With the increasing use of the hybrid model, companies are left trying to figure out how to transition to an office. They need to figure out their employee needs. Companies are having to focus on what’s needed. The functionality and experience. After the pandemic and employees experiencing a taste of independence and freedom, employees have developed a work style that is hard to use in office design. Modern office design has shifted to meeting the unique needs of the workforce. Whether it’s a focus on connection or the increasing need for rec areas. Companies are starting to build modern spaces. This space might be hard to use in the traditional office. However, flex office designs can make it easier to use these key zones.
But why do you need a flexible office design? A flexible office design can help you seamlessly integrate these unique solutions into an office space. Creating division in the office can have a negative impact on the way we work. However, a flexible office design can help you avoid this division and lead to a more efficient and effective office design. But what is a flexible office design?
What is a Flexible Office Design?
A flexible space is dynamic. Rather than a single designated section for work or conference rooms for collaboration, a flexible office design provides employees with multiple settings or zones to work in. In short, a flexible office space gives employees a change of scenery. Multiuse furniture and specialized zones are designed for people and their needs. Flexible office spaces meet employee needs without keeping them in a single cubicle or space.
A flexible design is unique to the employees and the company. It is completely intentional in design. The spaces created for employees are designed to help them work more efficiently and effectively. In all aspects of their job duties. A flexible office lets employees work in a space designed for the task they’re working on at the moment. If a certain project is better suited for an informal relaxed space, there’s an area for that. If an employee needs a private area, there are workstations designed to reduce distractions. The flexible office design gives employees what they need to work as efficiently as possible while making the workplace a more enjoyable experience.
What Does a Flexible Office Look Like?
The flexible office looks different to everyone. However, the concept is the same. Some companies have designed the model flexible office. It might have become the poster child for office design. However, it might not fit your employees the same. The flexible office should meet your unique needs. It should represent your employees. It should also make the overall average work day easier and more fun.
Leading and innovative companies are breaking the mold of office design. And many of them create flexible offices as the basis for change. Intuit has recently opened a unique concept in a 360,000-square-foot office space. Intuit has pulled inspiration from cities. The use of “neighborhoods” establishes zones for different workstyles and different roles. The zones aren’t only designed to meet both specific and evolving needs. They also carry varying aesthetics throughout. The “city” concept is an idea that meets employee needs, whatever they may be.
Is your flexible office design going to look the same as this sprawling campus? Probably not. But should it strive for the same outcome? Yes. The extent of intricacy and specificity depends on what you need. Your office should reflect you, what you need, and how you work. But does a flexible office space make a difference in how we work? It might have a bigger impact than you think.
Do Flexible Offices Help Employees?
A flexible office has a huge impact on how your employees work. From connection to functionality, what employees get out of a flex office can improve efficiency and production. To what degree a flexible office can help your employees depends on what tools you give them. Let’s look at some of the most common zones in flexible office design and the impact they have on workers.
Focused Areas
Regardless of the scope of work or industry, employees need intentional spaces for focused work. Focused areas give employees a space free from distractions. These spaces are normally placed away from high-traffic areas to avoid distraction. For added seclusion, acoustic phone booths, furniture, and acoustic panels are used to dampen sound. These solutions are ideal for smaller offices. This makes it more difficult to separate these zones. Employees are still able to work in private areas with a secluded feel. They can do this without alienating them from the rest of the office. A LinkedIn article discusses how focused areas improve productivity. Private and focused spaces give workers a space free from distractions. Also, the control over their environment. This can lead to improved focus and production.
Breakout Zones
Workers need to connect. They also need an area where they can leave the stiffness and structure of their workspaces. The breakout zone is the ideal solution. These spaces have evolved from the traditional “water cooler.” The breakout zone provides employees with a fun space to connect, break, and build workplace bonds that can help overall mood and morale. Occasional tables, modular lounge seating, and comfortable design give employees the perfect place to gather. Breakout zones usually have an informal design.
Collaboration Areas
Collaboration is necessary for most companies. Whether it’s a traditional boardroom with modern conference tables or a more innovative unique space, the meeting of minds can lead to great ideas. There’s no one way to design a collaboration zone. Informal collaboration spaces are more likely to use relaxed comfortable seating. While formal meeting areas might have a stiffer design. Collaboration zones are likely key to the success of your business and the way you design them is just as important.
What Furniture Do You Need to Create a Flexible Office?
A flexible office is the perfect blend of functionality and fluidity. Because the flex office design is used to meet many needs, the furniture you use in your design is key to success. Even though flex spaces and zones start with design, it’s key to use furniture that meets employee needs. Here are a few of the most important pieces to use in flexible office zones:
Movable and Mobile Furniture
Nothing screams functionality the way movable furniture does. These pieces give employees the chance to change or adjust space to unique needs. Mobile furniture can be simple. Modular lounge seating or something like mobile desks that fold out of sight when not in use. Movable and mobile furniture pieces offer an ideal solution for maximizing the use of designated work zones.
Modern Standing Desks
A flexible office design is focused on employee needs and well-being. The active work lifestyle has become more popular for employees. The furniture reflects this. Some companies have the ability and space to have dedicated wellness areas. This includes everything from gyms to spas. However, some don’t have the space or the workforce to support an entire space dedicated to wellness. Adjustable height desks can easily satisfy those needs. They’re also a key feature of our modular stations. These stations are a great break from hours of seated work. They also offer a wealth of health benefits. Harvard Health discusses the benefit of standing desks. Sitting for hours can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Standing desks don’t only give employees different options, but they can also protect your greatest assets.
The Modern Office Cubicle
The cubicle has evolved into a functional space and a statement piece. Although a flex office has unique zones, the traditional workspace shouldn’t be neglected. Our curved modern cubicles have a modular nesting design. The StrongProject modern cubicle gives employees the ideal focused station with adaptability to adjust desk height, easily rearrange, and custom partitions to meet their needs. Our modern cubicles also have a clean look that will bring the traditional office into the future of work.
Easy Ways to Implement a Flexible Office
Redesigning an office can be a major task. However, our design team is here to help. You don’t need to completely start from the ground up. Building a flex office space can be easy and the results can be immediate. Changing the layout and organizing the flow of work is a great place to start. Using key pieces will also help you change your office.
Flexible zones are made with movable pieces to create unique spaces. Modular seating can help your employees use one designated space. Whether as a meeting area or a breakout area. If you don’t have much space, acoustic phone booths are an easy way to add focus. Especially in a crowded area. Building a flex office space shouldn’t be hard. The design should be smooth and useful. Listening to your workers’ needs will help you see what they need the most.
Are you thinking about shifting to a flex office design? Contact us to find out how this change can help your employees work.
Check out these other topics on helping employees through office design:
Redefining Workspaces: The Comprehensive Guide to Hybrid Workplace Design
