What are the Most Common Office Design Problems?

It does not matter if your office space is old or new, there is always room for improvement. And the crucial step of improving your workplace is actually by identifying the problems and then coming up with the right solutions.

Below are some of the more significant office design problems that many businesses encounter and some effective solutions you can take to help you enhance your workplace for better work performance and drive business success. 

Ineffective Use of Space

Space utilisation is one of the most significant aspects of creating a productive workplace. Especially in Singapore, where space is limited, office owners must take advantage of every corner of the office and put it to use effectively. 

However, many are still struggling to use their limited space constructively. Poor space utilisation can originate from having the wrong types of rooms in the wrong location or even in situations where your business is growing and spaces gradually become tighter. The lack of variety of spaces and not having much room will negatively affect the working environment and work performance amongst your workforce. 

Solutions:

Do regular space checkups. Often, we do not realise the problems exist until it affects our performance. To prevent this, you need to regularly analyse your current space with an expert in the field. Having a professional office interior design company with you to pinpoint the problems can help you decide what to do to reduce wasted and underutilised space. 

Do not underestimate the importance of office space planning. Design mistakes can occur in the first place because there was a lack of office space planning. So, it is vital that you give a considerable amount of time and attention to this particular step. Hire an office space planning provider to help you layout your office for better traffic control, create functional areas, and reduce underutilised spaces. 

Noise and Distractions From Poor Design 

We now see more and more offices adopt an open-space model, and rightly so. There are ample benefits that come with an open-plan concept. However, as good as the modern open plan can be, there are also many downsides to it. For example, when not designed correctly, an open plan can create a major distraction to the whole office working environment and, as a result, make it counterproductive to work peacefully, focused, and productively.  

Solutions: 

Create different types of spaces. Apply a combination of open and private settings. Have a dedicated quiet area for employees to have a break and relax. This type of space should include a design that can enhance the relaxing mood. So, for instance, having some greeneries, painting the wall with relaxing colours to enhance mood, and some comfortable seating. 

Choose features that can limit the noise in the room. For example, flooring such as carpet can help absorb noise. Moreover, install acoustic panelling for rooms that are bound to be noisy, like meeting rooms and collaboration spaces.  

Lacking Company Culture and Brand Image

When your company’s culture is not well represented in the office, you can lose track of the whole office interior design. As a result, your workplace can be dull, and work performance and wellbeing can be negatively affected. Therefore, it’s essential to have your brand represented across the office to create unity and a sense of community. 

Solutions:

Create a strong identity in your workplace. Your company is a team, and teams need to be bounded by a strong image and brand. Show your strong shared values by designing your workplace in such a way. For example, what colours represent your brand? What culture do you push for in your company? Incorporate all these aspects when designing your office. Unity and a sense of community are major triggers of productivity and happiness. 

Office design styles will progress and evolve according to the new challenges and the demands required in the current era. Therefore, it is crucial for a business owner to be ready for the upcoming changes. With regular monitoring of your space, focusing on details and planning, and implementing the right design choices and techniques, your office will likely be more flexible and adaptable to the challenges, including office design mistakes. 

When it comes to office space planning and office renovation, look no further. At SORDC, we have professional and experienced individuals dedicated to the cause of creating the best office experience for your business. So do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you every step of the way.