Companies realising how good office design can boost employee morale and productivity

Tony Kunnel
PRINCIPAL ANALYST – ATELIER D’ARTS & ARCHITECTURE PVT LTD

Traditionally, Indian companies have ignored the importance of creating a working environment that enhances productivity. But times are changing, and so are employer mindsets.

More and more organisations today are realising that it is not only important to offer their employees a better work-life balance, but also an office atmosphere that raises the ‘Happiness Quotient’.

Though the ‘ideal office design’ will be different for different companies, depending on the nature of job, staff strength and space availability, we will look at four core aspects of a great office design:

Innovative & Functional

A typical Indian office would earlier constitute a reception area, meeting rooms, vendor discussion areas and collaborative work areas for large teams. But there’s been a paradigm shift in the way office design is perceived today.

Therefore, offices should be designed with an in-depth understanding of the uniqueness of an organisation and not just to create functional workspaces.

Designers need to work closely with clients and constantly challenge their preconceived notions with innovative design solutions that fit in with the sensibilities of the end-user. Often companies create dedicated ‘Experience Centres’ within the office premises to attract clients and potential visitors. Why not try making the entire office itself an Experience Centre!

Fun & Recreation at Work

There seems to be a slow but conscious move by organisations these days to bridge the glaring gaps in our social infrastructure. For instance, many offices are offering day-care facilities for employees’ children along with dedicated crèches.