Why Neurodivergent Office Design Matters in Workplaces

In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, the traditional “one-size-fits-all” office design is being left behind. Instead, more companies are realising the importance of creating workspaces that cater to the diverse needs of their employees. Neurodivergent office design is at the forefront of this shift, focusing on inclusive environments that consider the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals – those with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. As awareness around neurodiversity grows, so does the understanding that office design for neurodivergent employees isn’t just about meeting accessibility standards – it’s a smart business strategy that fosters innovation, productivity, and well-being.

Why Neurodivergent Office Design Matters

Neurodivergent employees often bring unique strengths to the workplace, such as creativity, attention to detail, complex problem-solving skills, and the ability to hyperfocus. However, they can also be more sensitive to environmental factors such as lighting, noise, temperature, and spatial layout. An office environment that doesn’t accommodate these differences can lead to sensory overload, increased stress, and ultimately decreased productivity or even burnout. In some cases, the physical design of the workplace can be so overwhelming that it may cause talented individuals to turn down job offers or leave their positions altogether. In fact, research indicates that 22% of neurodivergent job applicants have declined roles due to unsuitable office environments, and 15% have left jobs for similar reasons​

Given the impact that office design can have on employee well-being and performance, it’s clear that creating neurodivergent-friendly spaces is not just a matter of inclusivity – it’s a business imperative. By investing in neurodivergent office design, companies can unlock the full potential of their workforce and create a more inclusive, dynamic, and productive environment.

Key Elements of Neurodivergent Office Design

So, how can companies design offices that cater to neurodivergent individuals? While there’s no universal solution, a few key principles can guide the creation of more inclusive workspaces:

1. Flexible and Adaptable Spaces: Flexibility is essential in neurodivergent office design. Employees should have access to a variety of spaces that suit different tasks and sensory needs. Quiet areas for focused work, open collaborative spaces, sensory rooms for decompression, and private booths for confidential conversations are all critical components. Offering a mix of workstations, breakout areas, and private nooks allows employees to move between spaces depending on their needs throughout the day.
2. Acoustic Considerations: Noise is one of the most common stressors in the workplace, especially in open-plan offices. For neurodivergent individuals, background noise can be particularly distracting and can significantly impact their ability to focus. Acoustic design solutions, such as sound-absorbing materials, acoustic panels, and carpeting, can help reduce auditory distractions. Creating quiet zones, soundproof meeting rooms, and providing noise-cancelling headphones can further support neurodivergent employees by minimising disruptive sounds.
3. Lighting and Colour: Harsh lighting, particularly fluorescent lights, can be overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals, leading to agitation, anxiety, and eye strain. Incorporating adjustable, warm lighting, and providing access to natural light can help create a more calming environment. The careful selection of colour palettes is equally important; using softer, muted tones can reduce sensory overload and promote focus and relaxation.
4. Biophilic Design and Natural Elements: Introducing elements of nature, known as biophilic design, can enhance mental well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity. Natural materials, plants, and views of nature can help create a soothing environment that benefits all employees, especially those who are neurodivergent. These natural elements can also aid with wayfinding, making it easier for employees to navigate the office and reduce cognitive load​.
5. Personalised Control and Comfort: Neurodivergent individuals often benefit from having control over their environment. Offering adjustable furniture, such as sit-to-stand desks, and providing options for individual temperature control can make a significant difference in comfort and productivity. Personalisation allows employees to tailor their workspace to meet their sensory needs, promoting better focus and reducing anxiety​.

Creating a Competitive Advantage

Investing in neurodivergent office design doesn’t just support inclusivity – it also offers a competitive advantage. Research shows that organisations actively promoting inclusivity see up to 19% more revenue compared to those that do not. Additionally, companies that create supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals can attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market​.

Leading organisations, including Microsoft and EY, have recognised this and are actively designing their offices to support neurodiverse employees, enabling them to thrive.

Furthermore, when neurodivergent employees are given the accommodations they need, they can contribute exceptional skills to the workplace. From creative problem-solving to pattern recognition and out-of-the-box thinking, these individuals often bring unique perspectives that drive innovation. By embracing neurodivergent office design, companies can create a culture of inclusion that empowers all employees to perform at their best.

