An office is a huge investment for any business, but especially those at the growth stage. Therefore, when investing in a new space, it’s important to consider how the design will work for the company not only immediately, but five or 10 years into the future.
Taking the fit-out into consideration before you’ve established any finalised designs will future-proof your office space and reduce the need for expensive moves down the track.
A considered office fit-out can improve employee productivity, take advantage of every centimetre of space, encourage natural light and ventilation, be comfortable, embrace the relevant technology and act as a physical manifestation of your brand values and aesthetic.
So how can you make sure your office fit-out will grow with your business? Here are some key elements to consider.
1. Ask the right questions
When considering the design of a new office fit-out, there are a couple of important questions you can ask yourself and your team to establish exactly what you need and want.
These include:
- Why do you need a new space?
- How is your business and industry going to shift in the next five years?
- Are there expansion plans? Will this new space be able to accommodate these?
- Will you have new technology requirements in the future?
- Do you need flexibility in case of unexpected changes?
2. Brand right
There’s no point designing a great office fit-out if it doesn’t align with your business values and vision. Therefore, when bringing together your design, make sure it is reflective of your culture and the image you’d like to promote to your customers – after all, it is an extension of your marketing! This could include anything from incorporating brand colours, to ensuring there are appropriate Wi-Fi points and power sockets to enable flexible working.
3. Flexible spaces
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen our approach to offices change significantly, with many businesses opting for a hybrid model in which employees split their week to work from home and the office. Take this into consideration when allocating desk space – with fewer employees in every day, you may be able to dedicate more space to conference rooms, client meeting areas or even breakout and recreational spaces that encourage socialising and employee engagement.
4. Expansion opportunities
A fit-out doesn’t need to be static – in fact, it shouldn’t be! Building a fit-out that’s future-proof should include features that allow for expansion and development. This could include modular design that’s easily manipulated or adjusted, additional storage options and amenities for collaborative and agile working environments.
5. Go green
Sustainability is no longer a trend – it’s here to stay. Take advantage of natural light sources by positioning desks perpendicular to the east-west trajectory of the sun, reducing the need for artificial lighting. If you do require additional lighting, opt for LED bulbs as they are more efficient. Plants have also been shown to reduce employee stress and increase performance, so why not include a dedicated space for a little greenery?
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If you’re looking to craft a boutique office fit-out that works for you and your business now and in the future, get in touch with the commercial building team at Ozzbuild today.