Current Workplace Thinking & Booklet Design By Charlotte Coen

INSPIRATIONAL WORKSPACES & CURRENT WORKSPACE THINKING

CONTENTS

Workplace Design (p.3)

Workplace Design Trends (p.4)

Workplace Analytics (p.5)

Design Authenticity (p.6)

Millennial Generation (p.7-8)

1:1 Desk Allocation (p.9)

Wellbeing (p.10 11)

Importance of Colour (p.12)

Biophilia (p.13-17)

Neurodiversity (p.18-19)

Eco Friendly Design (p.20-21)

Flexible Workspaces (p.22)

Social Workspaces (p.23-24)

Inspiration Thinking (p.25)

Design Guidance (p.26)

Legal Governance (p.27)

Legal Guidance & References (p.28-29)

Design References (p.30)

Wagstaff Case Studies (p.31-45)

WORKPLACE DESIGN

Workplace design has become a huge part of office culture and an increasing focal point for employees. Appealing office designs are said to boost office morale as well as improving employee wellbeing. Happy employees make happy customers so they say which therefore can impact on revenue. Today’s professionals and organisation leaders have a lot to keep up with technological developments, economic changes, globalization and automation.

WORKPLACE DESIGN TRENDS

• Environments designed with physical and mental diversity in mind.

• Vegan, organic and recycled fabrics.

• Bold, clashing colour palettes.

• (Even) more work life integration.

• Workspaces with modular, moving parts.

• More outdoor settings.

• More to combat the Privacy Crisis.

• An increase in informal working environment.

• Resimercial Interior Design.

• The Hybrid.

• Agile Solutions.

• Culture is key.

• End of one size fits all.

• Wellness.

WORKPLACE ANALYTICS

Today’s designers are taking an increasingly sophisticated approach to workplace design, using sensors, internet-connected furniture and fixtures, and data analytics to study offices in real time. Advances in technology allow designers to take a more sophisticated approach, using sensors, internet-connected furniture and fixtures, and data analytics to study offices in real time.

An effective workplace design, is not one that optimises all areas to the same standard, but one that accommodates the whole range of space and personal preferences. Yet in this way, this shares a fundamental assumption with the designers of the past. A space either helps or hinders the organisation that uses it, and the designer’s challenge lies in finding out exactly which differences in a workspace will make a difference for the organisation.

DESIGN AUTHENTICTY

For the purposes of workplace design, authenticity goes beyond the dictionary definition of “real” or “genuine”. Rather, it signals a company’s commitment to its core ideals and a tangible manifestation of its brand, expressed in ways that resonate in the daily lives of employees and the organisation.

The office has become a symbol of why your company exists, how it works, and what it does. It stimulates more than just the visual sense with contemporary furniture or art, functionality has become the objective. As the workplace expands to include anywhere and our work related communications grow increasingly virtual, prominent design practices highlight a push toward a desire to feel the “realness” or authenticity of a place, an experience, and related interactions.

There is an increase in requests from clients for a balance of digital- and analog –inflected spaces so that various types of work and different types of interactions can be supported. This is especially true for clients who are pushing the boundaries of technology and reinventing the new normal in how we do business and engage in communications. The workplace must provide a range of experiences for users in a way that supports both in-person and virtual meetings, so that the office environment is fits with all the ways that we work.

MILLENNIAL GENERATION

The movement of a new generation of workers into the professional marketplace over the past few years has catalysed a shift in the way we work and the requirements of a modern workspace. Tradition is becoming less and less prevalent as millennials take over the workplace and bring with them an increased desire to learn, develop professionally, communicate on a more equal playing field and function more freely.

Millennials are different to generations before, both in the way they think and the way they approach work. While not everyone exactly matches the definition of Millennial, they do tend to be typically more technology competent, more progressive in their outlook, and have high expectations from their work. To them, work is not just a place you go, but an activity that you do.