How to Get Started with Neurodivergent Office Design

Designing for neurodiversity involves thoughtful planning and a commitment to understanding the needs of your employees. The first step is to engage with your team – particularly neurodivergent employees – to gather insights on their needs and preferences. This can be done through surveys, focus groups, or one-on-one discussions. Armed with this knowledge, you can then work with a design expert to create a flexible, adaptable workspace that meets a wide range of sensory and functional needs.

Consider working with an office design team experienced in creating neurodivergent-friendly environments. These professionals can help you implement strategies such as biophilic design, acoustic solutions, and personalised workspaces, ensuring that your office is not only functional but also a place where all employees feel supported and empowered.

Neurodivergent office design is more than just a trend – it’s a necessary evolution in how we think about workplace inclusivity. By creating environments that cater to the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals, companies can unlock the full potential of their workforce, fostering a culture of innovation, well-being, and success. Designing for neurodiversity is not only the right thing to do – it’s also a strategic investment that can lead to better employee engagement, retention, and overall business performance.

For more insights and guidance on how to implement neurodivergent office design in your workspace, explore McFeggan Brown’s full range of services, tailored to creating inclusive, productive work environments that allow everyone to thrive.

If you have a project idea you’d like to discuss in more detail, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Incorporating Wellness Rooms in Office Design

In the modern workplace, the concept of “office wellness” has evolved from a nice-to-have perk into a core component of office design strategy. Companies are increasingly recognising that employee well-being directly impacts productivity, job satisfaction, and retention. A significant trend within this movement is the inclusion of wellness rooms in office design – dedicated spaces that offer employees a respite from their workday and contribute to an overall healthier office environment.

The Role of Wellness Rooms in Promoting Office Wellness

The idea behind an “office wellness room” is simple: provide employees with a space where they can recharge, decompress, and tend to their mental and physical well-being. Office wellness is more than just ergonomic chairs and standing desks; it’s about creating an environment that promotes holistic health. A wellness room can play a pivotal role in this, offering a quiet place for activities like meditation, light stretching, or even just a moment of solitude.

Stress and burnout have become common in many workplaces, leading to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism. By incorporating wellness rooms into office design, companies can proactively address these issues. Wellness rooms provide a dedicated area where employees can take a break from the hectic pace of work, which can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.

Designing an Office Wellness Room That Works

Creating an effective office wellness room involves more than just setting aside space. The design of the room must align with the overall goal of promoting office wellness and improving employee well-being. Below are some key design elements to consider when planning an office wellness room:

• Privacy and Tranquillity: To foster a sense of calm and retreat, privacy is essential. A wellness room should be located in a quiet part of the office, away from high-traffic areas. Using soundproofing materials and soft, calming colours can create a peaceful atmosphere where employees can relax without distractions.
• Multi-functional Use: An effective office wellness room should cater to a variety of needs. Whether employees are looking for a space to meditate, a quiet spot to read, or even a place for a quick nap, the room should be versatile. Flexible furniture, such as modular seating or convertible desks, can make the room adaptable for various purposes.
• Incorporating Nature: Biophilic design – a design that incorporates natural elements can greatly enhance the wellness benefits of the room. Including plants, access to natural light, and nature-inspired decor can make the space feel more serene and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function, making it a valuable component of any office wellness room.
• Comfortable Furnishings: The furniture in an office wellness room should be comfortable and inviting. Consider soft seating, floor cushions, and other furnishings that encourage relaxation. The goal is to create a space where employees can unwind and feel at ease.

Office Wellness Room Essentials

When it comes to office wellness, the details matter. Beyond design elements, the amenities within the wellness room can make a significant difference in how employees use the space. Some essentials to consider include:

• Meditation Tools: Consider providing meditation mats, cushions, or even a small selection of guided meditation recordings. These can help employees practise mindfulness during their breaks.
• Relaxation Accessories: Soothing music, aromatherapy diffusers, and soft lighting can contribute to a calming environment. These small touches can enhance the overall ambience of the wellness room, making it a true sanctuary.
• Fitness Equipment: For employees who prefer more active relaxation, light fitness equipment like yoga mats, resistance bands, or foam rollers can provide a way to stretch and unwind.

