Many of us have had a weird relationship with office working over the past two years. We’ve gone from the traditional office to a virtual, home-based working environment and back again. And with the future of work still uncertain, it’s time for businesses to start thinking ahead and preparing their offices for 2023.
From retail stores to marketing agencies to factories and engineering firms, there are a few essential office elements that are needed to navigate the new world of work. Here are three key considerations if you’re reviewing your office set-up this year.
Keeping Your Office Safe
High on the list of priorities for office managers and company directors is office safety which covers everything from PAT testing electrical equipment to ensuring safe working practices and social distancing. We all had to quickly adapt to the new realities of office life in 2021, and many of us are still getting used to this.
With heightened awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace, it’s wise to invest in high-quality office furniture that meets industry safety standards. This should include comfortable chairs, adjustable desks and ergonomic accessories such as laptop stands and wrist support pads.
Lighting is also a key factor in keeping offices safe and comfortable. Natural light is ideal for employee well-being but should be supplemented with high-quality artificial lighting if necessary.
Making the Most of Your Office Space
Whether you’re in a small office or a large warehouse, making the most of your space can help to improve productivity and morale. Investing in modular furniture is a great way to make your office space more flexible, allowing you to quickly adapt to changing needs.
Creating separate zones for different tasks is also recommended – this could include a meeting area, individual workspaces and areas for collaborative working. It’s important that employees feel comfortable in their environment and can move around easily to meet their specific needs.
Finally, make sure you’ve got plenty of storage options. It can be easy to run out of space in a small office, so having the right filing and storage solutions will ensure everything is kept tidy and organised. It will also prevent slips and trips, which are the leading cause of workplace injuries!
Flexible Working Practices
The past two years have taught us that being flexible with working practices and hours can make a huge difference to our productivity levels. Giving employees the freedom to work remotely, whether occasionally or permanently, is becoming increasingly popular among businesses of all sizes.
It’s also important to make sure that even when in the office, employees feel supported and have access to the resources they need. This could include providing laptops for remote working, investing in cloud-based software and offering training courses where necessary.
By preparing your office for 2023 now, you can ensure that it’s a safe and productive space for your employees. With a combination of the right furniture, flexible working practices and modern technology, you can create an office environment that meets both your business needs and those of your team.
