No matter if your Office is in Camden, Chelsea or Clerkenwell, fitting out or refurbishing a London office is not something any business does lightly. If you think about the expense, the upheaval, the disruption and the lost productivity, there needs to be a pretty good reason to go to the trouble.
Whether it’s to upgrade the company image with the help of new décor and facilities, to make more efficient use of the space or to accommodate more staff, once you’ve made the decision to refurbish, it’s time to get on with it. Here are some useful tips to get the most out of your office refurbishment.
- Plan beyond today’s needs
An interior design overhaul is the perfect opportunity to upgrade the physical environment of your office premises. Now is your chance to take full advantage of contemporary fashion trends and materials, incorporate sustainable building technologies and powerful IT capabilities and make use of innovative workplace practices to create the best possible environment for your business to succeed today and in the years to come.
- Manage the process professionally
Run your office refurbishment like you would any other project, with a designated project manager and an agreed budget. Set a realistic timetable that starts with staff consultation and ends with an updated office handbook to explain the changes. For large projects, or high-end refurbishments where the end result simply must wow, it pays to hire professional design and fit-out specialists to take on the entire job. These companies can often provide a complete solution – from space planning and design to installation and even training.
- Let there be light
Natural light is a highly prized commodity in offices spaces everywhere – maximise it wherever possible! High levels of natural daylight in the workplace are associated with improved happiness, higher brain activity and better productivity, with fewer headaches, eye fatigue and other health complaints being reported, compared to offices that rely mostly on artificial lighting. For interior lighting, consider installing LED lights as a healthier and more economical solution.
- Make effective use of space
London office rents being what they are, it’s crucial that your office space is utilised to its full potential to deliver maximum value. Rather than making do with an inherited or accidental office layout, now is the time to rethink and reconfigure it to your best advantage. Consider whether your business would work better with quiet, traditional workspaces or ask your office designer to investigate open plan designs and bench desking to create a more dynamic, interactive environment.
- Incorporate casual break-out areas
Breakout spaces in the office provide a much needed getaway from the desk. It’s a place to have informal meetings with colleagues or clients, take a lunch break away from the computer, or just somewhere to have a quick chat. It’s surprising how re-energising a short break can be, refreshing our mental capabilities and leading to higher productivity.
- Invest in good quality furniture
Buying budget chairs and desks is a false economy. The majority of office workers spend around 40 hours a week at the office, most of that time sat down in front of a computer screen. Good quality furniture has been shown to stimulate productivity and reduce staff absence levels, while unsupportive furniture can cause physical discomfort and a long list of long-term health problems. Ask your office interiors specialist about ergonomic office furniture and read about its benefits here.
- Reinforce your company brand
Refurbishing your company premises offers the ideal opportunity to outwardly align your corporate values, marketing messages and business branding. First impressions count – and that applies to your clients as well as your staff. To live and breathe your business philosophy, use your corporate colour scheme in office furniture and interior decorations, incorporating your logo, nameplate or company motto if you wish.
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