The Benefits of Wellness Rooms for Office Wellness

The inclusion of a wellness room in your office design can yield numerous benefits for both employees and employers. Employees who feel their well-being is valued are more likely to be engaged and satisfied with their jobs. A wellness room signals to employees that their mental and physical health matters, which can lead to increased morale and a more positive office culture.

From an employer’s perspective, the benefits of prioritising office wellness are clear. Healthier employees mean reduced absenteeism and fewer healthcare concerns. Furthermore, wellness rooms can contribute to a more productive workforce. Studies have shown that taking short breaks throughout the day can improve focus and creativity, leading to better overall performance.

Practical Considerations for Incorporating a Wellness Room

Integrating a wellness room into your office design requires careful planning. Space is often at a premium in offices, so it’s important to make the most of every square foot. Here are some practical tips for adding a wellness room without compromising the rest of the office layout:

• Space Optimisation: Look for underutilised areas within your office that could be repurposed as a wellness room. Even a small, well-designed space can have a big impact on office wellness.
• Flexibility: As your company grows, so will the needs of your employees. Designing the wellness room with flexibility in mind will allow it to evolve as those needs change. Modular furniture, movable partitions, and adaptable decor can help ensure the space remains functional and relevant over time.
• Location Matters: The wellness room should be easily accessible to all employees but still offer the privacy necessary for relaxation. Avoid placing it too close to noisy areas like kitchens or conference rooms.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Better Office Wellness

Incorporating a wellness room into your office design is a tangible step toward promoting office wellness. By providing employees with a dedicated space to focus on their well-being, you not only contribute to their health but also create a more positive, productive workplace. Office wellness is about more than just physical health; it’s about fostering an environment where employees can thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically.

At McFeggan Brown, we specialise in designing office spaces that prioritise both functionality and well-being. Whether you’re looking to incorporate an office wellness room or undergo a complete office fit-out, our team is here to help you create a space that supports your employees and enhances your business. Get in touch with us to further discuss how we can be of assistance.

Office Furniture for Productivity & Comfort

In today’s fast-paced work environment, productivity and comfort are essential to success. The design of your office, particularly the office furniture you choose, plays a significant role in creating a space that fosters efficiency and well-being. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect office furniture that balances both productivity and comfort? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions.

1. Ergonomics: Prioritising Health and Comfort

One of the most critical factors in selecting office furniture is ergonomics. Ergonomic office furniture is designed to support the body and reduce strain, which is particularly important during long hours of work. Chairs, for example, should offer adjustable height, lumbar support, and armrests to maintain proper posture. Desks should be at a height that allows for comfortable typing and writing without causing shoulder or neck strain.

Investing in ergonomic office furniture not only improves comfort but also reduces the risk of workplace-related injuries such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye strain. In turn, this leads to fewer sick days and a more productive work environment.

2. Functionality and Flexibility

Your office furniture should cater to the specific needs of your tasks. For instance, if your work involves a lot of paperwork, you’ll need a desk with ample surface space and storage solutions. If you’re working with digital devices, consider a desk with cable management options to keep your workspace tidy.

Flexibility is also key. Consider modular office furniture that can be easily reconfigured to suit different tasks or accommodate team changes. Height-adjustable desks, for example, allow employees to switch between sitting and standing, promoting movement throughout the day and enhancing overall well-being.

3. Aesthetic Appeal: Boosting Morale and Productivity

The aesthetic appeal of your office furniture contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere of your workspace. A well-designed office with visually appealing furniture can boost morale, making employees feel more comfortable and motivated.

Consider the colour scheme, materials, and design style when choosing furniture. Natural materials like wood can create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while sleek, modern designs can give your office a contemporary feel. Aligning your office furniture with your company’s brand identity can also reinforce your corporate culture and values.

4. Durability: Long-term Investment

Office furniture is a significant investment, so durability should be a top consideration. High-quality office furniture may come with a higher upfront cost, but it will last longer and withstand the wear and tear of daily use. This not only saves money in the long run but also reduces the environmental impact of frequently replacing furniture.

When assessing durability, consider the materials used and the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Furniture made from solid wood or metal frames tends to be more durable than those made from cheaper materials like particleboard.

5. Space Optimisation: Maximising Your Workspace

Effective space utilisation is crucial, especially in smaller offices. Choose office furniture that fits the dimensions of your workspace without crowding the area. Consider multi-functional furniture, such as desks with built-in storage or foldable tables, to make the most of your available space.

