The perfect office. Does it exist and what should such an office look like? There are many factors that play a role in the selection of the premises and the subsequent office interior. Before the furnishings can be planned, the space should first be selected. When choosing the space, attention should be paid to environmental factors, lighting conditions, safety, and coherent colors. This is the only way to achieve maximum productivity among employees. Once the right space has been found, the next step is to furnish it.

Since most people spend a lot of time at work during the week, it is important that the interior design is adapted to the needs of the employees and that there is a certain feel-good factor.

Sufficient area of the workplace

Before thinking about the furnishings, you should make sure that you have enough space when choosing the right premises. Therefore, for the perfect office, an area of at least 10 sqm per workplace should be firmly planned in order to offer its employees enough free space, but also to have enough space for furniture and, for example, plants. In so-called open-plan offices (where the workplaces are only separated by partitions), a little more space should be planned so that employees do not feel cramped and still have their peace and quiet to concentrate on their work.  Also in terms of safety in offices, it is advantageous to plan a little more space, so that in case of an emergency there is enough space for escape routes.

Environmental influences

When choosing an office, it is important to consider the environment in which it is located. Unfortunately, even the best office is of no use if it is in an environment where there is constant noise every day. Constant noise in the working day not only limits the concentration and productivity of employees but can also have a negative impact on the health of employees in the long term.

For example, a poorly insulated office next to a railroad track can lead to headaches and stress among employees.

Office lighting conditions

When choosing an office, above all, the lighting is very important, because no one wants to spend his working day in the basement or in a room without daylight. Thus, the office space should be equipped with windows that provide enough light to work.

With special lights that give off a natural light, the bad weather you often experience in winter can be braved and there is still enough light available to work. The luminaires must be positioned so that they neither dazzle nor reflect on the screens.

Colors

To make the office nice and bright, it is recommended to avoid dark furniture. When choosing the wall color, natural and light colors should be used, but a splash of color here and there can also be used to counteract the typically cool office atmosphere. For example, the office can be designed in the colors of the company logo.

This is what you need to consider when setting up

Probably the most important piece of furniture to be able to work at all is the desk, this should have a minimum size of 160x80cm to have enough space for office work. A large enough desk is essential since it is increasingly common to work with multiple screens and still be given space, for example, to be able to lay down documents. Therefore, the size of the desk is important.

To make the workplace even more varied for employees, it is advisable to choose a height-adjustable desk so that they can alternate between sitting and standing. If the office desk is height-adjustable, employees can change their working position. This reduces or even completely avoids back and muscle strain.

Walk and Work with height adjustable tables

A treadmill under a desk not only looks chic and sturdy, but they are also built to last. The work treadmill can easily be moved around the office on rollers to another workstation. The benefits are obvious - work while burning calories! Who doesn't want to do that? Anyone with a desk job knows that sitting for hours is bad for your health and, if there's the option of exercise in addition to standing, that's optimal!

Desk sharing: advantages and disadvantages

Desk sharing, also known as "flexible office", is a form of organization in which employees are free to choose their workplace in the office on a daily basis. Companies not only expect more flexibility in their own organization, but also to save costs, because workstations can be optimally occupied and unused space can be better utilized.

Desk sharing is ideally suited to agile ways of working and allows employees to use workstations flexibly and as needed. The encouraged exchange and movement that come into the company are also optimally reflected in terms of creativity and promoted through new setups that employees encounter every day. Those who change workplaces daily are in contact with more people than when permanently seated in one area. The fact that you also talk more with colleagues from other departments, get to know their working methods, challenges and needs, can be a positive contribution that desk sharing can make.

There are a few disadvantages, as it is in every topic, that cannot be avoided. The number one negative impact is, that not every employee likes to change their working environment every day. Also, not every employee finds it easy to exchange ideas with different people in the company. It is also time-consuming having to clean your desk setup every day and reorganize it the following day.

Do not forget a good atmosphere in the office

Employees spend many hours a day at work - often more time than is available for their partner, children, friends, or hobbies. This makes it even more important to enjoy going to work, which also contributes significantly to a satisfied and healthy life. The work atmosphere plays a key role in this. A good atmosphere, team spirit and respectful cooperation should be lived by all parties. It's also always nice to have some music playing in the break rooms, which not only creates a good mood, but also counteracts fatigue!