Future of work - tips for top office

Donna Wheatley, workplace design expert.

Technology driving rapid change, with companies being pushed to create more flexible work environments.

Technology will drive a rapid change in the working environment during the next five years, says workplace design expert Donna Wheatley.

Wheatley, who has a PhD in workplace design, said rapidly evolving technology was enabling people to be more flexible and work from any location.

She said this meant companies were being pushed to create work environments that were more flexible and domestic as opposed to fixed and sterile.

"The workplace is now viewed as a corporate tool not just a place where work happens, so there is going to be a lot more pressure on companies to create a work environment that is welcoming and motivating," Wheatley, who works at Warren and Mahoney, said. "Companies are going to need to focus on creating different work environments and in many more dimensions."

A number of companies had focused heavily on re-designing their office spaces completely, although Wheatley said there were also smaller things companies could do to make their work space more inviting for staff.

Here are some of her top tips:

Buy a professional coffee machine

Organisations are becoming increasingly focused on keeping staff in the workplace, so create an informal social area where people can gather and connect. This is also more efficient for staff than leaving the office.

Let there be (sun)light

Locate shared areas near windows, as access to natural sunlight helps people regulate their circadian rhythms, which improves mood.

It will also encourage people to meet there as it offers a brighter environment than their workstation.

In other areas, try to have a general light level across the work floor. Avoid overly bright and fluorescent lighting.

Create a central collaborative zone

Pool open collaborative areas with tables or couches together, and create a hub where staff can come and go, as well as holding informal meetings.

This has been shown to be more successful than scattering collaborative areas around the office and allows staff to enter a different head-space than moving to a table three meters from their workstation, it also gets them up and walking.

Green up the office

Use plants in areas with natural light and target specific areas as opposed to putting plants everywhere. Manage the maintenance of plants so they are kept healthy and green.

Environmental focus

Working in an environmentally aware organisation creates a positive atmosphere and view of a company.

Small touchpoints such as using environmentally friendly products and reminding staff to recycle was shown to be much more engaging for staff than a major one-off implementation into a building.

Create different zoned areas across the workplace

Create specific areas designed for different purposes.

Have an acoustic gradient across the workplace with areas that are quiet for reflection and focus, and areas where staff can gather and talk and not worry about being too noisy.

The settings also need to support various postures from sitting to standing which improves cardiovascular and skeletal health.

Look to universities

There is an increasing amount of group work involved at university, and universities have been leaders in creating open and collaborative environments that encourage and allow this.

Student hubs are also becoming a major focus and are flexible, allowing students to work together.

Business is quite similar to this with staff working together, and these spaces are increasingly important.

Most importantly, design your workplace around your company culture

Create an environment that reflects what the company and the staff are about.