Here are some of the ways you can design your office to cater for the next generation of workers:

• Open plan design

• Collaboration zones

• Quite zones

• Creative and fun breakout spaces

• Agile & inspirational

• The experience

MILLENNIAL GENERATION

A recent article in Mix Interiors magazine which showcased results from a survey of 2,000 UK office workers. It revealed that more than 30% of Britons are becoming increasingly bored with their existing office environment, with 28% reportedly saying that their workspace is ‘outdated and dull’.

Other significant stats demonstrated that:

• 21% of 18-24 year old's have rejected a potential employer on account of poor office design or lack of amenities.

• 16% of 18-24 year old's have actually left a job due to a poorly-design workspace.

• 34% of 18-24 year old's are willing to commute for up to an hour each way for an office that suits their requirements.

1:1 DESK ALLOCATION

The modern workplace is changing, with all signs pointing toward a future of remote workers and a level of flexibility never seen in traditional offices. In fact, 82% of working professionals say they expect their work schedule to include flexible hours and working remotely on scheduled days.

This new workforce will transform not only the atmosphere in work environments, but the physical workspaces themselves. With fewer employees coming into the office, some workers popping in and out throughout the week, and employers who are beginning to offer more flexible environments within the office, the modern workplace will transform accordingly. Here are some ways that the increasingly remote and mobile workplace will create entirely new standards for office design.

• Designated desks are no longer required

• Incorporating more breakout spaces and lounge areas

• Building smaller conference rooms

• Smaller offices smaller carbon footprint

WELLBEING

Workplace wellbeing covers both the physical and mental state of employees.

It’s centered on the idea that employers have the potential to influence how their staff feel about coming to work. This can be implemented by improving work processes and creating a culture of open dialogue with staff.

The layout and design of the workspace can also help to improve employee wellbeing.

There is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to wellbeing in the workplace.

While the specifics will differ from company to company, many businesses which implement wellbeing strategies see an improvement in the performance of their workplace.

WAYS TO IMPROVE WELLBEING

WORKING ENVIRONMENT - Give staff the opportunity to control their working environment by:

• Easily regulating the temperature in the workplace

• Choosing the way they want to work from a mixture of open and closed spaces

• Providing ergonomic office furniture

PHYSICAL HEALTH - Improving the physical wellbeing of staff can boost productivity and reduce staff absences. Businesses can do this by offering:

• Workspaces with plenty of natural light

• An onsite gym for staff

• Sit/stand desks

• A layout that encourages movement in the workplace

MENTAL HEALTH Employee’s mental wellbeing is equally important. Companies can focus on this by:

• Nature inspired design or elements

• Introducing plants and other biophilic design principles

• Offering areas for contemplation and relaxation

• Featuring more artwork in the workplace

TECHNOLOGY - The use of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in the workplace has allowed technology to bring people together rather than push them apart, including:

• Improved Wi Fi

• Productivity and health apps

• Biometric and environmental sensors in everything from desks to lightbulbs

• Wearable devices

• Augmented and virtual reality

IMPORTANCE OF COLOUR

A good use of colour in the workplace is an increasingly popular trend as helps to create a positive, vibrant atmosphere for employees. The days of the dark, rigorous and serious offices have moved on to the new concept of greater work happiness, helping individuals to be more creative and productive. Colour can be used in a bold way on walls or carpets, or in a more discrete way through the use of furniture and wall graphics.

Creating a productive and energetic environment is not the only benefit colour brings to the workplace, many successful company’s offices have been designed to incorporate their brand colours, increasing their company image, and client’s perception of the company.

BIOPHILIA

According to reports people spend over 90 percent of their time indoors. The great outdoors can make a positive difference in your attitude and mental state, but when you work in an office, it's not always easy to find time to step outside. That's why biophilic design, which blends nature into your personal indoor space, is becoming more popular among desk workers.

