Why it Might be Time to Refurbish Your Office

With the business world moving at an increasingly fast pace thanks to the Internet, there is extra motive for all companies to make all necessary changes to give their company a competitive edge, streamline processes and boost motivation throughout their workforce.

There are many changes you could probably think of as a business owner, and most of these will be associated with reducing cost and improving profitability, but there other ways to achieve this goal. We are talking about investing in your team and working environment. In this article we take a look at why now might be the right time to refurbish, as well as showcasing the potential for environmental, financial and productivity benefits.

• Improved Working Atmosphere – Everybody loves a refreshed look, and working in a renewed environment can make work life seem new, stimulating your workforce. Some simple changes include changing décor and colours, as well as commissioning murals or company logos for the walls. Light colours such as white, cream and blue are normally popular as they are seen as calming, but there is nothing to stop you from using bright colours to contribute towards a creative atmosphere.

If you have a bit more to invest in your refurb then you might want to look at installing office partitions which are great if your role requires a certain degree of privacy or if you want to segregate your employees into teams.

Glass partitions are a popular variation as they still involve a feeling of interaction amongst the workforce. Another advantage when compared to their opaque counterparts is that they allow more natural light to slow through into different areas, which again will help to stimulate and motivate your workforce. The great thing about glass partitions is that they can still be installed in such a way that they prevent noise disturbance between office areas. This can be essential when staff need to work in a peaceful environment.

• Environmental Benefits – There are also certain environmental benefits of refurbishing your office if the right changes are made. If we look back at the glass office partitions then we you will benefit from reduced electricity bills as more natural light is emitted throughout the office. There are also a variety of recycling opportunities and incentives in order to encourage offices to increase their sustainability efforts. This includes the using sustainable materials where needed when you fit out your new office and initiating effective waste policies and systems.

• Financial Incentives – If the sustainable efforts mentioned above are carried out correctly then your company will be eligible for Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA's) which will improve cash flow through accelerated tax relief. Also, as mentioned, Sustainable changes also help to reduce dependency on heating and electricity.

More financial benefits of a refurbished office will come from the money saved as a result of a more pro-active and motivated workforce who are willing to work at a faster and more efficient pace. A refreshed environment will provide them with this motivational push which will help to meet deadlines, reduce bottlenecks and finish projects within the required budget allocated.

• Office Comfort – Finally a refurbished office will help to relax your workforce and enable them to comfortably work. If an employee feels comfortable with their colleagues and working environment, then they are going to be looking at staying with the company for the long run. Changes like introducing a chill out area and offering the best office equipment, such as an ergonomic chair, adjustable monitor and a keyboard rest, are all simple ways of achieving this during your refurbishment.


About the Author

Optima Systems are an office partitioning expert, specialising in frameless glass doors, glass office partitions and glass walls.