Plan your office layout carefully to ensure a good flow of movement and to create distinct zones for different activities, such as collaborative work, private meetings, and individual tasks. Well-planned space not only enhances productivity but also creates a more comfortable and organised work environment.

6. Environmental Considerations: Sustainable Choices

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in office design. Consider choosing office furniture made from eco-friendly materials or from manufacturers that practice sustainable production methods. Recycled or upcycled furniture options are also available and can add a unique touch to your office while reducing your carbon footprint.

Sustainable office furniture not only reflects your company’s commitment to the environment but can also resonate with employees and clients who value eco-conscious practices.

7. Cost vs. Value: Making Smart Financial Decisions

While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest office furniture option, it’s important to consider the value it offers. Cheap office furniture may save you money upfront, but it could cost more in the long run due to poor durability, lack of comfort, or decreased productivity.

Instead, focus on the overall value of the furniture, including factors like comfort, durability, and how well it meets the needs of your employees. Sometimes, investing a little more upfront can lead to significant savings and better outcomes over time.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect office furniture is a crucial step in creating a productive and comfortable work environment. By prioritising ergonomics, functionality, aesthetic appeal, durability, space optimisation, sustainability, and value, you can create an office space that not only looks great but also enhances the well-being and productivity of your team.

Remember, your office furniture is more than just a place to sit or work; it’s an integral part of your work culture and environment. Take the time to choose wisely, and you’ll see the benefits reflected in your team’s performance and satisfaction.

Ready to transform your workspace? McFeggan Brown specialises in creating tailored office environments that boost productivity and comfort. Whether you’re setting up a new office or refurbishing an existing one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover how we can help you create the perfect office space.

Redefining Workspaces: Key Features of Smart Offices

Imagine an office that adjusts to your needs, enhances productivity, and promotes well-being. With the rapid evolution of the modern workplace, Smart Offices are the current hot topic. A Smart Office integrates office technology to create a more productive, efficient, and enjoyable workspace. 

At McFeggan Brown, we know how important it is to be at the forefront of these changes, so here is a guide discussing the key features that make a Smart Office.

Revolutionised Collaboration 

Every company knows the importance of collaboration when harbouring a productive workplace, and Smart Offices can help with this. A Smart Office will come equipped with tools to enhance collaboration, such as video meeting systems, interactive whiteboards, and cloud-based project management software. Our services include these advanced solutions, which are essential at a time when remote working has become a make-or-break. Such tools allow for better communication and collaboration, regardless of whether you are in the office or a different country.

Smart Desks

A Smart desk, funnily enough, goes hand in hand with a Smart Office. The ergonomics and adjustability of Smart desks make them the perfect piece of office furniture for modern office environments. These desks can adjust height automatically, remember individual user preferences and even remind employees to take breaks throughout the day. Being able to adjust a desk you will be sitting at all day to your exact needs massively helps reduce strain and improve overall well-being.

Advanced Lighting Systems

Smart Office technology includes Smart lighting systems, which are integral to your overall office design. These lighting systems can automatically adjust lighting based on natural light levels with the use of sensors. Working in incorrect lighting can unknowingly cause eye strain and headaches. As discussed in our blog about the best office lighting solutions, having a system that can dim or brighten lights as needed throughout the day can prevent those problems and create an optimal working environment that does not require frequent adjustments.

Customisable Climate Control

Some employees like a cool breeze, while others prefer a warmer embrace at their desks. Smart offices can cater to both needs without starting a climate war. One of the benefits of a smart office fit-out is the advanced climate control systems, which allow users to personalise temperature zones. Employees can use smartphone apps or control panels to adjust their specific area, ensuring better comfort and productivity. No more shouting across the room to turn up the heating! 

Eco-Friendly Energy Solutions

With sustainability being a key focal point for many businesses, Smart Offices can help reach those go-green goals. Designed with energy efficiency in mind, Smart Offices are equipped with energy-saving devices and systems that help minimise energy consumption. These systems can automatically power down unused equipment, efficiently use natural light and adjust heating and cooling based on who is in the office. Having a more automated office approach reduces energy consumption and means you don’t have to remember to flick the light switch off. 