It is a well known and often cited fact that it is humanity’s inherent need to connect with nature and living organisms, with many workplaces now aiming to “bring the outside in” to improve employee wellbeing. This goes beyond just having a few plants around to make it feel more homely, it’s about using design to stimulate employees’ senses and create an environment that feels natural and open. Reports found that almost two thirds of office workers said they would appreciate their office more if it had more natural elements, such as plants, natural light and exposed wood.

BIOPHILIA

PLANTS

Studies have shown that in addition to their aesthetically pleasing nature, plants can reduce stress and anxiety and have air purifying capabilities. To help encourage a sense driven connection to nature even further, consider arranging your plants in a way that reflects how they are seen in the natural environment – i.e. positioning plants of varying heights and textures in a more sporadic order.

NATURAL LIGHTING

For those offices with limited space and natural light, skylights are another option worth considering. Exposed wooden ceiling joists are increasingly popular, with their earthy colour and texture subconsciously creating an association with the outdoors. They also offer a good home for hanging baskets, allowing plants with long leaves to dangle freely, and natural light to flow underneath.

BIOPHILIA

NATURAL MATERIALS

Wood is one of the most popular biophilic construction materials and through chairs, tables and room dividers, is an easy material to play with to create areas of privacy or breakout spaces in the office. Reclaimed wood has started to become a more popular choice thanks to its authentic and ‘rustic’ appearance. The fact that it’s recycled from its original purpose is also important from a sustainability perspective, which your staff should appreciate. Green wall dividers are another option guaranteed to inject life into a space wherever it’s needed.

FLOORING

The feeling of a surface under foot can be quite a powerful sensation. For example, the feeling of walking barefoot on grass or the sand between your toes on the beach is something that can last in the mind. Innovative designers are beginning to incorporate texture into floors, for example indoor grass, natural stone, moss or even elements from forest floors, to create a clear link to the outdoors.

WELL CONCEPT CONCEPT FEATURE

NEURODIVERSITY

Designing inclusive and accessible spaces for all. Neurodiversity is a relatively new term that many people may not yet know much about. However, learning more about neurodiversity and taking steps to better support it in workplaces can be hugely beneficial for employers and employees.

Many people find the modern workplace to be a challenging environment: the bustle and activity of open floorplates, while great for fostering collaboration, can be a great hindrance to those with autism and other neurological and mental health conditions.

These conditions can make it virtually impossible to work in a conventional office. It is the job of forward-thinking designers and occupiers to change the definition of inclusivity, broadening its scope while not affecting the vitality of interior designs.

NEURODIVERSITY

This heightened sensitivity to how different people see the world means that we must carefully consider how colours are used, particularly contrasting tones that affect some people’s concentration. This feeds into a project’s graphics and wayfinding strategy, and challenges us to think more creatively not just about colour but about how maps and symbols are used. Designers also have a responsibility to the individual and how they interact with spaces, often intensely social atmosphere is likely to be overwhelming for prospective recruits with anxiety or a neurological condition, meaning that working in a conventional workplace is not an option for them.

By providing an alternative way of experiencing the office, giving a choice of how to move around the building, and quiet zones where they could work in silence. The choice between open and closed spaces – and informed design decisions could unlock huge potential and make better spaces for everyone. This new understanding allows us to design spaces that promote good mental health while still being exciting spaces to use.

ECO FRIENDLY DESIGN

To go as green as possible, sustainability needs to be considered from the beginning and incorporated strategically. There many ways that a new refurbishment can enable a workplace to become more eco-friendly and move your work environment towards an eco conscious model with the added benefit of saving your company money.

In general terms you will want your office to use less energy, reduce the amount of unnecessary waste created, incorporate natural features into the design of an office and bring greenery into the space to provide a healthy environment for your employees to work in.

Depending on your fit out budget, there are all sorts of ways you can influence environmental performance, from added insulation to the inside of external walls, to designing the office layout to maximise solar gain and reduce dependency on artificial lighting.

