by Kelly Williams
MIT concluded that “the most successful organization is an agile organization that can form teams quickly to address changes in business conditions.” Today’s workplace culture prefers collaboration and networking to the closed off cubicle. Sensitivity to consistent company image has also led many businesses to desire a branded workplace and in turn has also lead to a higher demand for the “look” of a collaborative office. In many companies today it is a competitive struggle to hire the right people as everyone is looking so what you have to offer and the package it is housed in are important factors to consider as well.
Collaborative office environments are used for a variety of functions:
- Brainstorming
- Training and Teaching
- Competitive energy
- Focus Project Teams
- Seminars & Webinars
- Creativity stimulus
With the objectives of increasing profitability, improving company image, attracting new essential employees, and encouraging productive teamwork, here is an outline for those pondering a collaborative office space.
Support: The first key to successful collaboration is to select new or used office furniture that urges cooperation and support within the company to create a better oiled machine. Ask and find out what appeals to the majority of your staff and keep them happy.
Comfort: Nothing is worse than feeling completely uncomfortable during your work day. The better you feel in your chair, the better chances the quality of your work, focus and energy level will increase.
Get more space out of your space: If you have a pressing need to curb office real-estate, a “benching system” offers inarguable business advantages, including 22-26% real-estate savings (Steelcase). If you need to consolidate while staying conscious of increased sound, low walled cubicles with sound absorbent side paneling are a good way to keep employees happy. Desks that allow for monitor arms are a way to allow for greater surface area efficiency.
The way we communicate: It is important to note that communication and the ways we use technology have an effect on how and why we design the space. Smaller “Touch-down” stations are a great way to support the technology dependant satellite employee. Conference tables with video or telephone conferencing are a must-have for other companies and a bullpen workstation layout allows for greater communication for teams within the office.
In a collaborative workplace there are many factors to consider when it comes down to the selection of furniture and its application. Space planning by a professional is usually always a good idea; measure twice, cut once! Executed correctly, effective collaboration can lead to increased profits for your business, and a better perspective on future growth.
Thank you for taking the time to review this article. I look forward to your feedback and to hear any experiences you have had in a collaborative work space.
Kelly Williams, a Designer and Project Manager at Office Furniture Solutions, based in Temecula, California, and can be reached at 951-296-5566 or kelly@tradein.com“>kelly@tradein.com.