There are varied reasons for having to relocate your business; whether you’re expanding or downsizing, you have an opportunity to create something special that can function as an asset to your company for years to come. By transforming a blank canvas of empty space into an inspiring modern light office environment, you can unlock the full potential of your workforce and harness the achievable small gains that set successful businesses apart from the rest. We’ll discuss some helpful procedural steps, finding a suitable refit specialist, and some specific areas to focus on.
First Steps to Success
At the outset, it is important you have a firm idea of what you want to achieve and your available budget; as a next step, appoint a project manager to manage the project and liaise with both staff and the refit partner once you have chosen one. Conduct brainstorming sessions with your team to identify their needs and ideas; further briefings will keep them informed about how the project should progress. Use the internet as a research tool; searching for ‘office fit out Gloucester’ or something similar will give you a listing of local specialists, view their products and take notes of any you might use. This search may also identify a suitable refit specialist for your project; cross-referencing with consumer websites may also tell you how well their previous clients think of them.
Compiling A Design Brief
The next step after collecting a suitable amount of varied research is to sit down with your project manager and compile a final design brief for your refit specialist to work to; let’s now look at the some of the specific areas of the office –
- Office Layout – modern partitioning systems can effectively divide the floor space into specific areas; these flexible systems can maximise the available space and form suitable areas where staff can function properly.
- Lighting – good levels of natural light are linked to employee well-being; glass can allow the light to flow through the office.
- Furniture – modern, well-designed fixtures from chairs to full workstations can transform the effectiveness of the staff.
- Décor – subtle uplifting colours, artwork, and increased green planting can all add to the overall office environment, motivating staff and improving productivity.
- Infrastructure – upgrading your IT, effectively maintaining the heating and cooling, and improving office equipment can all provide important benefits to your business.
You should also focus on staff areas; kitchens and breakrooms should be designed to give your employees space to decompress and allow them to relax; they’ll then return to work and be more productive.
When you enter the design process with your chosen refit specialist, utilise their expertise and experience, take on board any advice and discuss any potential changes with your project manager. Use these consultations and involve your project manager in the final design sign off; they should be able to use a computer-aided design programme to give you a virtual idea of what the new office might look like.
By combining effectively with your installation specialist and following the steps we’ve mentioned, you’ll transform a bland, empty workspace into a contemporary office environment where staff are engaged and productive, and you’re proud to show to visiting friends and clients