Four Things to Consider When Designing an Office Kitchenette

Four Things to Consider When Designing an Office Kitchenette

In some of our recent articles, we’ve spoken about the importance of offering flexible working spaces and break out areas so that staff can have the freedom to choose where they work and where they relax. A kitchenette is no exception.

With a well-designed office kitchenette, employees can take time to unwind and eat meals away from their desks or use it as a meeting space to collaborate with colleagues and discuss new ideas. If you’re looking for some kitchen inspiration for your office fit out or want to know how to make the most out of your existing office kitchen area, read on to find out more.

Make Sure it’s Comfortable

It’s no surprise that many workers value their daily lunch break. In fact, according to a recent study, nearly half of workers admit that a proper lunch break helps them to feel motivated in their job. But how do you encourage employees to log out of their emails, move away from their desks and head over to the kitchen area for a well deserved lunch break? The first thing to consider is comfort.

When designing your kitchenette, it’s important to provide a suitable place to sit and eat. Comfortable seating and spacious tables will allow your employees to take time to eat their lunch so that they can eat mindfully without feeling rushed. Remember, your kitchen seating area needs to be accessible to all. A countertop with bar stools is a great solution for a quick snack in the morning, but this might not suit all employees. Staff with mobility issues or joint pain will need low down seating with proper back support, so offer a choice of seats and tables to ensure that all employees feel comfortable.

Save Money & Eat Well

An on-site kitchenette allows your employees to enjoy packed lunches and pre-prepared meals, so they aren’t wasting money on meal deals. To encourage healthy choices, why not offer your staff fresh fruit? According to research carried out by Fruitful Office, the offer of free fruit can help staff to change their eating habits. After conducting the study, not only did they find that staff were eating more fruit, but they also found that many of the participants were opting for healthier snacks and lunch choices. Place a fruit bowl in the kitchen as well as the office to deter staff from buying sugary snacks.

Do Your Bit for The Environment

If you’re looking to incorporate a kitchenette into your new commercial office fit out, making smart, sustainable office design choices can help reduce your environmental impact. The right choice of materials combined with energy-efficient lighting and appliances will make your kitchenette more environmentally friendly whilst also making it last longer.

In larger offices, there can be a large amount of waste, so it’s important to ensure that you offer suitable recycling bins. Getting staff into the habit of adequately disposing of their waste will not only help the planet but will also help your team to think differently about their environmental impact. If you’d like to find out how to correctly sort and dispose of your company’s commercial waste, check out the government website.

Say no to single-use coffee cups.

We know it can be hard for employees to resist a cappuccino on the go but what many don’t realise is that, whilst some independent coffee shops are doing their bit to try and be more sustainable, only one in four hundred takeaway coffee cups actually get recycled. To encourage staff to make better choices, offer reusable mugs and a range of tea and coffee options so that staff can save money and enjoy their favourite beverages without the unnecessary waste.

Get Playful With The Design

In one of our recent articles, we spoke about how your kitchen colour scheme can impact staff meal choices. But, why stop at colour schemes? From textures and patterns to artwork and company branding, when it comes to designing your kitchenette, you can really get creative. For example, if your space is small, why not use vertical tiles to create the illusion of a wider space. Similarly, you can use reflective surfaces and open shelving to make a statement and help the space feel bigger.

If you want to liven up a dull kitchen space but prefer more neutral tones on the walls, why not go for a colourful lamp shade. Bright, bold shades are a great way to inject some colour without committing to anything permanent.

What Next?

Hopefully, we’ve got you thinking about some of the things you might want to incorporate into your office kitchenette design. If you’re looking to renovate your pre-existing kitchenette or would like us to help you design an entirely new kitchen and dining area, get in touch with us today.

5 Things to Consider when Refitting Your Office

5 Things to Consider when Refitting Your Office

So, you’ve bid farewell to your old office and secured the perfect space in a prime location. But how do you go about making your new office feel like home?

When it’s time for a commercial office fit out, there are many things to consider. However, with good preparation and careful planning, you can futureproof your office space to ensure that it remains fit for purpose for many years to come.

From large to small businesses, at McFeggan Brown, we have provided office fit outs for a broad range of clients with varying needs. To help you prepare for your new office design, we’ve decided to share some of our pearls of wisdom. Read on to find out more. 

What Are Your Company Aims?

