The way that businesses design their offices has changed a lot over the last few decades. In the past, it was all about cubicles because it was believed that they helped people to focus and shut out distractions. Eventually, it was suggested that the cubicle layout stifled teamwork and creative collaboration, so businesses started moving towards an open plan office that made it easy for everybody to collaborate.
But now, studies show that neither layout is quite right because people work in different ways. Open plan layouts are great for encouraging collaboration and that’s great, but sometimes, quiet areas that are free from distraction are needed as well. That’s why the hybrid office design is becoming so popular. This style combines the open plan and cubicle layouts to create an adaptable space where everybody can be productive. Here’s how to design your own hybrid office.
Team Collaboration Areas
In a hybrid office, the central areas should be a collaborative space where people can easily work together on projects. It’s important to get a few desks and computers here so people have a structured workspace that still allows for team working. However, you should also create some smaller pockets where you can have a relaxed team working space for casual meetings and brainstorming sessions. It’s vital that your team collaboration areas are bright and airy, so consider installing larger windows and Aluminium framed entry doors that let in plenty of sunlight. If the space feels too dark and cramped, you lose that open, productive feel. When designing the open plan areas of the office, you need to make sure that they are flexible and they can be adapted to your employee’s needs.
Multi-Functional Meeting Areas
As well as an open plan space, you need areas where teams can work together but still have some level of privacy and freedom from distractions. Multi-functional meeting areas are perfect for this. Create some large meeting rooms with visual equipment so they can be used for focused team working, presentations, and meetings. It’s best to use glass walls in these rooms so they do not feel completely disconnected from the open plan areas, but provide blinds in case teams do want to shut out distractions.
Individual Working Areas
The lack of individual working areas is the biggest problem in fully open plan offices because some people need to shut themselves off from distractions before they can focus on their tasks. That’s why it’s important to create some smaller rooms where you can have a few desks set up in a cubicle style.
Relaxation Areas
Your employees need a space where they can get away from their desk and relax during their breaks. Creating an effective break room that is completely separate from working areas is so important. If your break areas are integrated into an open plan space, people do not feel as though they are getting a proper break from the working environment, which makes it harder for them to recharge their batteries and return in a productive mindset.
If you can get all of these elements right, you will have the perfect hybrid office space and every single one of your employees will be more productive.
