Startups are unique in their own way. How they design and organize their office spaces reveals just how innovative and creative they are. Most of them have a different idea of how an office should look like as they don’t often rent traditional commercial spaces with long corridor or spacious areas that are perfect for cubicles.
There’s freedom when it comes to designing a startup’s interior. However, if this will be your first time moving into your new startup office space or you just want to redecorate and redesign your current one, here are some tips for designing a cool startup office.
1. Wide And Open.
Long gone are the cramped individual cubicles of traditional workspace. When you visit new startup offices, one of the first things you’ll notice is the wide, open space.
In startups, such openness encourages socialization and interactions, preventing employees from isolating themselves. You’ll find fewer walls, sky-high ceilings, and virtually no cubicles at all. Everyone can see anyone. In some companies, employees don’t even need to stand up to find the person they’re looking for.
2. Break-Out Areas.
It’s imperative to create a balance between play and work. The tech giants are some of the companies promoting productivity and creativity with their variety of break-out spaces. Take note that a break-out space doesn’t simply mean somewhere to eat lunch or chill out. It can be a space where employees can socialize, improve their productivity, and have the chance to work away from their computers.
Some companies are now creating space for pool or ping-pong tables, video game stations, and other play areas. If you have enough vertical space, then you can add industrial stairs and build a lounge where people can sit down to sip on their coffee or have a snack. Such spaces encourage spontaneity, allowing people to nonchalantly brainstorm ideas and discussing the latest project.
3. Quiet Areas.
Although social spaces and common rooms are important for team-building and collaboration, even the most extroverted employee needs a private space to retreat into from time to time.
Such quiet areas may come in several forms from privacy pods that allow people to put up a temporary wall or stationary soundproof rooms including a suspended ceiling system to create a small quiet space for employees. Other startups even take it to the extreme and include a nap area where employees are allowed to take quick rest for rejuvenation and relaxation. Working from home? Checkout some inspiration here for decorating a home office.
4. Let There Be Light!
The average employee spends most of their day staring at a computer and away from natural light. That’s a depressing situation for anyone, really. A little sunshine can enhance productivity and makes people happy. Plus, it’s free.
So, design your office in a way that everyone gets enough natural light. Steer clear of the bulky solid walls. If walls are needed, use glass ones for natural light to penetrate and spread in your space.
However, make sure that you strategically place your employees’ computer monitors as natural light gives off harsh glares on screens.
5. Add Plants.
Bring plants into your office space. It’s something that most employees want—they might not be even aware of it. Not only do plants help rejuvenate tired eyes, but they also give off solid health benefits.
Studies show that reconnecting employees with nature results in healthier and happier workers. Plants are known to reduce sickness, stress, and noise levels. They provide clean air and boost productivity and creativity. Some office plants even block the negative impacts of electronic devices, making them useful for employees who’re constantly looking at their computer screens.
So, if there’s no single plant yet on your office space, take this moment to add big ones on those empty corners.
6. Infuse A Splash Of Colors.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that color has a significant impact on one’s mood. Colors can encourage productivity as well as provide a significant effect on emotions and attitudes.
Although different shades of white are popular for companies wanting vibrant offices, brighter shades such as oranges and reds can incorporate dynamism into the office, raising the overall energy of a team. Meanwhile, relaxing shades such as greens and blues can help keep employees relaxed and composed.
Take note, however, that too much of everything can be bad. Thus, it is recommended to only use vibrant and bold shades as accent colors to add depth to your office.
Conclusion.
Whether you’re redesigning your office space or building your startup office from scratch, use these tips and ideas as a guide for creating the best workspace design for your startup. With an inspiring workspace, aesthetically pleasing features, and functional areas, you can create a perfect startup office design that motivates your team to do their best.
