Since people spend dozens of hours per week in their workspaces, office space planning impacts employee satisfaction and productivity. To attract and retain top talent, make your office as comfortable as possible. Here are a few tips to use when reconfiguring the space.

A Brief Checklist for Office Space Planning

1. Consult the Staff

Let the users’ needs guide you. Talk to workers to get firsthand feedback on what they would like to have in their workplace. Perhaps they want more casual areas to collaborate, meaning you could ditch a formal conference table and equip a meeting room with comfortable sofas and chairs.

2. Add Variety

People work best in different circumstances. Some individuals need quiet spaces to concentrate, while others feel more creative in vibrant, bustling environments. Give employees options to improve overall productivity. For example, if you have an open floor plan, delineate a separate area where people can work privately by adding dividers.

3. Choose Ergonomic Furniture

Poorly designed furniture is uncomfortable and damaging to health. Ergonomic chairs minimize musculoskeletal problems, including back pain. You can also invest in adjustable-height desks and keyboards with wrist support for fully ergonomic setups. You might have to update all tables, as ergonomic chairs may require more room.

4. Reconsider Lighting

Lighting has been proven to impact employee well-being and performance. Harsh overhead fluorescent lights give the office a cold look and create the same lighting conditions throughout. Give workers breaks from this type of illumination by adding localized lights, such as desktop lamps each employee can control themselves.

5. Leave Room for Growth

Don't fill every nook with furniture during renovations. Keep some space open to accommodate expansion so you don’t have to redo the layout when the company grows. You can fill empty corners by using decor, including potted plants.

If you need office space planning assistance in St. Louis, MO, turn to Office Furniture Solutions. They’re the go-to professional for commercial design and furniture in the metropolitan area, offering free 3D design consultations for their clients. Their team has over 50 years of combined experience and prioritizes customer satisfaction, always making sure to work within budgetary restrictions. Book a free consultation online, or call (314) 567-5558 with any questions.