At our basic level as human beings we can’t help but to undergo psychological, physiological and behavioural changes depending on what environment we are in. Responses to certain stimuli or the lack of them is hard-wired into our design, so it stands to reason that the office environment can dramatically change the way we react to the world, and our perceptions of the world around us. We spend a large amount of our time in the office, and social life is increasingly affected by and replaced by aspects of our work life. As a management issue, the ‘design’ of the office environment can surely make the difference between high or low performance, productivity and profits.

WIDE OPEN SPACES

In an ideal world our office environment (office interiors) would be designed around us, the processes which make up our work, and how we need to interact with each other to get the work done in the quickest time, at the lowest cost, whilst maintaining the highest quality, motivation and morale. In the real world however, while we can’t make things perfect, research and experience have clearly identified a number of important facts about office design that can help to create an environment that moves closer to this ideal state.

Breaking down permanent barriers i.e. removing walls in an office can achieve a number of things:

Creating a bigger physical space, or more importantly, the feeling of space and not being ‘confined’.

Humans are social animals, designed to live and function in groups. No walls means a greater opportunity for interaction, rather than just passing people by, and decreased negative emotions and stress associated with feelings of alienation and being ostracised.

Internal e-mails and telephone calls will decrease and be replaced by more active communications and more effective consultation e.g. face to face consultation.

Cross functional smaller communities will begin to form, and an overall feeling of being part of a larger ‘community’ will develop – people are brought together, and have more of a chance to ‘pull together’.

Informal communications will increase. Greater opportunities to interact and socialise can lead to ways to solve problems and get the job done more quickly.

Physical space in the office can be maximised.

Some aspects of management can be made easier e.g. ‘management by walking around’, quickly getting employee feedback on situations etc.

The right large, open, well lit and uncluttered office environment can reduce stress, reduce absenteeism, and can increase productivity.

The right office environment can make a good first impression and can help to encourage interviewees to want to join the company. Conversely, good working and social conditions can be strong plus point in preventing valuable staff from leaving.

THE ARGUMENT FOR ENCLOSED AREAS

There are always times and situations in our working lives where there is the need for privacy, some degree of quiet, and the need to concentrate, work and consult away from the distractions of the busiest part of the office, and yet still remain accessible. Some functions in the office environment may need this for prolonged periods of times. The modern challenge is how can these things be achieved, and yet still maintain an open, interactive office ‘community’ which can communicate, socialise, and still get the work done?

THE ANSWER

Office partitions can provide the perfect solution to this challenge, and maintain this effective efficient, sociable balance. Office partitioning can be made to any height and length, can be moveable, semi permanent or permanent structures. Even where partitions close off whole areas and are permanent, they can still be glass or have large glass areas. The different colours, materials, designs, and finishes available in office partitions means that they can be made to fit in perfectly with the existing office interior design and décor, and can even be made feature. In short, office partitions can help you to achieve harmony and balance, and keep the feelings of wide open spaces and the benefits they bring. Their flexibility means that changes can be made quickly to help your business processes run as efficiently as possible.