Common Mistakes In Office Planning & How To Avoid Them

Office planning consists of a lot more than just interior decorating. Poor office planning can directly influence company culture, hinder productivity, and even increase employee dissatisfaction. Obviously, these are things that any organization wishes to avoid. But what exactly should you be looking out for when you’re putting together your office design? If you’re looking to get it right the first time, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common mistakes in office planning and how to avoid them.

Imbalance Of Private Spaces & Open Areas

Employees need to feel comfortable at work. Part of this is ensuring they have enough space so they don’t feel suffocated throughout the workday. A space that’s too constricting can leave team members feeling like they aren’t able to relax and that there’s too much going on around them. This might involve choosing the wrong cubicles (for example, a U-shaped workstation should be designed to offer ample space instead of blocking workers in), packing workers too close to each other, and trying to place too much furniture in a space that doesn’t need it.

At the same time, office managers encounter another unique struggle: giving team members space, but not too much. Many office managers will see open floor plans, make the mistake of leaning too heavily into these, and create wide open spaces that end up being detrimental to productivity. After all, having too much space and being able to see other team members who also lack essential privacy can be rather distracting. Striking the perfect balance is essential if you want an office design that produces benefits for the employees in your organization.

Making Poor Lighting Choices 

Lighting is everything in office design, especially in spaces where team members are going to be spending their time for eight hours or more several days per week. If the light is too dim, they’re going to strain their eyes trying to take care of paperwork or read essential documents. If the lighting is too bright, they’re going to be constantly squinting trying to make things out. You should also consider whether or not the lighting is suitable for working on screens. Differences between computer lighting and environmental lighting can take a toll on employee health. Problematic lighting can cause eye strain, drowsiness, pain, and more. Researching proper lighting should be a major focus in overall office space planning.

Under-Prioritizing Quality Break Rooms

Employees need a place where they can take their breaks, collect and compose themselves, and reenergize before they jump back into their work. The problem? There are office planners who might overlook break rooms or even consider them non-essential in comparison to the rest of the office environment. Quality break rooms motivate employees, create a positive company culture that shows the organization cares for employee wellness, and give employees the space they need to properly decompress. Always emphasize break rooms in your planning!

Don’t Make These Mistakes! Start With Cubicle By Design

So, how exactly do you avoid these mistakes? Taking the time to properly research office planning strategies, work with design experts, and source the right furniture can make a difference in the final result. The last part can be especially important. Here at Cubicle By Design, we offer a wide range of high-quality cubicles and office furniture at affordable prices. No matter what your ideal office or cubicle set up looks like, we prioritize your needs with customizable options, ample choices for multiple office types, and full support throughout the process. Reach out to us today to request a quote or ask any questions you have before you get started.