Before you dive into the artwork and colour schemes, it’s necessary to think about your company aims so that you can make the most out of your new office environment. For example, perhaps you’ve relocated to make room for new employees or are planning to expand in the near future. If this is the case, you’ll need to think about how many desks you’re going to need and whether you’ll want a designated area for training new starters.

If you’re aiming to create an office that will attract visiting clients, you’ll want to ensure that your working area is neat and professional to make a good impression. Furthermore, if you’re likely to be seeing clients face to face on a regular basis, you might also consider acoustic treatment options for your conference room so that you can host meetings and share ideas without being overheard.

What Wasn’t Working Before?

As well as taking into account your company aims, take time to think about what wasn’t working well in your previous office space.

Were your employees opting to work from home more post-lockdown? If the answer’s yes, consider why this might be. A lack of flexible working spaces or coworking spaces, safety concerns and reduced productivity when in the office can all be reasons why workers might opt to stay at home. By introducing a variety of working areas and ensuring that your space is well laid out with ample room for social distancing, you can quash these concerns and get staff back into the office in no time.

Along with a lack of flexible working spaces, the wrong colour scheme, inadequate lighting and unregulated temperature can all mean that your office isn’t fit for purpose. Why not ask your employees what they think? Gaining feedback from your staff will help you to establish any issues you had previously so that you can eliminate them going forward.

Budget and Timeframe

When it comes to your new office, your budget and timeframe are undoubtedly two of the most important things to think about. When undertaking an office fit out, you will need to work out how to effectively manage your workforce with minimal disruption. Will your staff be working from a temporary office whilst the work is being carried out or will they be working from home? Whichever it may be, consider how long you can realistically keep your staff working elsewhere before issues start to arise.

When budgeting for your project, think about what is manageable for your company. A good office fit out can add value to your business by attracting new clients and prospective employees, making it a worthwhile investment. That being said, you need to ensure that your budget is realistic. At McFeggan Brown, we agree on timeframes and budgets upfront so that there are no hidden costs. With our range of flexible finance options, you also get the reassurance of knowing that there is a price plan suited to you.

Do You Need a CAT A or CAT B Fit Out?

You may have heard of the terms CAT A and CAT B but might not be sure which is best for your business.

If you have recently found a new office space but already have plans to carry out the internal decorations yourself, a CAT A fit out is the ideal solution. With a CAT A fit out, your office will be finished to an industrial standard and will usually include features such as suspended ceilings, raised floors and basic electrical fittings. After a CAT A, you will be left with what is essentially a blank canvas so that you can make your mark on the space.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a fully furnished office that you can move straight into, CAT B is your best option. With a CAT B fit out, you can expect everything from wall finishes to partitions to brand-relevant colour schemes and logos. Cat B fit outs even include the planning and installation of your new IT infrastructure so that you can stay connected with colleagues and clients when they’re working remotely. This type of fit out is an exciting opportunity to transform your space. 

Get Inspired

Now that we’ve got the logistics out the way, it’s time to get creative. There are so many useful websites out there that can help you to find ideas for your office fit out. Seeking inspiration from image-sharing platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram is an ideal place to start as it will allow you to find hundreds of images quickly. With these platforms, you can also save ideas and create your own mood boards which you can keep adding to as you continue to find designs that you like.

Since you’re here, why not take a look at our case studies? Our case studies are not only a great source of visual inspiration, but they also allow you to read about how we have helped companies to solve common office design issues with innovative solutions.  

Whether you’re toying with the idea of something playful and contemporary or you’d rather keep it more traditional, we have a wealth of examples for you to browse through. If there’s anything in particular that you like the look of, get in touch today.

The Ultimate Office Relocation Checklist

The Ultimate Office Relocation Checklist

Relocating to a new office can be an exciting time for employees; however, if you happen to be the person overseeing everything, the prospect of moving can be a little overwhelming. Whilst everyone around you is pumped up for the big move, you might find yourself juggling a million different things at once. From liaising with the removals company to organising office dilapidation works and finalising contracts, there is an awful lot to consider.

If you find yourself nodding along and agreeing to the above, you’ve come to the right place. We understand that an office relocation will never be a walk in the park. That being said, with over a decade of experience, we have a few helpful tips that will enable you to avoid risk and navigate smoothly through the process.

Here is our ultimate office relocation checklist.

1. Ask Questions About the Move

When moving offices, one of the best places to start is by making a list of key questions that can be used to guide the structure of your planning document. To help give you some ideas, here are just a few examples of questions you might want to ask yourself.

