The office space is constantly improving and adapting to our ever-changing lives. The blueprint of what a workplace should look and feel like is constantly being updated to keep up with the latest trends and lifestyle habits. Modern offices that utilise the psychology of interior design, optimise space in efficient and beneficial ways, and create a place that promotes employee health and wellbeing while simultaneously incorporating the brand personality are leading the way in the present day. And modern office fit out ideas are embracing the turning tide. Dull and dreary interiors are being replaced with vibrant colours and quirky decor. Rows of cubicles are being torn down in favour of a more collaborative and connected work environment. And employee happiness is now at the forefront with the addition of extra facilities and dedicated spaces, like yoga rooms and nap pods, making their work-life balance that much easier to handle.

Whether you are opening a new office or refurbishing an existing outdated one, it is vital that your workplace is ahead of the curve. An office with a modern fit out is the mark of a forward-thinking company that stays ahead of the curve and is much more appealing to clients than one that has fallen behind on the times and is stuck in the past. Present-day office fit out has made great strides by using modern innovation and contemporary ideas to revitalise workspaces in a way that increases morale and job satisfaction, as well as boosting productivity and creativity among employees. And we all know that a happy employee makes for a happy business.

Here are 10 modern office fit out ideas that can bring your company into the present and improve your workspace’s productivity:

OPEN-PLAN WORKSPACE

Gone are the days where rows of cubicles lined the office floor. Today, the barriers that divide co-workers are torn down in favour of an open-plan space. Hierarchies are eradicated and everyone, executives and junior-level members alike are put on a more equal footing. This promotes a more collaborative environment that stimulates ideas and invites employees to communicate with one another in an easy and efficient manner. An open-plan office has a positive effect on employee health. A more spacious office design with fewer partitions allows for more natural light and better ventilation from well-placed windows, thereby keeping employees healthy and in a good mood.

DIVERSE AND ADAPTABLE MEETING SPACES

Although open-plan office space is better for productivity and employee happiness, there are still times that a private space is needed. Boardrooms or large meetings rooms are reserved for exchanges with clients or important company-wide discussions. But what about informal meetings between team members, brainstorming sessions or a space for quiet working when the office is a bit too loud or distracting? Creating adaptable workspaces within the office to cater for all these differing needs is the perfect solution.

One day it can host a quick department meeting and the next it could be used as a quiet space to complete an urgent task. Adding these smaller spaces also allows for choice. A diverse workplace provides a variety of places for employees to work, collaborate or unwind away from their desks.

For maximum effect, the room should be vibrant, upbeat and colourful to boost creativity and stimulate ideas. Since it will be used for a variety of reasons, it should be a place that is comfortable yet stylish and caters to everything an employee would need. Add coffee stations, projector screens, quirky furniture, like bean bags, and beautiful artwork to liven up space and inspire whoever may enter.

BREAK ROOMS WITH PERSONALITY

Modern office fit outs are increasingly shifting toward creating an environment that promotes employee health and wellbeing. Doing this ultimately leads to an increase in productivity and fewer sick days. A happy employee equals a happy company. Having dedicated spaces where employees can relax and recharge is a good way to achieve this. It should be a fun or soothing area designed for them to rest, eat lunch or socialise with one another in a less formal environment. Make sure the break room has a well-stocked kitchen on-hand so that employees can store or prepare their meals and have plenty of access to coffee!

The break room should have a personality that reflects and emphasises downtime. Use vibrant or soothing colours to set a light, relaxing setting while lots of natural light and plenty of space ensures good moods all around. Casual-style seating, like bean bags, and activities, like a ping pong table or arcade machine, create a fun atmosphere for employees to bond. And for those who need alone time or interact in small groups, privacy pods and plush booths can be installed.

NAP PODS

Nap Pods are a new trend that is here to stay. It has been a staple in office fit outs in Japan for years, and massive corporations like Google, Uber and Samsung are following suit. Napping on the job was once frowned upon, but is now being encouraged by companies around the globe to prevent accidents as well as foster the health and wellbeing of their employees. Nap Pods increase productivity and creativity by ensuring that your employee is well-rested, fresh and alert while at work, as well as preventing burnout and breakdowns.

LUSH PLANTS AND GREEN WALLS

Research has proven that adding greenery in the workplace can boost productivity and creativity by up to 15%. By adding a green painted feature wall, a few indoor plants or a green wall made up of lush plants to your office fit out, you will not only increase productivity but improve the mood and overall health of your employees. Adding a touch of greenery to the workplace is a small, simple change that reaps many benefits and rewards.

MINDFULNESS AND ACTIVE ROOMS

Companies can look after their employees health and wellbeing by dedicating a space or room that they can be active or practice mindfulness in. Exercise and meditation relieve stress, focuses the mind and keeps the body healthy. Providing a space where employees can do yoga, work out or meditate on their lunch break or before or after work will keep your employees happy and in peak condition.

LOCKERS AND SHELVES

Save time and energy by providing employees with their own personal locker or shelf space to store their belongings while at work. This is not only efficient but shows your employees that you care about their privacy and safety. It also reduces clutter on the work floor by keeping everyone’s personal belongings in one organised space and reduces distractions as unnecessary items will not be within arms reach.

ERGONOMIC FURNITURE AND SIT-STAND DESKS

A big contributor to frequent sick days and poor employee health is the office furniture. A considerable proportion of work absences are attributed to back pain alone. This is caused by employees sitting at a desk all day in uncomfortable chairs. The use of ergonomic chairs and sit-stand desks reduce back, neck and shoulder pain, and will ultimately improve employee health and wellbeing. Meaning, less sick days and more happy workers.

INSPIRATIONAL COLOUR SCHEMES

Studies have proven that colours have poignant associations and that a good colour scheme has positive psychological effects on employees and clients. Choosing the right colour scheme for your office can be make-or-break, so use them to your advantage. The current trends and research show that more vibrant and bright colours, like orange and yellow, inspire energy and creativity, while shades of blue tend to be more soothing and relaxing. Different spaces in the workplace will have varying atmospheres and colour association will help dictate the mood.

INCORPORATE BRAND AWARENESS

Your office should reflect and communicate your brand and corporate identity to employees and clients. A well-executed modern office fit out should create and inspire brand awareness through the personalisation of the space. Every part of your workplace should showcase your company and what it stands for. Invest in brand-specific lettering and artwork or characteristic finishes to emphasise your company’s vision and image. Make your office stand out through custom-built sculptures or bespoke furniture that are sure to leave a lasting impression in client's minds. Your office should be a unique representation of your company’s ideals, work style, culture and the overall message that you would like to convey to the world. Incorporate brand-specific artwork and colour in prominent areas to subtly imprint your brand in everyone’s mind, and add graphics showcasing key brand messages to boost productivity and inspire employees.

If you would like to bring your workplace into the present and modernise your office, Contractors.Direct can connect you with qualified contractors who can bring your fit out a vision to life.