Are You Missing These Key Office Design Ideas?
- UCL
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
You’ve got the desks, the chairs, the reception setup, and all the power cables an office could need, but are you overlooking key office design ideas that could transform your workplace?
An office is more than just a collection of equipment and your employees deserve a workplace that allows them to focus, socialise, and enjoy their working day. So, let’s take a look at how to optimise the important areas around (and outside) your office to maximise the design potential of your space and boost employee satisfaction and performance.
Meeting Rooms
Current issues:
Cramped seating that can’t comfortably accommodate the entire team
Constant technical difficulties
No remote or hybrid innovations
What could be:
A modern, well-equipped space that is suitable for all online and in-person meetings. The most important design element to prioritise is flexibility, as the space must be quickly and easily configured to suit the meeting taking place, and connectivity to avoid any frustrating technical issues.
So, whether your employees are hoping on a quick one-on-one call with a potential client, or you’re hosting an all-day board meeting, everyone will need to be able to access the webcams, microphones, sound speakers, and presentation screens that they need to stay connected.
It is also important to soundproof the space to protect the confidentiality of the meetings taking place, and also to prevent the noise from disrupting those working at nearby desks or holding their own meetings in neighbouring conference rooms.
Coworking Spaces
Current issues:
Noisy spaces that are hard to focus in
Not enough desks, tables, or seats
Constant distractions, interruptions, and violations of privacy
What could be:
A collaborative space that functions as a meeting room, a coworking hub, and a space for employees to work together and share ideas. The traditional office layout can feel isolating to some and does not incentivise collaboration, whereas coworking spaces give employees the option to work independently or together.
It should invite those who want to use the space, but not pressure those who feel most comfortable and productive working on their own to join in coworking sessions. The most successful coworking initiatives are those that allow employees to choose their own ways of working and support a range of activities, so opt for sofas, benches, and conference tables and go for easily reconfigurable furniture rather than fixed ones to suit different group activities.
Social Spaces
Current issues:
No dining spaces to comfortably eat at
Out-of-date and off-brand appearance
Visibly damaged seating, flooring, or decor
What could be:
Your employees will spend the majority of their day around their coworkers, so provide them with plenty of social spaces to get to know each other and foster working relationships. Whether they are taking a quick five minute break with their teammates or spending their lunch break networking with employees from a different department, these important zones gave them a place to relax and connect with each other throughout the day.
These spaces are also excellent catalysts for spontaneous innovation and creativity, and you may find that some of the best ideas from your team come from an informal chat amongst themselves. To promote this strong team dynamic, the social spaces should have comfortable seating, moveable partitions for privacy, and plenty of places for employees to have a relaxed lunch together without needing to eat at their desks. It’s also important to listen to your employees, so ask them for their office design ideas or preferences at your next team meeting before getting in touch with us.
Washrooms
Current issues:
An outdated, poorly decorated space
Damaged or broken amenities
Energy and water-inefficient fixtures
What could be:
An inclusive, accessible space that accommodates the needs of your entire workforce and meets your regulatory responsibilities as an employer. It is best practice in 2025 to offer gender neutral facilities, as well as a range of wellness spaces, so speak to your team in advance to gain a clear understanding of what facilities they require and any office design ideas they’d like you to incorporate.
Washrooms, perhaps more than any other office space, require specialist materials that are water-resistant, unlikely to become damaged, and easy to maintain, so be sure to call in the specialists to recommend the correct materials. It is also important to make the most of the space available to you, and to make sure that everyone is able to comfortably access the facilities, so consult with your team throughout the redesign process and take onboard the guidance offered to deliver the best facilities for your team.
Outdoor Spaces
Current issues:
Overgrown, poorly maintained spaces
No rain shelters, meaning the space can’t be used during the winter months
No designated smoking zones or smoke-free areas
What could be:
If you are lucky enough to have an office garden, you must make the most of it. An outdoor space allows employees to get a breath of fresh air and a few minutes to themselves during the working day, and this is particularly important during the summer months when working at a desk all day can become very uncomfortable.
If you do not have a garden, make sure that any parking zones on the premises are safe and well-lit, with clearly marked parking bays and well maintained surfaces. You want your employees to feel valued from the moment they enter the workplace to the second they leave the grounds, so extend your care for their comfort and safety to these outdoor areas.
Office Design Ideas for Your Next Project
We have been improving office spaces, facilitating employee connections and boosting business-wide morale for many years, so contact us today to discuss your office redesign project and find out how our services will keep your employees as fulfilled and productive as possible.
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