Why are we relocating offices?

What does the business hope to achieve with an office relocation?

When are the move-in/move-out dates? Do these align?

How much storage do we have?

Do we have a list of key contact details for all parties involved in the move? (Contractors, estate agents, solicitors etc.)

How much is the relocation likely to cost?

The more questions you can come up with, the better. Once you have all your questions and answers written down, you can start to formulate a plan around them.

2. Decide Who’s Managing the Move

Before creating your physical office relocation document, it’s important to decide upon who’s doing what. If you’ve been put in charge of the office move, you might consider delegating some of the smaller tasks to different members of the team. Whilst it is up to you whether you’d like to get your other team members involved, sharing the responsibility can lighten the load and make the process easier for you.

Once you’ve decided and agreed on each individual’s tasks, sit down with them and ensure that they will have enough time to fulfil their responsibilities. Sometimes it can help to have an individual checklist or schedule for each person. The information recorded can then be consolidated into a larger spreadsheet so that everybody is kept in the loop and you can work together as a team to resolve any unforeseen issues.

3. Make Sure Others Know That You’re Relocating

While it may seem obvious, you need to communicate that you’re moving. Take time to identify everyone that needs to be informed of the move and think about how you will notify them. Even if you assume you’ve got everyone covered, you can still end up with unwanted correspondence to your old office address, so make sure you have redirected your mail to save yourself hassle further down the line. Royal Mail offers a redirection service from just £33.99, which is well worth considering. If your business is customer or client-facing, use your email and digital channels to update others. The last thing you want is customers turning up on the doorstep to find that there’s no one there!

4. Take Time to Review Your Commercial Lease Agreement

If you’ve already secured a new office space, chances are you will have spent a lot of time reading through your commercial lease agreement. However, just because you’ve read through all the T&Cs and signed on the dotted line, it doesn’t mean it’s time to abandon the document entirely. Your lease agreement contract is absolutely essential when preparing for your office move. Not only can it help to inform your budget, but it will also make you aware of the key information required when it comes to alterations and planning permission.

5. Decide What Office Equipment You Will Need

There’s a chance that you may already have most of the electrical equipment that you need to take with you. If this is the case, it’s necessary to ensure that all of your equipment is compatible with your new office space. When setting up IT systems, check that there are ample sockets and electrical outlets that are well-positioned and safe to use. If the current setup isn’t working, you can discuss what electrical fittings you require with your office fit-out company.

If you have decided to purchase new equipment for the office, make sure you leave plenty of time for delivery. Delays in delivery can leave you in a sticky situation if you haven’t ordered well in advance.

And don’t forget about the internet …

Another essential component when it comes to office tech is your wi-fi connection. If your new office space doesn’t have superfast broadband, you will need to take steps to arrange an installation with your provider long before your move-in date. Let’s face it, your colleagues won’t be too impressed if they turn up on the first day and can’t get anything done. Many suppliers offer business broadband contracts, so shop around to find a reliable company that offers value for money.

6. Enlist Help with Your Office Furniture & Interior Design

Here comes the fun part! Relocating to a new office is the perfect opportunity to get creative and develop a design that truly represents your brand personality. Your office interior can have a huge impact on employee productivity, well-being and satisfaction, so take time to think about how you’d like to make the most out of your space.

When it comes to the furniture and interiors, we highly recommend enlisting the help of an office interior design company. With the help of an expert office design team, you can ensure that you stick to your budget and timeframe by mitigating any risks during the planning phase. What’s more, interior design experts can help you come up with creative solutions that you might not have thought of if you’d chosen to go alone.

If you have a bold vision for your new office space but aren’t sure how to make it a reality, contact us today for a bespoke consultation. Our specialist team have a wealth of experience creating dream offices for a wide variety of clients. You can check out our testimonials to find out why our clients love working with us.

What Next?

Now that you’ve read through our office relocation checklist, you should feel more confident about the steps you need to take when planning for your office relocation. For more information take a look at our office relocation guide!

Your new office can provide so many opportunities for growth and development, so focus on the end goal and try not to get bogged down in the details. If you need a helping hand, our friendly team is happy to support you with any of your office relocation queries. From office dilapidation to commercial office fit outs, we offer a wide range of services that can benefit your business. Call us on 01275 464 220 to start your office relocation journey today.

