The last issue of YourSpace discussed the need for Acoustical Privacy in the workplace. However, studies have shown that the correct use of lighting can have a positive impact on morale and increase productivity 10-50% and decrease errors by 30-60%.
The indoor office environment has changed considerably over the years. Flexible workstations and computer equipment have presented new challenges to designers. However, improved lighting can accomplish the following when worked into the design of the workspace:
- Reduced health issues caused by eye strain (headaches, nausea, etc.)
- More accuracy and better concentration
- Enhanced morale when working in a well lit and cheerful environment.
When designing a new workspace or renovating current space, your design professional can offer solutions to the many different lighting needs in your office. Here are some options and ideas for you to consider:
Daylight – Whenever possible make full use of daylight. Using daylight improves morale and it is free. Consider installing skylights, adding more windows or creating a natural light corridor that can be shared by all.
Local Light – Use local lighting for specific tasks or tasks that change throughout the day. For instance lights on stands or with arms can light an area where light is needed and can be redirected or turned off when not in use.
Paint - Painting your ceilings and walls in a lighter color allows more reflection than darker colors. And lighter colors are easier to keep clean.
Remember an office is not only the place you and your associates work, it is the place were most of us spend over a third of our day. Be sure that the lighting you choose for your newly designed space not only helps your associates work and feel better but also makes it a comfortable place to spend their day.
For more information contact leighann.turner@mvg.com
For many, a private office signals success. It is seen as premium real estate in the hierarchy of the typical office environment. Many aspire to call this private enclave their professional “home” because it symbolizes their ascendance through the ranks.
For others, the flexibility of open plans best supports the need to remain fluid. Their view is that creativity is hindered when confined by static walls. Collaboration and teamwork is fostered when allowed to grow in a physically open environment.
And what of the cost implications? While open plan is typically cheaper both now and in the future, is that the best environment to support your mission? Or are your employees – and their productivity – better served by affording them four walls and a door?
The “right” answer depends on a number of factors. Understanding who you are today as an organization - and who you want to be in the future - is a great place to start when working to determine how best to structure the work you are doing. To support this, consider the following research.
In his 2001 pamphlet, "Disproving Widespread Myths about Workplace Design," Michael Brill illustrates a simple process to describe a "business-based analysis and design process".
Brill maintains that an organization should clearly define its Objectives, determine the Success Factors needed to meet the objectives, define the Behaviors that will support success, and finally identify what Design Qualities of the work environment will foster the desired behaviors.
He advocates the importance of acoustical and visual privacy. He cites data collected from thousands of workers from many different industries when ranking the “ability to do distraction-free solo work” and “support for meetings and undistracted group work” as important to job satisfaction and performance.
Don’t throw away your open plan partitions just yet! Consider work completed by another researcher, Frank Becker.
Becker finds that open, group interaction is more valuable than private work. The ability to exchange ideas and collect input easily has a profound and positive impact on performance. In his paper, "Offices That Work," Becker says, in part, that the primary function of today’s office is to bring people together. Socialization is a key factor. He believes that few job functions today require deep, individual concentration or physical separation from others.
So we come back to the original question…which is best, open plan or closed offices? This will depend on your corporate culture.
Does your current or desired culture place a premium on teamwork, consensus and participation? Does it employ formal rules and hierarchy with strict procedures to guide it? Does it promote risk taking and individual initiative? Is there a predominant sense of being goal-oriented where fierce competition and winning is most important?
The real answer as to which environment is best for your company should come after careful reflection of the company’s culture. The business intents, goals and objectives should be the driving forces of their work place strategies. The office environment should be a tool – a means – to achieve its goals and objectives. And it should reflect the company’s personality.
Win a $25 Gift card to Graeters, yummmm! Brighten
your (and a few of your best friends) winter compliments of the
Miller-Valentine Group Design & Renovation folks at MVG.
It’s easy to do, click here to register to win a gift card from Graeter's.
Miller-Valentine Design and Renovation offers services in interior
design, space planning, and construction - including recommendations
for everything from what color pallet to use and where to hang
artwork - as well as wiring, plumbing and all facets of construction.
Show Me the Light 
