Office design moves outdoors

October 31, 2021 0 Comments

Today, many successful companies relocate their offices not only due to company growth, but also to create a more efficient and enjoyable workspace for their employees. The basic idea is that if you are going to spend a great deal of time and money setting up these new offices, why not turn them into workspaces that really empower your staff. If you are a business owner or office manager and you are thinking along these lines, then you are already on your way to a successful office relocation and a bright future for your business. I just have one more idea to add to your modern outdoor thinking space.

If the new commercial space you rented comes with a little green space, why not dress it up a bit? In warmer months, this space can be enjoyed by both customers and employees, boosting morale and fostering new ideas. Companies that thrive on creative thinking often have contemplative points that stimulate employees’ eureka moments, but even if your company is not in a creative field, you can simply benefit from happier employees who do their jobs with more enthusiasm.

You may also want to consider an outdoor space or patio for practical reasons. Most businesses have employees who smoke. Instead of smokers congregating in the front of your business or near some type of entrance, you can create a designated private outdoor space that is out of the public eye.

Whatever the intended use of your outdoor space, you’ll want to make sure it’s designed for its function; otherwise it will not be worth the effort. If your space is intended to be a gathering place for outdoor gatherings or lunches, make sure there are enough seating, tables, and receptacles for trash and recycling. If this space is intended to be a smoking area, some seating will likely be required, as well as many ashtrays. Regardless of the function of the space, you will need to ensure that it meets all the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for fire codes. This means including ramps, seats, and other entry points that are wheelchair accessible, as well as designating clear emergency exit routes.

Once the functionality is in order, you can dress up the place by planting a small garden, installing a statue or fountain, or accenting the patio with decorative tiles. Regardless of how you want to decorate your outdoor space, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. Employees will already appreciate this extra space, so even planting just a flowerbed or two will suffice on a smaller budget.

The take away from all this is that office design is not simply about interiors. The design of the office should affect the entire lot that you rent or own. After all, if you are paying for all that space, you must use every square foot to the benefit of your clients and staff. For a few extra bucks, those added benefits are definitely worth it!

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