When considering an office renovation, the physical space, the layout, the décor, and the technical services are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind. This is where you and your employees are going to spend most of your time. Poorly designed offices may end up costing the employer money and productivity. Employees who don’t feel comfortable in their work environment tend to underperform. But there inevitably comes a time when we all need a change. You may get away with a simple coat of paint. But sometimes a little bit more is required to keep up with growth and maintain productivity.
Here are some top considerations when renovating your office space.
PLACEMENT OF SERVICES
One of the major problems encountered when doing an office renovation is that the design overhaul is driven by someone who doesn’t perform the work in that specific physical space. Workflow, space requirements, and desk space are all important considerations. Sometimes it’s the small things that need to be kept in mind. Does this job require a lot of binding, mailing, or photocopying? What about power and data? Where should the hook-ups be? Think about the angle of the computer screen. If it’s against a window, it can cause headaches or migraines.
FURNITURE ORIENTATION
Desk and chair placement is very important to employees. People prefer to face their office door so that they can see people coming in. Employees don’t want to have their backs to their doors because it makes them feel snuck up upon. Additionally, investing in high-quality ergonomic chairs is one of the smartest decisions you can make. A good quality chair says that you, the employer, value employee comfort. Plus, you’ll get many more years out of a quality chair before a replacement is needed.
THE GLASS FISHBOWL
Today’s modern office spaces are usually designed with a lot of glass. While it may look modern and stylish, and be the trend of the day, employees don’t want to feel that they are in a fishbowl, always being watched. They also don’t want to be distracted by anyone who passes by. Privacy film (or frosting film) is a great solution. Generally, set at a height between 36 inches and 54 inches, Privacy Film offers enough privacy from the outside common spaces but still allows enough light to filter in.
MEETING AREAS & COMMON SPACES
One of the most important considerations an employer can make when renovating is to craft a realistic plan for the number of offices, common spaces and meeting rooms that are required. To do this, an analysis of full-time, part-time, contractors and work-at-home employees should be taken. On any given day, how many offices are needed? How many meeting rooms? Should you augment your space with “Phone Booth” meeting spaces? What about support services? Which offices need computers and internet access? What about storage space? Does it make better financial sense to keep your storage on-site, or should you catalogue and archive it at a less expensive offsite storage facility? The question becomes…why pay expensive rent year-round, for material you only access once or twice a year?
With so many considerations to keep track of and implement, sometimes it’s best to entrust your office renovation to the people who do it all the time. At D.J. McGauley & Associates, we have decades of experience, which allows us to predict project hurdles and proactively address challenges. We ask the right questions and analyze your business goals to ensure your renovation adds value to your organization and provide a single point of contact to coordinate all aspects of the project.
Call us. We’re here to help.
D.J. McGauley & Associates have decades of experience, which allows us to anticipate project hurdles and proactively address challenges before they become problems and necessitate expensive changes. We listen to your business needs and goals to ensure the results add value to your organization. We provide a single point of contact to coordinate all aspects of the project.
www.djmcgauleyandassociates.com
Email [email protected]
Call 416-239-1931
