How to have the perfect office

We’ve all seen the #Instaready desk and Pinterest worthy office – but it is the perfect office space design actually achievable? Allow us to steer you towards workplace nirvana, from the best lighting and seating plan, to the ornaments on your desk.

What makes the perfect office? We all know we work better when we’re in a space we can enjoy so how can you organise your office to the benefit of everyone?  When it comes to making the most of spaces you spend a lot of your time in, it’s not always the gimmicks and latest trends that win out. In fact, nailing the basics of light, noise and space for privacy are far more important. 

Businesses that want the most from their staff know how vital it is to have a workspace that makes them feel happy as well as productive. So we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you organise and personalise your office and make it somewhere you want to be … 

Space and storage

Striking a balance with space can be quite difficult, in particular when it comes to modern office design ideas for small spaces and is the source of debate in terms of office satisfaction. Having an office layout that encourages collaboration could help bring projects together more easily, but can limit space for those who need to shut themselves away to concentrate. 

Generally, having enough space to allow for both is the sweet spot for most companies. Many businesses are weighing up their options in terms of the pros and cons of traditional office space.  

Workplace specialist Mark Eltringham explains:  

“New offices will feature a core surrounded by break-out spaces, cafes, collaborative environments such as meeting rooms, private pods for working, and even games rooms and gyms. There will be a range of facilities to create an environment that people actually want to go to.” 

When it comes to storage, you can have a lot of fun. Even though many offices are becoming paperless, you still need somewhere for pens, notebooks and other tools for your job. Using cleverly designed or attractive units can instantly brighten your mood and make you want to keep them tidy and useful. 

Let there be (natural) light

The benefits of natural light are widely known, helping you regulate your body clock and  boosting your mood by helping to release serotonin, ‘the happy hormone’. Natural light is therefore an important consideration when designing an office space, but it needs to be the right kind.  

Too much glare and fluorescent lighting has the potential to give you eye strain and headaches, although you might consider this a price worth paying if you bag the coveted desk by the window.  

The sound of silence

Everyone has a different preference when it comes to noise in the office. Some are blessed with ninja-like focus; they’re fine working in an open plan office with a radio playing and colleagues chatting and planning projects around them. Others need silence or at least minimal distraction. Striking a balance can make a huge difference in productivity. 

In terms of open space office design, the best solution is to provide options. Allow for breakout spaces and areas that invite lively discussion but also allow people to complete their work in areas that are quieter so they can focus, with headphones if necessary.

Somewhere to call your own 

The simplest route to a happier workplace is to deal with the element that you can control, your desk. Making your workspace your own can be key to your happiness when you sit down at it to work on a daily basis.  

Kentin Waits from Wisebread wrote 6 Rules of Creating a Powerfully Productive Workspace.  He explains:: 

“Those sleek and minimalist offices look great in glossy magazine spreads, but adding a few personal touches to your space can help boost productivity. It’s all about comfort. Think about it: If you have to spend eight to -10 hours in a space, then photos, artwork, plants, and other items can help you feel more relaxed and, in a tangible way, connect your work with other parts of your life.” 

That being said — too much clutter could distract you from the task at hand. These days there’s also the consideration of hot desking, where you might not even have a desk to actually call your own. In these cases, you’re better off leaving the trinkets at home or limiting them to one or two key, useful items. As well as the hassle of laying claim to a different desk every time you enter the office, you’ve also got to carry your paraphernalia around with you, and a bulging bag is no fun on the tube.  

Plant life

Office plants can make a big difference to a space; they add character and have even been proven to increase happiness and productivity, as these studies found. There’s even the suggestion that plants reduce stress.  

The calming presence of plants is an easy one to take advantage of. They soften a harsh, tech-heavy work environment or when you’re in an urban area without any readily available green spaces.  

But care is paramount, and a watering rota could be a wise move.  

Also, while they might require zero care, plastic plants really do not give off the same vibe, and we shouldn’t need to tell you about how much of a bad idea they are environmentally speaking.  

Take a seat

Depending on the size of your organisation, you’ll either be all sitting around together or organised into departments. If not, then it makes sense to be sitting close to those you need to work with the most, or you’ll find yourselves messaging each other all day.  

David Pong, principal at Mercer HR consulting, says: "Office space tends to deal with quite a few conflicting demands, which is why it is interesting, and political. First and foremost, a seating plan has to reflect how an organisation functions." So, think of what you want your company to achieve first, then decide where people sit that’s most likely to make that happen. 

Obviously this is only going to be helpful if you control the seating – but for those of you that don’t, it’s probably more important to focus on the stuff you can control about where you sit. A comfortable chair, a decent temperature and possibly access to some noise cancelling headphones could help you to focus and create your own little area of calm if you need to escape once in a while! 

We also have plenty of room for you to adapt your office in one of our iconic London locations. We’d love you to join us, so be sure to get in touch today.