Maximising Workspace Efficiency

MAXIMISING WORKSPACE EFFICIENCY The way people work is a continually evolving process. With overheads and a range of wider economic factors to consider, it's important for businesses and organisations to make the most efficient and productive use of their available space. ACCORDING TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE: "Workrooms should have enough free space to allow people to get to and from workstations and to move within the room, with ease." "The total volume of the room, when empty, divided by the number of people normally working in it should be at least 11 cubic metres." "More space may be needed depending on the contents and layout of the room, and the nature of the work." Make use of common areas • Communal areas can be used as informal meeting spaces. • Moving away from individual desks or offices can encourage collaboration and creativity. Use less paper • Technology enables many businesses to store, access and share documents electronically. • A paperless office reduces the space needed for filing and storage, whilst also being kinder to the environment. De-clutter • Removing unused equipment and introducing a clear desk policy frees up valuable space and can help staff be more productive. • An uncluttered working environment helps staff to focus on their jobs and projects a professional image to clients or visitors. Use Appropriate Lighting • Allow natural light in where possible. Research suggests it improves satisfaction and productivity levels. • Overhead lighting reduces shadows, making the space feel larger. Invest in clever storage • Tailored storage and shelving lets you get the most out of the space available and is designed to meet the specific needs of your business. > Mobile shelving is a great example of a highly space efficient archiving solution. Think about furniture • Careful planning of the layout of furniture in your space enables you to eliminate dead areas. Assess what staff really need; reducing clutter and waste may enable smaller desks to be used without impacting productivity. Use partitioning to create different areas • Partitioning provides more private areas for meetings or quiet work. • Glass office partitions don't block light and help to give a feeling of space. Consider hot desking Hot desking reduces the number of empty desks taking up space that could be used more efficiently. • Staff who are frequently out of the office visiting clients may find hot desking enables them to use their time more effectively. Expand vertically • Don't just think about the available floor space if your business needs more room; many organisations take full advantage of available space by installing a mezzanine floor. • Mezzanines can give you extra office or storage space without the expense or upheaval of moving premises. Don't forget to take a break! • A well designed and stimulating break room helps to keep employees happy and motivated. • Clever use of furniture means your break room doesn't need to be huge to be enjoyed. • Taking a few short breaks can help staff stay productive through the day, and facilitates creativity. AVANTA Workspace Creation