Furniture Solutions for Open-Plan Office Fit Outs
Open plan offices are now common designs for teams to inhabit in the workplace and for many beneficial reasons. However, several factors can make or break an open plan office design, with one of the main factors being furniture.
No one likes being uncomfortable, especially while working, but many offices still don’t have the right furniture solutions to keep employees happy, content and productive.
Open plan offices provide high levels of flexibility for business’s changing needs, so finding the right furniture for this level of flexibility is a must. In this article, we’re going to explore how you can create dynamic work environments with the very best furniture solutions for open plan office fit outs. We’ll look at why ergonomics matter as well as how new technologies are helping to lead the way.
How Open Plan Offices Have Changed the Workplace
With the popularity of businesses choosing to go open plan with their fit outs having risen in the past few decades, it’s important to understand why.
The purpose of changing up the tried and tested formula of a traditional cubicle-based office was to spark a more collaborative approach when working. Rather than employees being stuffed into claustrophobic cubicles and wanting to smash up the printer, they could now work in a more talkative and open space.
Good open plan office fit outs consider spaces to accommodate all types of work mandates – from individual work to shared and team planning. And this can be optimised with the very best furniture solutions.
The Role of Furniture in Open Plan Office Fit Outs
What do we mean by ergonomic furniture? Furniture that has been classed as ergonomic simply means it has been designed with comfort and function in mind.
Think of an office chair that supports workers’ posture while also allowing for multiple positions to suit personal preference. Or a desk that can be altered to different levels and even allow employees to stand while they work.
It could also be as simple as a mouse for the computer that has users hold it in a position that is more like a handshake, promoting better wrist posture and less muscle strain. Ergonomic furniture doesn’t just fall under what many see as traditional furniture; it can be all manner of devices, seating, tables, partitions and accessories in the workplace for better functionality and greater comfort.
Move Furniture Around
Everyone has different ways of working and needs, and that’s why having furniture that can be easily rearranged, moved and altered to support varying needs is key to a good open office fit out.
Team sizes can increase and decrease for several reasons, so choose furniture that is modular and multipurpose. If your team has to really concentrate and knuckle down on a project, and needs a dedicated, closed-off area, expandable desks, pods and deployable screens are a great way to support this.
Strategizing for Open Plan Designs
For an open plan office fit out, you will need to strategise distinct areas for those who like flying solo as well as those who work as a unit. An open plan office allows for both, so while modular furniture is great, it’s also a good idea to create spaces that are specific to these requirements.
Collaborative Spaces
These can be completely separate areas or offices for meetings or team projects, as well as be created with modular solutions. You can incorporate ergonomic chairs with proper lumbar support to ensure comfort for long meetings, not only benefiting employees but visitors and clients, too.
Collaborative tools such as whiteboards and interactive screens promote the sharing of ideas, so if you’re on a budget, investing in digital solutions just for these spaces is your best bet. Also, having a variety of furniture, seating and desks in collaborative spaces will give employees a broader spectrum of solutions to suit their needs.
Individual Work Areas
When we talk about individual work areas in an open plan office, we’re not talking about those dull, grey and depressing coffin-sized cubicles. No, thanks to the innovation of ergonomic solutions, employees can have their own workstations that feel more spacious, colourful and comfortable.
Furniture solutions including private pods, partition screens or even designated quiet zones promote productivity for those who value seclusion. Having these blended with bright, naturistic colours, as well as company branding and plant life as well as having windows with natural light will foster high levels of well-being.
One of the biggest complaints of a more open office is noise distraction. Therefore, acoustic furniture and panels that are designed to minimise noise are a great strategy to implement. These also don’t completely shut off employees from their colleagues, as many of these are designed with that keyword – flexibility.
Recent Trends in Office Furniture
Trends come and go, but one trend that isn’t going anywhere is sustainability. That’s because eco-friendly furniture not only supports the planet, but also improves a business’s corporate image. When selecting your office furniture, look for suppliers that provide chairs made from recycled plastics, desks from recycled wood as well as certified products from organisations like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council.
We landed men on the moon in 1969, so why is it so difficult to connect a laptop to a display in 2024? It doesn’t have to be. Another trend is integrating smart technology into furniture, alleviating daily hassles for workers and helping to streamline operations.
Desks with built-in chargers and sockets, smart conference tables, projectors and built-in screens, portable monitors, wireless mice and keyboards and USB docking stations are just some of the technologies that help improve efficiency in an office. Technology doesn’t just have to mean fancy hardware or software either. Monitor stands, footrests, back supports, cushions and standing desks all promote well-being and comfort, and they create a more welcoming atmosphere for workers and guests.
How Ergonomic Furniture Benefits a Business
Let’s break down the benefits ergonomic furniture solutions have for businesses and their employees.
For businesses:
- Increased Productivity – More comfortable furniture leads to better focus and efficiency.
- Less Absent Workers – Proper ergonomics minimise the risk of work-related injuries, such as sore necks and backs, decreasing sick leave.
- Cost Savings – Flexible and modular solutions reduce the need to replace furniture, ultimately saving businesses money.
- Better Corporate Image – Businesses that promote employee well-being will draw in more clients and team members.
- Enhanced Employee Retention – Employees are more likely to stay with companies that prioritise health and comfort.
For employees:
- Improved Health – Employees can say goodbye to those neck, back and other muscle pains.
- Personalised Set Ups – Adjustable and flexible furniture grants personalised setups, enhancing overall comfort.
- Greater Job Satisfaction – A comfortable, supportive work environment contributes to higher motivation and job satisfaction.
- Enhanced Collaboration – Shared, open spaces promote enhanced teamwork and communication, leading to better and more profitable results.
Practical Tips for Selecting Ergonomic Furniture
A great first step is to get your workforce together and share ideas on what ergonomic furniture will work best. Research the different types and vote on the top choices. Some may love the idea of shared desks, while others may desire quiet zones and individual pods.
A good office fit out contractor will go through various options throughout your fit out project and highlight the best furniture to suit both your business and staff needs as well as the size of your office space. Meeting with reputable contractors and exploring their past clients will also help give you a better idea of the solutions that will work best.
Summing Up Furniture Solutions for Open Office Fit Outs
If you have been wary of either working in an open office or if you’re on the fence about having an open office fit out, due to the main complaint of noisy distractions from other workers, you can trust in ergonomic furniture solutions to save the day.
This type of furniture increases employee comfort, health, well-being and choice ten-fold. Flexible and modular solutions will reduce complaints of noise distraction and with the implementation of the right technology, efficiency and productivity will be at a new level.
