The workplace has to meet the expectations of the representatives of all generations

Arrangement of office space is nowadays determined primarily by the dynamics and work cycle of the team

The undergoing mobile and technological revolution has changed the style of work completely. Young, talented people that the companies are trying to recruit want to be able to choose both time and place of work. They expect diversity. They are looking for inspiration and opportunities. They are accustomed to multitasking and frequent changes in the work cycle.

A company that wants to attract the best employees of the younger generation should therefore look at the latest trends in office space design to be able to provide them with a suitable environment in which they feel best. That will also translate into efficiency.

The variety of zones and arrangement solutions

Experts from Walter Herz consulting company suggest that the starting point for the development of the concept of the modern office space arrangement should be defining the nature and dynamics of the team’s work. The workplace has to meet the expectations of the representatives of all generations and enable performance according to their own preferences by providing access to a variety of arrangement solutions. Primarily, those providing opportunities for integration and exchange of experiences. The layout should promote conceptual thinking and give the opportunity to relax and draw energy from the surroundings.

According to the concept of Activity-Based Working, which is increasingly popular in Poland, the office must offer a variety of spaces, which correspond with various work cycles of different people. Office space should be fully adapted to the type of activities of the individual team members, in accordance with the principles of smart working. To define it, as Walter Herz experts point out, the companies decide to study the team’s habits and model of work. According to the experts, apart from work style, the shape of the office should be decided upon the culture of the organization and the needs for technology and information flow in the company.

In the offices created in the spirit Activity-Based Working there are many zones. Each of them can be used depending on the activity one wishes to perform. They include informal meeting places, consultation rooms, design rooms, space for telephone calls, chillout-rooms and break-out space or relaxation zones. They provide conditions for concentration, teamwork, exchanging information and recreation.

Helpful in brainstorming

Walter Herz specialists point out that in this type of offices, for example, design rooms are prepared in an interesting way.- It is space where one can write on the walls and tables, attach notes arising from the discussion in different places. One can be in constant motion. Memorizing ideas using visuals is more effective, given that imagination and visual memory are more sufficient than auditory memory. That way the conversation is pushed forward without obstacles - admit the advisers.

In offices arranged according to the latest trends, based on the convenience of the employees, space is created in such way to allow more ergonomic work. It can be adapted to individual needs, both in terms of design and setting, for example: adjustable countertops depending on the height of the employee, or the need to work in different positions. At the same time, not every person is assigned to a desk. Space is often rotational.

Mobile modular solutions

Office space in a modern office should also be furnished in such a way to provide the ability to make changes quickly in the event of organizational transformation in the company. Hence, as Walter Herz experts point out, mobile modular solutions are now used in the office arrangement.

Modular systems allow for rapid reorganization of office space in accordance with the current needs of the company. Thanks to them, the specific areas in the premises in the form of acoustic cabins are created, which can be moved freely in different parts of the office. The furnishing is not inferior to that in traditional rooms. Flexible development of office space is also facilitated by furniture on wheels.

What matters is the person and flexibility

The person and their comfort are the most important in the office today, not the design. The quality of the work environment is also gaining importance, including factors such as acoustics and lightning design, as well as air parameters. Office space adapts to the worker, not vice versa. A key element in the process of equipping offices becomes communication and teamwork.

Walter Herz specialists emphasize that the change in thinking about the arrangement of offices is already visible even in the conservative-minded customers who until recently did not take into account such changes in the organization of space. The experts point out that there is a growing number of companies that benefit from help when arranging new office. - Consulting in the field has become so popular that we've created a special section dedicated to this service, inform Walter Herz experts.

Informal exchange of ideas

The most important thing in every business is teamwork and a good flow of information. Cooperation is after all, the foundation of innovation. A well-designed office must therefore provide numerous opportunities to exchange views and ideas between the employees; create opportunities for informal discussions and even disputes.

Spacious kitchens and dining rooms are suitable places for such activities. Also, the vending coffee machines are set in one place only in order to create a chance to get to know employees from across the company. A similar function is performed by the relaxation zone, which will further contribute to the integration and strengthening of ties in the team.

Workplaces which are nowadays attractive to employees are the offices packed with modern technologies, such as the Internet of Things, big data, virtual reality technology and different kinds of applications. The Internet of Things is particularly popular nowadays. It allows to control all the functions of the office with a smartphone.

Relax and co-working

Developers themselves are also making sure that space in the new office buildings is adaptable to different arrangements and contributes to the development of tenants. Functional requirements often include the creation of the co-working space in the buildings, which facilitate cooperation between the companies, including e.g. the exchange between startups and the recognized operators on the market.

In the modern office buildings there is green space for relaxation and sport with Wi-Fi access. According to Walter Herz specialists, the integration of tenants is also facilitated by climbing walls, green terraces, treadmill, and even playfields.

Developers approach the arrangement of space in the common parts of the buildings more boldly. The latest ideas adapted into the Polish market are office buildings without the reception, but with a common large kitchen and an extensive co-working zone instead.