How Office Layout Influences Productivity: 11 Key Office Design Elements

Have you ever stepped into an office that made you instantly feel more creative and inspired? Chances are, the designers of that space had gotten the office layout right. 

Conversely, we’ve all been in drab, uninspiring offices that made us yearn for the moment we could leave. Their poor design choices diminish our level of energy and morale.

Workplace design and productivity go hand in hand. Whether you’re designing a corporate workspace or a home office, design choices have far-reaching effects on productivity. 

What is the best office layout for productivity? Let’s explore how office layout affects productivity before diving into the most essential design choices.

The Importance of a Well-Designed Office Space

Thoughtful office design has far-reaching effects, playing a central role in personal and organizational success. Most notably, it boosts productivity tremendously. 

How does good design enhance productivity? 

• Improving employees’ ability to focus.
• Boosting engagement by providing a pleasant environment.
• Accommodating needs for both privacy and collaboration.

Now, let’s explore some design choices that will help increase productivity.

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Productive Office Design Ideas: Creating a Multifunctional Space

Productive office layouts center on multifunctional spaces, which accommodate various needs, from group collaborations to one-on-ones and independent work. A well-designed office layout fulfills all of these functions, seamlessly weaving these different spaces together. 

An open-office plan is ideal for incorporating collaborative spaces into the layout. But don’t just expect everyone to work in one big group when they’re not actively collaborating. That means your office shouldn’t be one big box but rather a thoughtful assortment of differentiated spaces.

Pre-pandemic studies showed that fully open floor plans actually harmed productivity. Employees withdrew, creating an imaginary wall around themselves due to the social overload. And 66% said they wanted a workplace that offers a combination of separate and connected spaces.

Today, of course, teams are using workspaces differently than pre-pandemic. Some teams mainly go into the office when they need to collaborate while working from home at other times. But we would be wise to consider those established sentiments nonetheless.

What’s the solution? Create a mix of large-group spaces and semi-private zones, along with a few fully private spaces. Let’s explore key principles for designing each of them based on what affects productivity and how people actually interact and use spaces today. Together, these ideas will help you create a welcoming atmosphere that ignites creativity.

Collaborative spaces

Collaborative spaces are the crown jewel of the modern office. After all, collaboration is the main benefit of coming to a physical office for many teams. The layout should support not only collaborative work like brainstorming sessions and group projects but also presentations and coaching sessions.

Some companies are designing the furnishings of collaborative spaces to be easy to rearrange. Depending on the size and purpose of the group, people can quickly change the table layout, roll in a whiteboard, or add privacy screens to the space. Creating a fresh look can also add energy to collaborations.

Employee workstations

Productive office design also requires spaces that promote concentration. After all, some employees come to the office for the focus it provides.

• Place some workspaces in nooks on the periphery of the main work area, including in lower-traffic areas. Employees who prefer a higher degree of privacy will appreciate this option. 
• Create small clusters of workstations rather than placing everyone in an endless row. For instance, you could place desks in groups of four with dividers for partial privacy.
• Consider making some workspaces mobile. Standing desks on rollers can easily be moved to any spot on the floor.
• Give the most optimal spaces to the people who work in-office the most, considering functionality rather than status. Or, allow employees to select their desired workspace each time they come in.

Leaders’ offices

Leaders are “the new amenity” of the modern workplace, says McKinsey’s Phil Kirschner. With the rise of hybrid work, employees don’t encounter them as regularly. So, that face time with leaders has become all the more valuable. 

Workplaces should therefore be designed to make leaders accessible while still affording them privacy, as WorkDesign Magazine asserts. Their workspace should be centralized to build a connection with the team, but they should also be able to shut a door to gain privacy when needed. Executive assistants can have their own semi-private stations right next to leaders’ spaces.

Private enclaves

Fully private spaces that employees can use as needed allow for private calls and conversations. These shared spaces, which can be fairly small, should be soundproof. Place these “privacy pods” in close proximity to workspaces.

Small common spaces

Rather than putting the coffee or water cooler right in the middle of a large, open room, place it in its own alcove. This will make socializing feel more comfortable, rather than making people feel like they’re on a stage or disrupting coworkers at their desks. Add comfortable seating to encourage social engagement. You could also place a small library in a nook where employees can sit and browse books on their breaks. 

Differentiated “zones”

You can also keep a large space from feeling like a big warehouse by creating different “zones” featuring slightly different colors or carpeting. This can create a more inviting, intimate feel, encouraging informal chats or ad hoc team “huddles.” 

Hybrid workspaces

Nowadays, every office must accommodate hybrid work. In-person groups need to seamlessly integrate those working remotely. Good office design places video equipment in every collaborative space, making sure it’s positioned to allow for the fullest view of the room possible. And having a high-quality 360-degree microphone is even more essential for fully integrating remote participants. 

Good acoustics

Good acoustics are key to multifunctional spaces. With proper sound absorption, the noise from group collaborations won’t disrupt those working independently across the room. Carpets and sound-absorbent ceilings can work wonders. A white noise machine can also help create a sound buffer between spaces.

Accommodation for disabilities and special needs

Every office should accommodate special needs, building these choices into the design. Offices should be easy to navigate for people who use wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, for instance. Tables, lights, keyboards, and other essentials should be comfortable for everyone to reach and use—meaning fully ergonomic based on users’ individual needs.

Ergonomics

Good office design also enhances wellbeing through ergonomic choices. Provide everyone with a chair that offers lumbar support and, ideally, an adjustable desk. Set computer height so that eye level is 2–3 inches from the top of the monitor, and place the monitor about arm’s length from the user, for instance. Add optional task lighting above desks. 

Air quality and climate regulation 

A quality ventilation system will increase comfort and safety. Air purifiers and diffusers at floor and ceiling levels can circulate and clean the air, aiding in temperature regulation in the process.

Key Takeaways

When designing (or redesigning) an office, keep these points front of mind:

• Center collaborative spaces in your design plan.
• Create quieter workspaces for independent work.
• Design to accommodate special needs rather than making them an afterthought.
• Promote wellness with good ergonomics, airflow, and lighting choices.

Now you have a strong grasp of how office layout affects productivity—and you’re prepared to create a highly functional and inviting space. Through these strategies, you’ll approach workplace design holistically, creating a space that is both functional and a joy to work in. As a result of thoughtful office design, productivity will increase. Whether employees go to the office every day or on an as-needed basis, they’ll feel inspired and motivated to perform at their best.