to keep them happy while in the office. But creating a comfortable office interior design can have many other benefits, including making a positive impression on clients and increasing productivity.

So what are the key steps to creating a functional office interior design?

Colour and design

Forget about dull grey cubicle farms. And unless you're in an industry where it's considered the norm, ditch the crisp white walls. Colour can really liven up an office interior design and create a sense of energy and fun. If you can't paint the walls, consider adding some artwork instead.

A commercial office interior design should also include a mix of materials and finishes to create a visually stimulating environment for staff. Be careful not to go over the top, however, as too much contrast can appear chaotic.

Focus on lighting

Natural light should always be maximised in an office interior design, but additional lighting will also be required - particularly if your offices don't have many windows. Fluorescent lighting can often be harsh, so consider softer alternatives such as incandescent lights.

You should also allow for some flexibility with office lighting, giving your employees a degree of control over their own workstations. And when positioning computers, avoid problems with reflections by making sure that monitors are not facing windows.

Facilitating interaction

To allow your employees to easily collaborate and interact, you should ensure that there is lots of open space in your office interior design. Grouping workstations together is a great way to facilitate teamwork and communication.

However, there is a fine balance between socialising and distraction, so ensure that your employees also have some privacy. Mid-height barriers are a good compromise between an open-plan office and cubicles, and soundproofing is imperative.

Also consider:

• plants - they create a sense of connection to the outside world and help to improve indoor air quality
• ergonomics - there is a range of ergonomic furniture and equipment available that will place less physical stress on your employees
• storage space - you need plenty, to reduce mess and clutter and enable organisation.

Soundproofing and office interior design

No one likes to have their phone conversations overheard by the entire office - that's why soundproofing is imperative. Choose materials for your office fit-out that will dampen sound, and ensure that break-out areas are located well away from workstations.

An investment in the future

Investing in good office interior design can pay dividends for your business, including:

• improving the productivity of your employees
• creating a good impression on visiting clients
• facilitating collaboration and communication between employees
• aiding concentration through soundproofing
• enhancing the morale of your workers.

Design for success

A well-designed office interior design will not only improve employee morale and enhance productivity; it will make your employees more likely to stay loyal to your business in the long term. So talk to an interior designer to discover how you can create a harmonious workplace.