Can office design improve efficiency?

A well-designed workspace can facilitate the execution of tasks, boost creativity, have positive effects on health and increase people's level of well-being.

Studies conducted by Harvard University concluded that the cognitive abilities associated with activities such as making a decision or paying attention to a task are significantly influenced by the environment. How is this possible? The increase in productivity can be due to factors that facilitate work through the physical and aesthetic conditions of a space, the acoustic and air conditioning conditions and also thefunctional and modular equipment and furniture. It is also important to create an atmosphere of productivity in the workplace. Today's companies create a culture, values ​​and objectives. So before designing theworkspaceThe company's mission must be identified and communicated to the team, so that each person knows and develops their role in the search for that achievement. Then a workspace will be designed that reflects that culture, facilitates achieving the mission and promotes health and well-being. A necessary step inoffice designis to analyze the company's key activities and translate them into comprehensive and flexible spaces. The review of the company's processes and how they are executed will allow choosing which spaces to incorporate from a list of possibilities that includes: spaces for individual work where greater concentration is required, areas for

, manual work spaces or workshops, reception and customer service spaces, spaces for rest, food and recreation, among others.

Given the wide range of possibilities, it is worth asking: Is there a methodology or framework that serves as a map when designing work spaces? The answer is yes! InDunati, we believe that there are key points that decide and serve as a path to reach a result that reflects functionality, comfort and convenience, contributing to the well-being of the team. Next, we will mention what we consider great pillars when organizing areas and spaces of a work team, always focusing on turning the environment into an ideal place. Through an architectural plan we can show thelocation of basic suppliessuch as water, pipes, electricity, and electricity and network points. Key points when beginning zoning, those locations outline the circulation zones and work areas on a large scale. While theacoustics and air conditioningThey are great concepts to address, defining air quality, artificial ventilation, optimal thermal sensation and sectors with lower and higher noise pollution. Having a location and performance parameter is how we can begin the distribution of workspaces and common spaces.The lightingIt is divided into two main paths, artificial light and natural light. Our recommendation is to efficiently take advantage of natural light, defining areas where natural light is sufficient for optimal use, since

. In the case of work areas, it is necessary to define the activity to be carried out and thus choose luminaires capable of providing the recommended lux for working. An axis that must govern all design is the level ofaccessibility. Consider useful spaces in hallways, turning axes for wheelchairs, ramps and furniture with measures that meet reduced mobility needs.Architecture and interior designmust be guided by the company's values, taking into consideration that visual elements such as

, materials or coatings, graphics, among others, are the driving force of the experience for both the team and clients. As last and no less important key pillar is thefurniture. We have always understood furniture as necessary, but its functionality and modulation are very rarely encouraged. We must understand that today's work is governed by dynamism and versatility. For us, each person is an important element, it is our duty to provide the tools not only necessary, but also those that enrich productivity, ergonomics and work well-being.

What happens when minimum conditions are not met in these six areas? We are in the presence of a workspace that can negatively affect both the team and the company. The evidence is overwhelming: there is a direct correlation between good space design and productivity. Consequently, design and space planning cannot be avoided if we want to remedy low productivity. InDunatiWe are convinced that the investment in better spaces is recovered when we consider the value that the change adds in terms of productivity, retention of a valuable team and attraction of new talent. An appropriate and comfortable workplace will make your employees feel more committed and allow them to reach their maximum contribution potential. How do you evaluate your workspace in terms of design, company culture, user experience, functionality and ergonomics? We are a multidisciplinary team willing to meet the requirements and challenges that each project entails. InDunatiWe advise your ideas.