Along with other jobs, it's your responsibility to manage your office by
involving yourself in the new plans being made for the office. To organize the
entire project, an architect, interior designer or planning consultant can be
called in. You can play a vital role in co-ordinating the job if you have a
clear idea about the requirements of your office. With a little planning, you
can make an informed choice as to which “look” would suit 10 best.
Plan your work
The consultant chosen should have access to all key personnel to ascertain the
work flow and communicate habits, which could be improved upon. The emphasis
should be on the information systems such as computers, word processors and
fax machines. Work efficiency can further be improved if importance is given
to designing furniture to adapt to human physique. Adjustable chairs help to
eliminate backaches. The things of daily use should be within reach, ensuring
that not an inch of space is wasted on the floor.
In an office the user should have an individual control over task lighting to
avoid eye fatigue, which results from inadequate lighting. Artificial lights
should be shaded to avoid glare on the work surface and display terminals.
Noise control
While designing an office acoustic control is often neglected. The inevitable
clatter of keyboards and printers can be controlled by soft sound-absorbing
surfaces. Even carpets, wallpaper and curtains help to soften the sound
effects.
Cover your walls
A wide range of textures and designs are available to cover the walls.
Heavy-duty wall covers with soft small designs give a neat look. Paint is an
excellent alternative and can be maintained easily. Venetian and vertical
blinds, which are easy to operate, can be used to cover windows. Loosely woven
fabrics, both lined and unlined are popular choices for offices.
Choose the color scheme
The choice of colors is hard as it is difficult to please all in a team.
Neutral colors like grey and beige are apt for carpets and walls. In offices
colors should not be overdone. Peach and apricot shades help give a warm look,
while blues and greens are cool shades.
No company is ever static and change is the requirement of every office. The
accessories should be chosen with care. Remember that furniture, crockery and
even ashtrays are a part of your company image.
Make optimum use of space
To make optimum use of the office space, you first need to analyze the entire
existing space. You could do well to remember the following guidelines.
1.
Positioning the employees too close to each other distracts
them.
2.
Employees cannot work in an ill-conceived work environment.
3.
Instead of providing a word processor to each employee, one
could be mounted to service several clerical workers.
4.
Firms requiring research facilities must use hallways
instead of expanding library space.
5.
As the firm expands, the number of files increases too.
Instead of using conventional methods for filing the computerized data –
retrieval systems could reduce the filing space.
6.
Space could further be cut in the coffee room or the
employee lounge-lunch-room.
7.
Vertical spaces around desk areas and open–office systems
provide easy access to materials.
Keep a record
Know what is required in your office in advance by asking yourself the
following questions:
1.
Have you purchased all new furniture required and sold the
obsolete one?
2.
Do you ensure that all furniture, carpets and curtains are
regularly cleaned?
3.
Is there a proper arrangement for telephone, telex and fax
service?
4.
Is there need to purchase new stationery or equipment?
5.
Is there proper arrangement for electricians and carpenters
in your office?
