Zone offices from within – considering company culture
Over recent months, we have all learned and appreciated the value of the office space. Whilst the novelty of home working was enticing at first, this was short-lived. A lot has to be said for face-to-face interaction and we will no longer take for granted the benefits of being surrounded by our colleagues.
The office is evolving and now is the perfect opportunity to understand how best to design office spaces for the individual and the collective. That’s where zoning comes into play…
Zone from within. Think, who are you designing for?
Designing office zones may vary depending on your company size, brand values and company ethos. The aim of zoning offices is to adapt and encourage different working styles and ultimately improve employee wellbeing and productivity. Within zones, employees are surrounded by others who have the same goals and mindset as them and this can vary depending on mood and activity.
Zoning within offices is a result of the growing dislike for open-plan spaces. Open-plan spaces have actually caused more stress and irritability amongst employees (Oxford Economics Report 2019) and workplaces are quickly evolving.
Whilst dependent on company culture, there are a few office zones to consider in encouraging better productivity and work satisfaction amongst employees.
The Mingling Zone
This space encourages people to relax, eat, drink and socialise with the team during tea and lunch breaks, or even after work. Helping to build relationships within the workplace that exist outside of work-based conversations is key. This space is also very important in encouraging employees to move away from their desks for lunch, further improving productivity and creativity levels.
The Meet Up Zone
Private spaces are essential within the workplace. Meeting and board rooms, as well as booths, are included within this Meet Up zone. These are not only places for private conversations and guests, but when entering these zones, employees should foster a sense of importance and intelligent decision making.
The Tranquillity Zone
This space is to encourage concentration to get ‘things done’. To sit and work without being interrupted within a peaceful setting. A space like this is equally important for individual mental wellbeing.
The Breakout Zone
This space encourages group collaboration in a casual setting. Focusing on building and strengthening the team is a huge part of making a business successful. With the office world changing, it is worth questioning whether these zones will become increasingly popular as more people hot desk.
The Wellness Zone
People are the most valuable asset to a company and having yoga or ping pong areas will generate healthy competition, boost energy levels and encourage socialising across the team. Positive wellbeing will improve productivity, creativity and encourage employees to make the business a success. It is important that employees recognise that the company cares for their wellbeing.
Best way to zone?
Now more than ever, zoning will be a critical design consideration for any office to divide larger groups into smaller ones.
Zoning using glass partitioning is extremely popular, and for good reason. Glass is a durable and beautiful material that enables boundaries to be created while keeping people close. The transparency of glass means visual interaction is permitted, promoting closer relationships and better communication.
The properties of glass mean that the design possibilities are virtually endless, not to mention the acoustic and fire performance benefits. You can use angular glass to separate the zones or to create a greater sense of space. Or even coloured glass to reflect the mood within the zones.
It is always important to understand the capabilities of glass within the space you are designing for. You can always get in touch with our Specification team at specifiersupport@komfort.co.uk for any questions you may have. Or take a look at our range of frameless glass partitioning here.
