As a dealer and consultative expert, helping your clients create a flexible, multi-purpose open office space requires understanding the function of different collaborative spaces. Not every shared space is created equal, nor should they be. Gone are the days where the traditional, enclosed conference room is the be-all and end-all space for team meetings and group work. Creativity and innovation thrive where social connections are prioritized, but where privacy is also held at a premium. This requires recommending ideas for a variety of spaces that satisfy very different needs, all under the “collaborative” umbrella.
With the Right Workplace Design, Less Structure is Powerful
As the 21st-century workplace continues to evolve, spaces are being designed with different types of work in mind. Where employees were once victims of a “butt-in-seat” mentality, they are now given the freedom to choose the space that will best suit what they need to accomplish at a given time. According to a research report by Knoll, current workplace strategies are calling for a much richer variety of collaborative spaces, especially for small group work (2-3 people).
As you consult your clients about open office solutions, consider the tools they need to create and innovate. The merging of display technologies, chalkboards, adjustable lighting and whiteboards (think LOFTwall MOBI) are all common-place tools for brainstorming spaces. More casual spaces, such as café or lounge areas, help promote the informal interactions that spark creativity.
Privacy has a Place in Collaborative Spaces
Groups need their privacy, too. While dealers should be mindful of recommending office dividers and furniture to prevent noise and visual distractions from bleeding into isolated work spaces, they should also keep those same distractions to a minimum in certain (though not all) collaborative spaces. Effective collaboration requires the freedom to create openly and speak frankly. Blatant invasions of that privacy, as seen all too often in open offices, can deter people from sharing information that would be most valuable to their teams.
Game Rooms Are Building in Popularity, But Are Still Niche
As employers continue to see the value of informal interaction, dealers can help end users design spaces for those purposes. Game rooms, or the idea of them, have traditionally been seen as too distracting. In some industries, especially tech, game rooms have become a conventional perk for employees. While they’re certainly fun and give employees a welcome break from their day-to-day tasks, they’re one of the least popular settings for brainstorming or collaboration. Game rooms are worth considering, but they aren’t necessarily the right choice for every company or industry. Still, game room setups are a nice offering to keep up your sleeve within an open office furniture selection.