ECO FRIENDLY DESIGN: VEGANISM

The workplace is often not vegan friendly, with 96% of employees having to sit on leather furniture at work instead of being provided with animal-free alternatives. A recent survey revealed 45% of vegan employees have felt discriminated by employers or treated unfairly due to their lifestyle. The rapid growth of the vegan food movement is starting to drive demand for vegan furniture, fashion and homeware. Forward thinking Designers are working to make cruelty-free products mainstream and say an industry wide shift is being led by consumers. so the next natural progression is people being aware of what's happening with fabrics.

Vegan Alternatives are environmentally friendlier and rely less heavily on our planets resources & produce less toxins and waste. There is a growing demand from consumers worldwide to put an end to animal testing, animal derived products and healthier alternatives to enhance our wellbeing. The socially conscious & health driven community is only growing stronger, urging more and more businesses to offer vegan alternatives. The vegan design movement is growing at an exponential rate and its time we as Designers to provide a better workplace to suit all.

FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES

Flexible office space is a flexible alternative to traditional office solutions, allowing companies the possibility of implementing versatile space solutions. Flexible workspace is also known as shared office space or flexispace. This type of office space is fitted with basic equipment, like phone lines, desks, and chairs, a setup that allows employees who normally work from home or telecommute to have a physical office for a few hours every week or every month.

Unlike in traditional offices, space allocation in flexible workspaces is not fixed, so business can maximise the benefits of cost and time efficient solutions, such as hot desking or mobile working. Whereas in traditional offices employees spend most of their working day at their fixed workstation, flexible workspace solutions allow staff to work from alternate locations and to only work from the office when necessary. In some cases, employees from different companies may share a flexible workspace.

SOCIAL WORKSPACES

Although the concept of a social space might initially seem counterproductive to efficiency and collaboration in the workplace, when done well, it is actually quite the opposite. A strategically designed workspace can help build relationships, encourage the circulation of ideas and opinions, create a more relaxed workforce and subsequently increase productivity levels.

Good social bonds foster better working relationships so a workforce who get along in a social capacity are naturally more likely to collaborate and communicate effectively during working hours. Of course, building better personal bonds between members of staff extends outside of the workplace with social events and team building activities but this can be significantly enhanced with the right office design too.

Soft seating and modular office furniture encourage a more flexible attitude towards movement around the workspace and feed into the ‘café culture’ style of work. Including this in your social space design will therefore encourage staff to communicate more naturally and interact as they would in a true social setting.

SOCIAL

Barriers of professional hierarchy are broken down

One of the biggest blockers of collaboration and communication in the workplace is the intimidation that comes with a professional hierarchy. When called into a formal meeting room or conference space, many staff in junior roles will avoid sharing their ideas or opinions in the presence of senior staff members.

The relaxed, casual atmosphere that comes with a well-designed social space will break these barriers down and facilitate communication on more equal ground. Some of the best ideas come from impromptu discussions away from the desk so creating this type of safe space is an effective way to boost collaboration and creativity.

INSPIRATION THINKING

Your office interior design can go a long way toward motivating your employees, increasing their productivity, and even inspiring greater creativity. The traditional office setting often doesn’t inspire occupants to become the best version of themselves. With a little more intentionality in workspace design and organisation, we can help bring inspiration to your employees, clients, and businesses.

• Open plan workstations and breakout pods helps promote collaboration, innovation, and teamwork.

• Private areas where employees can exchange sensitive information or escape the noise and distractions often found in an open design.

• Noise is a common issue in the workplace, but employees react differently to its presence (or lack thereof). Some employees find noise stimulating and silence distracting, while others need near-silence to be productive.

Main strategies for noise control.

Absorption: Includes acoustical ceiling tiles, fabrics, and carpet Blocking: Includes your furniture system, partitions, panels, screens, and walls Covering: Masking sounds

• Color theory is nothing new, but you may not realise how it affects employee performance. When you design an area for a particular purpose, using the proper color palette helps support that intention.

• Lighting also helps motivate employees and increase productivity. Ideally, you want lighting that reduces glare on computer screens to save eye fatigue. Also, implement controls that help you manage brightness levels.

