It might not seem like an important factor, but office design plays a key role in the success of a business. Your workplace is a physical representation of your brand and business identity. The space your employees work in and clients visit should be aesthetically pleasing, functional and optimised for efficiency. On the surface, the best office designs in Dubai are vastly different from one another. The layout and interior designs might not look the same, but they follow similar office design practices. Here are 5 things the best office designs in Dubai have in common.
Office designs from years gone by favoured rows of partitioned cubicles, private offices and large boardrooms to house meetings. The more modern designs tend to prefer an open-plan layout where hierarchies are done away with and all employees are on equal footing in the same space. Each of these designs have their pros and cons in regard to efficiency and productivity, but which one is best for your office? The answer is both.
The best office layouts acknowledge that a diverse and flexible workspace that combines the best aspects of an open-plan design with that of a more partitioned one is much more beneficial than sticking to just one of the two. An open-plan office creates a more communicative and connected working environment where there are no barriers to separate employees, thereby promoting interactivity between departments which can stimulate ideas and boost productivity and creativity. But there is also a need for privacy within these shared spaces. Having a space away from the noise and distractions of the office is a must, whether it be for client meetings, private one-on-ones, brainstorming sessions or a quiet place for a team member to work on an important task.
A well-designed layout also allows for flexibility in the workspace, where employees have a variety of spaces to support different needs and interactions.
Studies have shown that a happy and healthy employee who is content in their working environment can boost productivity and creativity. In short, a happy employee makes for a successful company. Thus, employee health and wellbeing has moved to the forefront of modern office designs. Companies now realise that making the workplace a comfortable and enjoyable space can yield favourable results. Hence, the introduction of dynamic spaces in office designs.
Dynamic spaces blur the lines between work and pleasure by turning a traditionally uptight, rigid space into a corporate playground. These spaces can be cafes, gyms, meditation rooms, gaming areas or anything else you wouldn’t find in an office 10 years ago. By factoring in employees' lifestyle and social needs and incorporating it into the workspace, companies are showing their employees that they are appreciated and cared for. This ultimately fosters loyalty, improves moods and health, and inspires productivity in employees.
There’s nothing worse than a dreary, dull and lifeless office space.
No workplace should be uninspiring, uniformed and forgettable. The best office designs incorporate an eye-catching yet functional interior design that impresses clients and inspires employees. From the ergonomic furniture that keeps you comfortable while sitting at your desk to the glass partitions that add a stylish touch to your meeting rooms, every part of the interior design has a role to play.
Interior design draws heavily from psychology with studies proving that the look and feel of a workspace influences employee productivity, creativity and moods. Adding vibrant colours is an easy and inexpensive way to boost your office. Colours dictate our moods and feelings. Yellow inspires creativity and boosts our energy. Red keeps up alert and focused. And tones of blue have a soothing effect.
Human beings thrive in nature. Whether it be a few ferns around the office or the warm sunlight streaming in from a window, introducing natural elements into the workspace improves employee wellbeing, mood and performance.
Research has shown that placing greenery around the workplace can boost productivity and creativity by 15%. And best of all, it’s free. This can be achieved by installing big windows and high ceilings to allow for more natural light, investing in a good ventilation system that evenly distributes fresh air and adding a lush green wall or indoor plants to instill a sense of tranquility and harmony in the workspace.
The last thing that all the best office designs have in common is the personalisation of their workspace.
A unique and personalised office design accurately reflects your brand and corporate identity. Everything from the artwork and furniture to the colour palette and layout of your office should embody your brand. This is best done through bespoke furniture, custom art pieces, distinct brand-specific lettering, wall features, colour schemes, graphics that emphasise company values and luxury finishings.
Contractors.Direct can connect you with qualified contractors who can see to all your fit out needs so you too can have one of the best office designs in Dubai.