Working Healthy Eating Into The Office

Working Healthy Eating Into The Office
Looming deadlines, client meetings, relentless admin – we’ve all been there. When work starts to pile up, it can be tempting to scoff down a sausage roll or microwave a ready meal. Whilst the occasional carb-heavy meal is unlikely to do too much harm, making unhealthy food choices on a regular basis can have a major impact on cognitive performance, leaving employees feeling sluggish and unmotivated.
If you’re planning an office fit out, there are many ways to encourage healthy eating. With the right office design choices, you can inspire employees to go for healthier, more nutritious options that will give them the energy they need to remain productive throughout the course of the day. So, if you want to change your team’s habits and improve concentration, keep on reading.

Create a Space That Prioritises Employee Well-being

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or a tea break, providing a suitable kitchen/dining area is fundamental to the well-being of your staff. If your kitchen area is too cramped or doesn’t have adequate seating, employees will be more inclined to rush mealtimes or, even worse, skip meals entirely, in favour of a cereal bar at their desk.
When designing your kitchen area, ensure there is plenty of room for employees to move around freely so your staff aren’t getting in each other’s way. A clear and clutter-free worktop with a sink and some handy appliances is all that you need.
For the dining space, ensure that there are enough comfortable tables and chairs so that employees can dine together and take time to enjoy their food. Employees will feel rested and revitalised by not rushing before heading back into the office.

Grab-able Healthy Drinks & Snacks

Whilst we have mentioned that it is important for employees to make time for their meals, we do understand that, on busier days, staff might need to grab a quick snack to refuel in between meetings. A fruit bowl in the office is a great way to get your team to eat their five a day. By keeping it replenished regularly, with lots of tasty fresh fruits to choose from, employees will be less likely to reach for a chocolate bar or a packet of crisps.
Along with snacks, it is important to ensure that your staff stay hydrated. Proper hydration will prevent headaches and reduce fatigue so your team can concentrate better. Providing a water cooler or dispenser in the office and kitchen is the perfect solution. Plus, because it won’t cost them anything, staff are more likely to avoid sugary fizzy drinks!
If your staff are big tea drinkers, consider filling some glass storage jars with a range of caffeine-free herbal teas. That way, employees can enjoy a hot beverage and quench their thirst without the dreaded caffeine crash.

Bring The Outside In

In recent times, you may have noticed more and more companies making the most of biophilic design. Adding plants and more natural-looking design elements into your kitchen/dining area can help reduce stress and improve employee well-being. When it comes to mealtimes, eating in an environment that “looks and feels healthy” can have a profound psychological effect.
With the addition of greenery and natural design features, staff will feel more inclined to pick healthier food options. So why not extend your greenery to the walls and ceiling? There are so many ways to incorporate biophilia into your office kitchen, so why not get inspired for your next commercial office fit-out by taking a look at our biophilic design blog?

Healthy Food Art

So, we’ve looked at how kitchen layout and biophilic design can help to promote healthy eating, but why not go one step further and add some healthy food art to the walls? Food art doesn’t need to be boring, there are many artists that create vibrant, contemporary illustrations of fruit bowls and vegetables, which you can use to make a statement and liven up your space.
And you don’t have to stick to a canvas or frame!  
Wall decals are another great way to encourage healthy eating. You might opt for a healthy quote or some simple line illustrations that will inspire your staff to eat well. Think bold, modern graphics showcasing bowls of noodles, lemon slices or salads…

Healthy Team Lunches

Lastly, what better way to encourage healthy eating than by organising a healthy team lunch?

Team lunches help to improve productivity and team bonding whilst encouraging staff members to try new foods and share new recipes. First, get all the team involved by asking them to vote on a cuisine. Once the cuisine has been chosen, ask each team member to prepare a healthy dish of their choice that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Why not make it a regular event? Your healthy team lunch can take place every week, month or quarter, depending on your team’s commitments. By giving your staff members the responsibility of preparing a dish for everyone, they will get into the habit of making healthy meals on a regular basis. If staff are feeling uninspired or unsure of what to make, you could even host workshops where your team can learn how to get creative with no-cook lunch options such as salads or sushi dishes.

What Next?

Now that you’ve read through our handy tips and tricks for working healthy eating in the office, why not find out how we can help you transform your office and kitchen into a space that inspires your employees to make smart food decisions? From interiors to layouts and furniture, we can help you create an office environment that puts employee well-being first so that you can become a fitter and healthier workforce.

Get in touch with us today to find out more.