IoT Integration

The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a key role when it comes to Smart offices. It allows the interconnection of devices such as coffee machines, Smart printers and meeting room booking systems, resulting in smooth operations. Some examples of this are Smart printers notifying users of paper jams or low ink levels before they become issues or Smart coffee machines ensuring your favourite brew is just how you like and ready as you need it. Having small, automated integrations such as those begin to make an office Smart.

Versatile Work Environments

Flexible working and workspaces have become more prominent within the office environment. With traditional fixed desk arrangements pushed aside, Smart Offices accommodate different working styles with quiet zones, collaborative space and hot-desking options. This flexibility gives employees the choice of an environment that best suits their needs and tasks, helping boost productivity and comfort.

Enhanced Security Measures

With all the technology and gadgets in Smart Offices, security measures are more necessary than ever. Smart Offices have advanced security systems to keep employees and their belongings safe. Things such as fingerprint scanners, facial recognition and Smart ID cards ensure only authorised employees can access certain areas. These systems can also track who enters and exits, providing more detailed security logs.

Prioritising Employee Wellness

Employee wellness should be at the forefront of every company’s mind, and Smart Offices help ensure that. Features like standing desks, air quality monitors and wellness apps help produce a healthier and happier workplace. Some Smart Offices go a step further by including options such as wellness rooms equipped with relaxation tools and fitness equipment to promote a strong mind and body.

Conclusion 

Smart offices represent the future of workspaces in this ever-changing business environment. By harnessing the power and benefits of Smart Office technology, companies can create spaces that are both efficient and productive. Spaces able to adapt to the needs of their employees. When executed correctly, smart offices can aid the business to grow from within, ensuring employees can thrive in a workspace tailored to them.

At McFeggan Brown, we’re dedicated to helping you design and implement Smart Office solutions that keep your business ahead of the curve.

Ready to transform your office into a Smart workspace? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your vision.

Unleashing Your Brand’s Potential Through Office Fit-Outs

Your brand is more than just a logo and a tagline. It’s the essence of your company, the story you tell, and the experience you create. But how often does your office space truly reflect that brand?

At McFeggan Brown, we believe that your office fit-out is a powerful tool for office branding. It’s not just about creating a functional workspace; it’s about crafting an environment that embodies your brand identity and unleashes its full potential.

Why Office Branding Matters

Think about it: your office is where your team spends a significant amount of time. It’s also the first impression you make on clients and potential hires. A well-branded office can:

• Boost employee morale and engagement: When employees feel their workspace reflects the company’s values and mission, they feel a stronger sense of belonging and purpose.
• Attract top talent: A modern, inspiring office space can be a major differentiator in today’s competitive job market and great for employee attraction.
• Impress clients and partners: A branded office conveys professionalism, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.

Unleashing Potential Through Office Design

So, how do you translate your brand into a tangible office environment? Here’s where our expertise comes in:

• Visual Storytelling: We’ll work with you to understand your brand’s core message and translate it into visual elements throughout your office design. This could include using your brand colours, incorporating your logo in creative ways, or showcasing your company story through murals or artwork.
• Space Planning with Purpose: The layout of your office should reflect your company culture. Open floor plans can foster collaboration, while designated quiet areas can promote focus. We’ll design a space that optimises workflow and reflects your brand’s personality.
• Branded Touches: From custom office furniture to company merch displayed strategically, every detail can contribute to your office branding.

Beyond Aesthetics: Functionality Matters

A branded office isn’t just about looks; it needs to be functional and support your team’s needs. We’ll ensure your office fit-out provides:

• Ergonomic workstations: Happy and healthy employees are productive employees.
• Meeting spaces that inspire: Design spaces that cater to different meeting styles, from brainstorming sessions to formal presentations.
• Breakout areas that energise: Create comfortable break-out spaces and meeting pods, for relaxation and team building.

Ready to Unleash Your Brand’s Potential?

Your office branding is an investment in your company’s future. By partnering with McFeggan Brown for your office fit-out, you can create a space that not only reflects your brand but also fuels your team’s success.

Contact us today for a consultation and let’s discuss how we can help you turn your office into a powerful branding tool.