• Ergonomics of a space is to consider the people using that space. In other words, design your office interior for the people working in it. Ergonomics boosts productivity by reducing risk of injury and the strain that leads to fatigue. For example, adjustable furniture, including sit-to-stand desks, chairs, keyboard trays, and task lights allows your employees to adjust their workstation in a way that best suits their needs.

DESIGN GUIDANCE

Best practice workplace design must embrace a combination of legal governance and performance guidelines. To achieve this designers, call upon a variety of sources.

Performance standards such as SKA rating, BREEAM and the new Wellbeing standard can also be considered and will be dependent upon the clients aims for the built environment and is often a balance between affordable investment and performance aspirations.

LEGAL GOVERNANCE

The health and safety at work act is the white paper law under which the European directives sit, which themselves reference issues such maximum headcount, principles of screen use, workstation set up, chair design, working patterns and eye tests.

British and European standards can be referred to in court if there are issues with products or working environments which include furniture dimensions, electrical products, strength and stability and ergonomics.

Building and fire regulations must be satisfied, again this is a legal requirement which covers lighting requirements, WC provisions, heat and cooling, ventilation, escape routes and widths.

LEGAL GUIDENCE & REFERENCES

STANDARDS (ALL PRODUCTS ARE DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS)

BS EN 1335 3:2009

Office furniture. Office work chair. Safety test methods

BS EN 1335 2:2009

Office furniture. Office work chair. Safety requirements for users weighing up to 110Kg and used for up to 8 hours a day

BS EN 1335 1:2000

Office furniture. Office work chair. Dimensions. Determination of dimensions

BS EN ISO 9241 5:1999

Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDT’s). Workstation layout & postural requirements

BS EN 16139:2013

General contract use Meeting room and cafeteria chairs structural testing

BS 5459 2:2000+A2:2008

Office furniture. Specification for performance requirements and tests. Office pedestal seating for users weighing up to 150 kg and used up to 24 hours a day.

BS 7176:2007+A1:2011

Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non domestic seating by testing composites

BS EN 527 1:2011

Office furniture desk and table dimensions

BS EN 527 2:2002

Office furniture desk and table mechanical safety requirements

BS EN 527 3:2003

Office furniture desk and table methods to test for the determination of strength and stability

BS EN 14073 2:2004

Office storage furniture general safety requirements

BS EN 14073 3:2004

Office storage furniture methods for the determination of stability and strength of structure

BS EN 14074:2004

Office furniture desk and tables and storage, test methods for the determination of strength and durability of moving parts

BS 4875 7:2006

Test Level 4 – Domestic and contract storage furniture performance requirements – shelves.

BS 4875 7:1998

Strength and stability of furniture. Methods for determination of strength and durability of storage furniture

BS 4875 8:1998

Strength and stability of furniture. Methods for determination of stability of non domestic storage furniture

BS EN 1023 1:1997

Office furniture, screens – dimensions

BS EN 1023 2:2000

Office furniture, screens mechanical safety requirements

BS EN 1023 3:2000

Office furniture, screens – test methods

DESIGN REFERENCES

• https://design milk.com/workplace

• https://www.designboom.com/tag/where people work/

• https://www.archdaily.com/tag/workplace-design

• https://www.dezeen.com/interiors/offices interiors/

• https://www.anchorpointinteriors.com/news/office design trends 2019/

• https://www.metropolismag.com/architecture/workplace-architecture/workplace-design-data/

• https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/fundamentals/relations/diversity/neurodiversity work

• https://vegandesign.org/blog/what is cruelty free vegan design

• https://www.officescapellp.co.uk/blog/office-design-for-millennials/

• https://www.houzz.com/photos/workplace interior design

• https://www.workspacedesign.co.uk/the effect of colour within the workplace/

• https://www.wallpaper.com/search?q=workplace

• https://www.proxyclick.com/blog/workplace trends 2019

INSPIRATIONAL WORKSPACES & CURRENT

THINKING

THANK YOU