The Importance of Proper Office Space Planning

The Importance of PROPER OFFICE SPACE PLANNING To get work done, a functional, flexible, and efficient office space is of paramount importance FUNCTIONALITY EVALUATE WHAT EQUIPMENT AND FURNITURE YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES USE Computers Telephones Filing and Storage Seating Desks and Tables Systems Furniture MAKE EQUIPMENT EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE Desks should Desks should be close to comfortably fit all necessary tools File cabinets should be in a communal space electrical outlets and internet ports PRODUCTIVITY Proper office space planning can make you and your employees more productive 3-FOOT RULE LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Allow 3 feet between walking and sitting areas Group quiet work areas away from noisier places Walkways should be at least 3 feet wide Place break areas away from desks Provide 3 feet between coworkers at Use dividers to separate workers who are often on the phone conference tables FURNITURE AND ERGONOMICS If you and your employees are comfortable, you will work better CHAIRS Task chairs may be suitable for most employees Choose seating with adjustable options for better ergonomics Chairs should adjust in seat height, arm height, and seat angle STORAGE Communal file cabinets may be sufficient for your office Executive employees may need their own storage systems Consider locking cabinets for confidential files DESKS Give you and your employees enough room for work Computer-based workers can use smaller desks Workers with more paper documents may need larger work areas TRANSPARENCY The right layout can help create a transparent work environment $$; ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE COST Keep ease of communication in mind when planning Actively creating a more effective workplace shows employees that company funds are spent well Ensure that managers of all levels are accessible CHARACTER TRUST A well-designed office layout sends a message to visiting clients about the character and quality of the personnel and the products or services being offered An open office layout encourages trust that your business isn't hiding anything and is working cooperatively towards the desired goals PROVIDED BY: D2NYC.COM wWW.D20FFICEFURNITUREANDDESIGNNYC.COM Sources: humanresources.about.com/od/strategieplanning1/qt/space_plan_b7.htm www.thesquarefoot.com/leasopedia/office-space-layout-planning-tips web.ku.edu/-itech/planning/basics.html www.reliableplant.com/Read/23472/Seven-steps-transparent-organization %24