5 Ways to Elevate Your Space with Office Wall Art

Office wall art is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your workspace and add a touch of character. When paired with elegant office furniture and carefully placed lighting, it helps to create a vibrant and cheerful environment that fosters creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. 

Whether you prefer bold abstract prints, calming landscapes, or motivational quotes, office art offers endless possibilities to personalise your space and express your unique style.

Why Should You Invest in Wall Art for Your Office?

Planning an office fit out or want to enhance your existing space? Wall art can help to tie your design scheme together and create a cohesive look that reflects your brand’s identity and values. By showing off your personality, you can create a fun and inspiring space for staff while leaving a lasting impression on visiting clients.

So, how can you make the most out of your office artwork?

Here are 5 office wall art ideas that will transform your space:

1. Add an Abstract Canvas to Modernise Your Workplace

If an office refurbishment is on the cards, abstract art is a great way to complement a contemporary design scheme.

Pioneered by artists like Kandinsky and Mondrian, abstract expressionism emerged in the early 20th century, placing emphasis on the emotional impact of shapes, colours, lines, and textures.

To pick the best abstract art for your space, consider the lines of your desks, the curvature of your chairs, and the shapes of your light fittings. By opting for large geometric shapes or free-flowing line work, you can mimic shapes from your furniture to create a multi-dimensional space that feels both unified and expressive.

2. Be Bold with Branded Decals

Branded decals are a simple yet effective way to reinforce your brand identity and create a sense of belonging among employees.

These versatile vinyl stickers can be applied to walls, windows, doors, or even furniture, adding a touch of personality and professionalism to your office.

Decals can feature your company logo, slogan, or even your mission statement, serving as a constant reminder of your company’s values and goals. They can also be used to create visually appealing patterns or designs that complement your overall aesthetic. 

Consider using a series of decals to create a dynamic and engaging wall mural. Or, apply them to glass partitions to create privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through.

3. Enjoy the Versatility of Picture-Perfect Prints

If you’ve not quite got the budget for an original Monet or Rembrandt, prints are the perfect alternative!

Prints are an affordable and versatile way to bring museum-quality art into your workspace. With a vast array of styles, subjects, and sizes available, you can easily find designs that align with your brand’s aesthetic and resonate with your employees and clients.

From classic masterpieces to contemporary photography, there are endless possibilities. Create a gallery wall showcasing a curated collection of prints, or make a bold statement with a single large-scale piece.

4. Add Motivational Wall Art to Uplift Your Employees

According to data published by TeamStage, motivated staff are almost 90% less likely to leave a job. So, if you want to retain your staff, motivational messaging is a must-have!

Motivational wall art can take many forms, from inspirational quotes and uplifting imagery to scenes depicting teamwork and success. By strategically placing motivational art throughout your office, you can send a positive message to your employees and help them stay focused and inspired throughout the workday.

Consider placing prints in common areas like break rooms or hallways, where they can be seen and appreciated by everyone. 

You can also add motivational artwork to individual workstations or meeting rooms to create a more personalised and uplifting feel.

4. Use Biophilic Elements to Create a Feature Wall

If you’ve been following us for a while now, you’ll know that we’re big fans of office plants. 

But why limit your office greenery to a few plant pots, when you can go all out and create a stunning feature wall with biophilic elements?

A biophilic feature wall can be a show-stopping focal point that instantly transforms your workspace into a calm and inspiring oasis. Go for a low-maintenance artificial plant selection, or opt for pre-grown panels or pocket systems, which are designed to house real plants.

Ready to Transform Your Tired Workspace? 

If you’re looking to inject some personality into your place of work but aren’t sure where to start, get in touch with our design experts. We’ll work with you to design a brand-centred office space that reflects your company values and empowers staff to reach their full potential. 

Head over to our homepage to find out more about why we’re Southwest’s trusted choice for office fit outs and interior design. 

Gen Z in the Workplace: Designing Offices to Attract Fresh Talent

Despite what you might assume, designing for Gen Z in the workplace isn’t all about TikTok backdrops and fridges fully stocked with Prime. (Although these things might earn you a few extra brownie points.)

When compared with previous generations, Gen Z are more eco-conscious, more tech-savvy, and far more value-driven. So, if you want to attract fresh talent, your office design needs to reflect this. 

