The open space or open office concept is increasingly establishing itself as an ideal solution for boosting communication and collaboration within teams.
Open workspace design derives its main utility from economic profitability, according to Pamela Marceau-Houle in her 2015 dissertation at the Université du Québec à Montréal1 . Indeed, open space stimulates communication, fosters team spirit and enables optimal space management.
The layout of open-plan offices requires special attention to reconcile the stimulation of communication with optimal employee comfort (noise, privacy, rest areas...). From the importance of commercial office furniture to the need to integrate rest areas, every detail counts.
So get ready to embark on a journey where the profitability of your space and the comfort of your employees are at the heart of our concerns!
Some ideas for a successful open space layout
1. Add discreet, efficient storage
To maximize the use of space, it's best to arrange desks andoptimize circulation. Well thought-out storage contributes to efficient use of space.
In addition to maximizing space, storage helps keep the office neat and tidy. A clutter-free workspace promotes concentration and productivity. Documents, office supplies and tools can be neatly stored in cupboards, filing cabinets or drawers, making them easy to find when needed.
Storage also contributes to a professional look. When supplies are well-organized, the office looks neater and more welcoming to customers and visitors. This reinforces the company's image of seriousness and professionalism.
2. The right office furniture for an open space
The choice of office furniture has a direct impact on employee comfort. Opting for ergonomic office chairs and acoustic furniture can help reduce ambient noise and improve well-being at work.
In a context where employees are paying increasing attention to their well-being, adapted and flexible office furniture is becoming an essential criterion of choice. Companies that invest in ergonomic and acoustic furniture solutions demonstrate their commitment to employee health and comfort. This can also help to attract and retain talent, as employees are increasingly sensitive to these details when seeking an optimal working environment.
The design of these professional offices with the installation of an acoustic partition between offices, or the use of other soundproofing methods, will be greatly appreciated by teams. In fact, the design of a professional office should not mean a lack of privacy for your employees.
3. Integrating rest and relaxation areas
In an open office environment, rest and relaxation zones play an essential role in employee well-being and productivity. They provide a dedicated space where employees can recharge their batteries and relax, away from their workstations. These spaces allow employees to take a break, disconnect mentally and recharge their batteries.
Relaxation zones also encourage informal interaction between colleagues. They create an environment conducive to exchange, discussion and conviviality. These social interactions strengthen bonds between team members, promote collaboration and contribute to a positive working atmosphere.
Elements such as comfortable sofas, relaxing armchairs, coffee tables and even board games can be integrated into relaxation zones. This creates a welcoming and relaxing environment . Some areas can also be set out in the open air, offering contact with nature and a refreshing break when needed.
By offering rest and relaxation areas in an open space, companies contribute to a better quality of working life and greater employee satisfaction.
4. The importance of lighting in open spaces
Good lighting plays a crucial role in creating an optimal working environment. It affects both the visual comfort of employees and their general well-being. Well-placed light sources contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, a comfortable office and increased productivity.
When planning your office, consider different lighting design ideas:
- Natural lighting: maximize the use of natural light by positioning workstations close to windows. This helps reduce eyestrain and creates a livelier, more dynamic atmosphere.
- Indirect lighting: use fixtures that diffuse light indirectly, directing it towards walls or ceilings. This creates a soft atmosphere and avoids glare.
- Zoned lighting: divide your workspace into different zones and use specific fixtures for each. For example, individual desk lamps for workstations and pendant luminaires for collaboration areas.
- Adjustable lighting: opt for luminaires with light intensity settings or dimmers.
- Decorative lighting: integrate decorative fixtures to add an aesthetic touch to your office, such as designer pendant lights, floor lamps or wall sconces.
- Highlight lighting: use spotlights or spotlights to highlight certain architectural or decorative elements in your office, such as pictures, plants or specific areas.
- Intelligent lighting: explore intelligent lighting options that allow you to control and program lighting according to needs and preferences. This can include motion sensors, automated lighting management systems and voice commands.
5. Be an innovative company with creative spaces
Set up spaces dedicated to creativity, equipped with whiteboards, bulletin boards and art materials. Encourage brainstorming sessions and creative activities to stimulate innovation. Opt for flexible furniture that can be easily configured to foster collaboration.
Provide inspiring spaces where employees can retreat to reflect and find inspiration. Incorporate playful elements such as games, puzzles or stimulating objects to encourage creativity. Create a welcoming atmosphere with bright colors, wall art and plants to stimulate the senses and imagination. Make available creative resources such as books, magazines or craft materials.
You can also encourage informal exchanges of ideas in creative workshops to stimulate collective creativity and strengthen team spirit.
If you're not comfortable with this, or simply don't have the time, call in lower-level architects who specialize in open-plan office layouts.
The open space concept in a nutshell
- The open office is an innovation in office design and aims to stimulate communication and collaboration by eliminating partitioned offices. Advantageous in many respects, open-plan offices still face a number of challenges, such as noise pollution and ergonomics.
- To optimize your project, judicious planning of office layouts, circulation zones and storage solutions is essential. Don't forget that office design can influence the efficiency of your meetings and other activities.
- The choice of office furniture, including tables, is crucial to employee comfort. Choose ergonomic furniture for a practical space. For a pleasant space, minimalist decoration or neutral colors can be a wise choice.
- Incorporating rest and relaxation areas is crucial. These zones allow employees to recharge their batteries, away from their workspace. A coffee table, a few comfortable armchairs and soothing colors can do wonders to create an attractive relaxation corner.
- Lighting plays a major role in the atmosphere of an open space. Well-placed light sources contribute to a warm atmosphere and a comfortable working environment. So don't overlook the cost of good lighting for an office layout.
Frequently asked questions
What is an open office?
Open space, or open workspace, is an approach to office design that originated in Germany in the 1950s and was widely followed in the United States in the years that followed. Under the impetus of two brothers, Eberhard and Wolfang Schnelle, they imagined a new, open-plan work organization with ergonomic, unobtrusive furniture and plants.
Why is it important to integrate green plants into an open space?
Green plants create a soothing atmosphere and stimulate productivity and creativity at work.
How can we reconcile communication and employee comfort?
By creating a balance between collaborative and individual spaces, and by using ergonomic furniture such as storage units.
How can I maintain confidentiality in an open space?
By integrating removable partitions or closed meeting rooms (also known as phone boxes) to keep out surrounding noise, and by using acoustic panels.
How can I optimize lighting in an open space?
By maximizing the use of natural light, using adjustable LED lights and adapting lighting to each space.
- Le cas des open dans le contextes des mutations contemporaines du travail, Paméla Marceau-Houle, March 2015.