Well planned office layouts can boost productivity

Whether you're taking on new premises or refurbishing an existing office, the office layout can have a huge impact on how well your business operates. But there is no one perfect solution to fit all, explains Ian Johnston from Ace Partitions.

"The office layout design process is unique for each business," he says. "It all comes down to your individual needs, what you want to achieve and how you and your staff work."

Room to improve

Knowing the workflow of your business is a critical factor in determining office design and layout. In general terms, you are likely to need to allocate space for:

• reception or entry
• primary and secondary work areas for paperwork, computer activities and projects
• meeting spaces - perhaps a boardroom or informal spaces for team gatherings
• accessible filing systems
• storage of office supplies, product, etc.
• service and delivery areas.

Planning for the future 

Office layout begins with your timescale. A fitout for a three-year lease will have a smaller budget (and hence a simpler design) than an office planned to last for 20 years. 

On the other hand, if you want your office to have a long life, fittings and materials will be higher quality and the flexibility of the design scheme will need to be greater.

Dividing the space

Partitions are generally used to divide space in an office layout. "These can be either prefinished or built on site," explains Ian.

Partitions come in a range of heights, thicknesses and finishes. When making your choice, consider how you want the space to work. For example: 

• Do you want staff to be able to communicate easily over any partition?
• Is soundproofing between areas important?
• What are your electrical (including computer cabling) requirements?
• How will the area be lit and heated?

Trends in office layouts

"These days more companies are moving towards an open layout," says Ian. "Separate offices are kept to a minimum - there is more open-plan seating, and it tends to be positioned around the edges of the building so more people benefit from the natural light."

The trend towards people working from home or offsite means that 'hot desking' is becoming increasingly popular too.

The right look

Remember, your office is not just a place of work - it is the visible face of your organisation. It should reflect your company's ethos as well as featuring a workable design that enhances productivity.

By tailoring your office layout to your needs, it's possible to deliver organisational change, improve the working environment and create the right image for your business. So for the inside information on office design and layout, talk to a professional today.