Whether you’re opting for a full office fit out or simply want to give your space a “glow up”, these helpful tips will help you to snag the Gen Z seal of approval!

What We Know About Gen Z at Work

Predicted to make up over a quarter of the workforce by 2025, Gen Z is the first generation to have grown up entirely in the digital age. Born between the mid-to-late 90s and the early 2010s, they’ve only known a world with the internet, smartphones, and social media. This unique upbringing has shaped their values, expectations, and preferences — both in their personal lives and the workplace.

So, how can we accommodate Gen Z employees?

Office Designs Need to Be Flexible

Gen Z values flexibility and autonomy in their work. Instead of being confined to a traditional desk setup, they want the option to choose where and how they work.

To support hybrid working and the frequency of video calls, it’s vital to provide spaces that are quiet, well-equipped and zoned off from the main working area. This might include office meeting pods or booths for private calls, designated zones for focused work, and open collaborative areas equipped with large screens for group projects and presentations.

Gen Z Workers Want a Sustainable Workplace

Having grown up amidst the escalating climate crisis, Gen Z employees are passionate about tackling environmental issues, and you should be too! 

If you want to create a more sustainable workplace, it’s helpful to plan your office refurbishment around eco-friendly design features. You could opt for reclaimed or recycled materials, incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting, or install smart thermostats to save energy. These elements will not only reduce your company’s carbon footprint, but they’ll also resonate with the values of Gen Z staff, making your workplace a more attractive destination for top talent who care about the planet.

They Want an Inclusive Workplace

In a recent study, 76% of Gen Z reported that diversity and inclusion is important to them. With more conversations being had around workplace accessibility and neurodiversity, our workplaces need to reflect these evolving priorities and cater to a broader range of needs and preferences. 

To create a more inclusive environment for your staff, consider adding adjustable lighting to cater to different light sensitivities, ergonomic seating to promote physical comfort, and office acoustic solutions to reduce unwanted noise and distractions.

Office Spaces Need to Be Tech-Friendly 

Having grown up with technology, Gen Z expects a workplace that seamlessly integrates technology into their daily tasks. So, ensure your office has fast and reliable Wi-Fi, easy access to charging stations, and spaces that are conducive to virtual collaboration. 

If you want to go one step further, consider incorporating smart technology like occupancy sensors for lighting and temperature control, wireless presentation systems, or interactive whiteboards. These innovative solutions will elevate your workspace to the next level and impress even the most tech-savvy Gen Zer.

Wellbeing is a Top Priority

Well-being should never be overlooked!

Gen Z workers place a high value on their physical and mental well-being, so incorporating elements to promote wellness is key. Think of plenty of natural light, plants, ergonomic office furniture, and designated relaxation areas. 

You could also offer healthy snacks or fitness classes to add some fun to the workplace while boosting morale and fostering a sense of community.

Need to attract more Gen Z talent?

If you’re eager to create a brand new office space that will attract top Gen Z talent, we’d love to help! As office design and fit out experts, we’ve helped countless businesses to transform their workspaces into vibrant hubs of creativity and collaboration, perfectly tailored to the needs and preferences of the modern workforce. 

We understand the unique expectations of your staff and will work closely with you to design a space that not only meets these expectations but exceeds them. Contact us today to get started!

Green Office: Creating A Sustainable Office Environment

Sustainable office design is a crucial discussion that every business must have. We often hear talk about what we can do to minimise our impact on the environment at home – recycling, switching to energy-efficient bulbs, insulating our homes, driving less and so on, but we don’t often hear about what we can do to reduce our environmental impact at work. 

Let’s take a look at some sustainable office ideas for those looking for sustainable office fit out.

Why Should An Office Go Green?

Sustainable office designs have been a hot topic for a few years now. With global warming, pollution, and not to mention the huge impact that the many well-known corporate giants are having on the planet, it is no surprise, according to Weston Williams news, that sustainable office refurbishments are increasing in demand to attract and retain employees and customers.

So, as you now know, sustainable office designs are something that every business should be looking at if they are to keep up with the times. Workspace design is a great place to start and there are many ways to incorporate natural elements and recyclable products into your green office. 

Sustainable Office Lighting 

Reduce your energy output by installing energy-efficient office lighting. Make sure the lights are switched off whenever the office isn’t in use and take advantage of natural light from windows during the day. Don’t forget, these changes will also reduce your energy bills so it’s a win-win!

