Friday, November 21, 2008

Identify Existing Issues before Redesigning Offices

By Stephen James

Focusing on office design and building maintenance are imperative aspects to going about doing business that many corporation owners ignore. The design of office interiors can have a deep effect on the disposition and efficiency of staff members and upper management. Providing a well-maintained office is important in reference to health and safety concerns. Through the use of proper design and upkeep, offices are able to benefit from some kind of control over the gladness, welfare, and productivity of not only their staff members, but themselves also.

It would appear to be evident that the better off and in good health a person is, the more creative that person will be. Even if company owners may appreciate this notion, they quite often disregard the consequences that office design can have on their workers. Time and again, building maintenance is disregarded, resulting in terrible air quality or unsafe areas within the workplace. Moreover, the erroneous colors, equipment setup, or noise level can depressingly impact the temperment and fortitude of those working within such conditions.

One fantastic way to begin improving office design is to think about the total amount of disorder that is presently in the office. Office interiors that allow little room for movement can create feelings of being "closed in" or claustrophobia. Most home offices wind up set up in this way, with extra office equipment or various stuff using up most of the available room. By opening the room up and producing space, many individuals will feel a sense of freedom. What must be realized is that these sensations can turn into a more optimistic mood, more contact with others, and more teamwork.

Planting plants and flowers can have a positive effect on the individuals working in an office environment. Office interiors filled with nature can have a calming effect. When an office is experienced as too sterile, individuals can again feel closed in, which might result in a more confrontational office space. Try utilizing windows that expose green lawns or garden areas. An additional helpful manner to perk up office design is to pay attention to the noise level. If office equipment or nearby traffic are too deafening, the sound can have a depressing impact on those working. Try adding extra carpet, blinds, or office dividing walls to aid with any extra noise.

An office design alteration may be required when the office interiors are comprised of design plans and furniture from two to three decades ago. Numerous older office spaces are made gloomy with dark colored furniture, rugs and drapes. By reorganizing the office with more vivid colors and extra open spaces, the work atmosphere can be altered from a routine experience to one that aids to bring a cheerful and calm feeling to each person who enters the reorganized space.

Building maintenance should be looked at when creating any office design changes. Maintenance is required to keep all aspects of the place of business in good working condition. Normal office cleanings maintain the office free from grime and dirt. Things such as the roof must be upheld in order to prevent water leaks, which will just result in more costs to the business when the inside of the place of business endures water damage.

One facet of building maintenance that is usually overlooked is the air quality. Any office design plan needs to include the proper total of trash cans to collect waste the right way. Refrigerators need to be in any kitchen region to keep food from going bad. All trash needs to be set out in a punctual manner. Plants and flowers should be kept watered and cared for. Furniture should be kept away from any vents and be sure to maintain all air conditioning and heating systems.

Even if all businesses have detailed actions that must be acted on during the course of each work day in order to be prolific, never underestimate the power that the right office design and building maintenance can have on the individuals in charge of completing each duty. Whether existing in a home office or a huge corporate building, office interiors are a key part to building the environment that best helps bring in the revenue everybody is concerned with. - 15246

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