LEADERSHIP
O F F I C E C O L L A B O R AT I O N S PA C E S
Rethinking office space to promote productivity The pandemic has changed how some people work and employers are now reconfiguring their workspaces to cater for this. Dealers have an important role to play in advising them to get the right space for their needs ne of the long-lasting
while technology allowed co-workers to
with personal stowage readily available.
effects on business of
engage and stay in touch, physical interaction
“Integrating plants into storage is a fantastic
the pandemic is how
is still essential; it’s difficult to create good
solution, especially in more open plan spaces,”
it has changed how
working relationships with people you’ve never
she says. “As well as screening colleagues from
people work, with
met in person. There is a trend for designing
intrusion, and adding to focus, if they’re used
hybrid arrangements – working some time
the workplace to promote a lasting sense of
in long runs, or open shelving units, they can
in the office and the remainder at home –
wellbeing – wellness of mind and body leads to
be mood-boosting and relaxing as well as good
becoming commonplace.
productive, engaged and healthy employees.”
for the environment, air quality and acoustics.”
O
A knock-on effect of this has been to
Zoning areas of the workspace is an
change the purpose of the office; it is becoming
HOME FROM HOME
important part of this. “From welcome
more of a destination, rather than where
‘Resimercial’ design - a portmanteau of
spaces to focus areas, collaboration hubs to
people go every day and, as a result, many
residential and commercial - is another trend
private meeting booths, ensuring your space
employers are reconfiguring their office
that has gained momentum, adds Yvonne.
is designed with the activity in mind is what
spaces to cater for this. “Workers are using
“The goal is to encapsulate the bliss of domestic
zoning is all about,” Jeanine says.
digital tools that allow them to do their jobs
life and bring it to the office,” she says. “It
remotely, reducing the need to spend all day
blends home elements into the contemporary
zoning, ultimately, comes down to basic
in the office,” says Yvonne Partridge, business
workspace, with textures and materials that
human factors and understanding that the
development director at Bi-Silque. “Others are
evoke a sense of comfort – an environment
design of the space will constantly evolve.
demanding more areas for collaborating, and
where people enjoy spending time reduces
Flexibility is essential; give yourself room to
less individual desk space. Future workplaces
stress and promotes productivity.”
adapt your space. You could introduce tables
must convey these new working standards, which is a challenge - but also an opportunity. “During lockdown people rediscovered the importance of human connection and
[32] MARCH 2022
www.dealersupport.co.uk
Jeanine Goddard, creative director at
“The core thing to remember is that
and chairs that are on casters so you can move
Bisley, agrees that workspaces should be
them around quickly, have optional dividing
designed as more of an extension of home, with
walls, or utilise stacking or flexible furniture.
the use of warm lighting, textiles and textures,
“The goal should be to create spaces
