Why Office Design Consultancy is so Important

As more and more businesses are seeing their staff return to work following the pandemic, focus on the workplace and office environment has never been more prevalent. Since the lifting of coronavirus restrictions, some businesses have adopted a hybrid working model that supports flexible working, with employees splitting their time between the office and working remotely or from home. Others have asked their employees to return back to the office full time. 

With this, many firms are reviewing the design, size and layout of their office to make sure it fits their needs, taste and budget. Some have chosen to up sticks and move offices to accommodate their expanding team, or to downsize due to an uptake in hybrid working. Others want to promote collaboration and create a more people-centric office space.

Whatever the intention, this article will cover the reasons why office design consultancy is so important to help your staff settle back into an office environment and welcome a return to normality. 

Why is office design consultancy so important?

‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’

The discovery phase of any project is about understanding the end goal and planning a strategy in line with this so there is clear direction. When it comes to office design, the consultancy stage is the first step in the process used to highlight any inefficiencies in the existing layout and performance of a workspace. Applying a commercial eye and creative flair, office design consultancy analyses current working behaviours to ensure every element of the new design is fit for purpose and supports smarter working.

Transforming an office space involves more than just a lick of paint – it’s about conveying a business’ identity through its office interior to inspire and motivate staff. The design must cater to different working styles, preferences and requirements, so it’s not just dressed to impress, but delivers on functionality, too.

What are the benefits of office design consultancy?

Implementing design changes – no matter the size or scale – can have a major impact on an office environment and those working within it. Improving lighting, increasing privacy, reducing noise and creating dedicated breakout areas are just a few ways to promote happiness in the workplace that can have a knock-on effect on employee engagement.

That’s where office design consultancy comes in. It fits all the pieces of the puzzle together for a stylish workspace that fuels productivity. Benefits also include:

Improved staff wellbeing and work-life balance

Collaboration stations and ergonomic furniture can be incorporated into the design, as well as hot desk/agile working systems where suitable.

Strengthened company culture and brand identity 

Employees feel part of a community and have a sense of pride in where they work. This can lead to higher retention rates.

Future-proofing

Flexible with changing trends in working behaviours and sustainability, eliminating the need to refurbish again in the near future.

How do I choose the right office design consultancy company?

Case studies, testimonials and online reviews are great indicators of whether an office design consultancy company is the right fit for you and your business. You are able to view their previous projects and see the quality of their work first-hand.

At Ashlar, we offer a free design consultancy service for our clients, focusing on commercial, industrial and office refurbishments throughout Nottingham and beyond, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cambridge and Milton Keynes. Contact us today to find out how we can transform your workspace – you can also take a look at our previous work by visiting our case studies page here.