Employees working remotely are no longer an exception. In the aftermath of Covid-19, companies have learned to accept employees working from both corporate and home office spaces, as well as other remote places.
The corporate office is still necessary. Goals that fulfill the mission of the company begin in a central location and move outward, like spokes from the center of a bicycle wheel.
The main office, home offices, and third spaces like coffee shops and co-working sites all serve a specific purpose and fulfill a need.
What is essential for a company’s primary office and remote locations to function well?
Start with clear goals.
Office Essentials: The Goal
Companies are in business because they sell products or provide services that customers either need or want. Simple. Nonprofit organizations offer programs to meet community needs.
When the goals are clear, workers know what’s expected of them.
Office environments exist to provide a number of functions that range from designing and producing the products or tracking the services that are provided.
An office supports the work through a layout that promotes an efficient flow of work with equipment ranging from workstations to modems and printers.
A key element in a successful corporate and home office design is that the environment is planned and designed to support the workers so they can readily complete their tasks.
Reaching the Goal: Mission and Vision
Companies with clear missions and a vision on moving forward have a subtle, but clear advantage over competitors. There’s a framework that guides decisions on everything from improving operations to engaging in new marketing opportunities.
Office morale also impacts business. Although it’s intangible, lack of morale is evident in employee listlessness or a resignation to doing a job. An office design can help boost the overall morale by providing a pleasant atmosphere with pleasing colors and comfortable fabrics.
People today seek community, and companies that offer a flexible community where talent is respected will operate with a higher degree of morale and productivity than those who see their employees as commodities.
Office planning and design lays the foundation for bringing workers together.
Supportive Environments
There’s not one specific type of corporate and home office setting that works best. People can adapt to their surroundings, but you’ll do well to draw from your brand and the image you give to customers. Develop a supportive environment based on design.
Design for Corporate and Home Office Spaces
The Office Inspirations page of the 2010 Office Furniture website offers a look at the style that fits different personalities.
Does a minimalist approach reflect your operations? If so, then check the Modern Industrial office. This works especially for companies that operate without much of a hierarchy.
Photo: Senator Group Pailo Workstation
Photo: SitOnIt Sona Chair
This is a look that Google has used in the office it opened in Pittsburgh, keeping a brick wall and elements that pay heritage to the industrial past of the area.
If your office is in or near an urban village setting like Old Town Pasadena or Westwood, then consider the Upbeat Contemporary office.
Photo: Allermuir Famiglia Chair
Colors and the styles of workstations have a psychological impact, even if it’s subtle. This sets the tone.
Think of it this way:
- How well does your equipment work?
- Is it newer or older?
- Do your chairs and workstations adequately flex to your workers’ shapes or do people have to adjust to the equipment?
- Is there plenty of natural light flowing through the area or is it relatively dark?
- Is there a soothing and pleasant color scheme throughout or are the walls an older basic color?
A home office can have minimal standards, too. Quality desking, ergonomic chairs and adequate lighting are the basics.
Establish a positive tone in both the corporate and home office to signal your care and concern for the team.
Use Quality, Ergonomic Equipment for Corporate and Home Office Spaces
Sitting at a desk isn’t a passive activity. Gravity normally exerts pressure on the neck and shoulders, but the muscles are further aggravated by leaning forward for long periods of time.
And pay attention to the chairs that your team needs. Sitting at awkward angles constricts circulation in addition to stressing the body.
Ergonomic chairs will support a person’s shape and natural movements to ease joint strains. Additionally, height adjustable desks keep a laptop and monitor at eye level to limit the amount of leaning forward. Remember the importance of good lighting to reduce the risk of eye strain.
Photo: Deskmakers Ascend Height Adjustable Desk
Essential Office Protections
Extend the atmosphere of well-being by installing simple protective screens. These can be partitions between desks and work stations that also offer privacy, like the Loftwell Split Space Divider or the Enwork Freestanding Screen.
Counter shields and desktop shields also offer protection so your team can work in the corporate office with confidence.
Photo: Loftwall Desk Shield and Split, Allermuir Famiglia
Get Expert Advice on Corporate and Home Office Spaces
Let the team at 2010 Office Furniture know about your office planning and furnishing needs. They have more than 50 years of combined experience helping Southern California’s most distinguished companies.
Contact them with a phone call or email.
Read Also: Repurpose Your Office Space for the Post-Covid Work World
Main Photo: Source International Fjord Multi-Use Chair
Resources & Special Thanks to Respective Product Manufacturers: Allermuir, Deskmakers, Loftwall, Senator Group, SitOnIt Seating& Source International