How to set up an office space to boost creativity
The term “office space” doesn’t tend to conjure up anything particularly exciting. You’re probably picturing a cramped room with tightly packed cubicles and glaring artificial lights. The unadorned walls are painted grey, and the overall image is uninspiring. In fact, the likelihood of anything creative or innovative happening there seems slim.
The good news is that’s not how it has to be. A few simple changes could make this environment ideal for an artistic team such as designers or copywriters. If you were to open the room up, remove the outdated cubicles and slap a bit of colour on the walls, the typical office space could be transformed into a social hub which fosters innovation and encourages creative thinking.
Here, we outline some factors to consider when designing an open plan office that will help boost creativity in the workplace.
Natural lighting
Ensuring your office space has plenty of natural lighting will go a long way to making your team feel more energised and ultimately, more creative. Anyone who’s ever worked in an office environment will tell you that artificial light feels harsher than natural sunlight, so try to set up your office in a space which allows plenty of natural light in to ensure your staff feel comfortable.
Common areas
The introduction of laptops in workplaces has made it easier to work more flexibly. Setting up a few common areas around the office, which can be used for both relaxing and working is believed to increase office morale, which will help foster a more creative mindset among your staff. Swap traditional desks for sofas and standing desks to make a common area feel more inviting.
Colour
It’s hard to feel creative when you’re surrounded by bland, neutral tones. Bringing a little colour to your office space may help your team feel more energised, which would have a positive impact on productivity. Certain colours may even affect the atmosphere of the office. For example, yellow is considered to be a good colour to get those creative juices flowing.
Accessories
Introducing wall art and colourful printed posters can make a dreary office environment feel more inviting and stimulating to your employees. It may also be worth investing in a few low-maintenance pot plants to add a touch of greenery, as plants are reported to be beneficial to mental health, particularly for those who don’t spend much time outdoors.
Breakout spaces
If your office is on the large side, take advantage of the extra space and set up breakout areas, so your team have somewhere comfy and inviting to sit when they want to take a break. A sofa with a TV will always go down well but consider somewhere where groups of staff can socialise together, like over a game of pool or table tennis.