Incorporate Plants Into Your Green Office Design 

Not only does incorporating greenery into your office design create a positive and welcoming environment for your clients and staff, it also removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and generates oxygen which has a positive effect on employee mental health. 

Sustainable Office Furniture & Equipment

Sustainable office furniture is another great way to start your sustainable office journey. When buying new office furniture, consider low-maintenance furnishings and purchase eco-conscious products made with recycled materials. Wherever possible, opt for multi-functional equipment so there is less plastic to dispose of and replace when it breaks.  

Incorporating ergonomic office furniture into your workspace not only enhances employee comfort and productivity but also contributes to a sustainable office design as ergonomic chairs, desks, and accessories promote proper posture, reducing the risk of injuries and absenteeism.

Reduce & Recycle

One of the fundamental ways to achieve a green office is to make sure your office has enough recycling bins. Your recycling bins should be easily accessible and clearly labelled – the more visible they are, the more obliged your employees will be to use them. We also recommend placing them next to any rubbish bins you have to give your staff the option to recycle every time they head over to the bin to throw something away. 

Paper is essential for many businesses, but overusing and wasting paper is damaging to the planet. Encourage your team to print less and digitise as many documents as possible – this way they can be shared by email or accessed online.

For those documents that just can’t be made paperless, switch to using recycled paper and recycle your own paper too.

Discuss Ideas With Your Team

Put your heads together and develop ideas as a team. Not only will this help your business on its journey towards becoming more of a sustainable office, but it’ll also act as a team-building activity as you work together to generate a plan.

Think Outside The Box

There are more ways to encourage sustainability in the workplace than you think. You could offer branded reusable water bottles to deter staff from purchasing plastic bottles or stock the stationery cupboard with reusable pens.

You may wish to encourage your employees to lead an environmentally-friendly lifestyle outside of the office too. For example, you could install a bike shed and inspire your employees to cycle to work, instead of commuting by the bus or train.

Achieve A Green Office With McFeggan

If you’re looking to refurbish your office workspace and become more sustainable, please get in touch and organise a consultation with one of our experts today.

If you enjoyed this blog, you might be interested in some of our other blogs – 8 office design trends for 2024 and Why Your Office Interior Matters.

5 Benefits Of Having A Great Office Kitchen

Integrating a kitchen space into your office design may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re looking to refurbish or fit out a workspace. However, having an office kitchen can help reinforce those work-life balances and can become an addition that provides more than just a place to make a cup of tea. Having a quality kitchen in your workspace really can make all the difference. Here are some of the top benefits of including a kitchen in your next office fit out.

1. A Break From Screens

When was the last time you took a break from looking at a screen, albeit a computer or smartphone? The HSE’s official advice is that you should take breaks from looking at screens regularly. It’s suggested that short but frequent breaks are more beneficial than longer, infrequent breaks.

The 20-20-20 rule presents the idea that for every 20 minutes you spend looking at a screen, you should then spend 20 seconds looking at something that is 20 feet away to reduce strain on your eyes.

An office kitchen gives employees a chance to take time away from their desks and the more appealing that space is, the more likely they are to follow this guidance and ultimately protect themselves against screen-related health headaches or strain. Something as simple as getting a glass of water can give employees that all-important rest bite from screens.

2. Space To Relax

Much like having a break from screen time, it can be beneficial to dedicate a few moments during the day to relax at work. It can be easy to slip into bad habits and work long hours with little thought outside of the task you’re focusing on. Taking the time to rest every now and then can improve your productivity in the long run.

Research has shown that the most productive people are those that work for approximately 50 minutes and then take breaks up to 15-20 minutes long.

By taking the time to relax in a separate room or space, you allow yourself to explore other thoughts and you may even suddenly see new solutions to problems. Coming back into your workspace after some downtime may even help you see things from a fresh perspective. At McFeggan Brown we are experts at creating break-out spaces that are perfect for relaxing in while working seamlessly with kitchen spaces and appliances. Take a look at our case studies to see our stunning break-out designs.

3. Social space

A vital part of building a strong office culture within teams is achieved through socialising and strengthening professional relationships.

One huge benefit of having kitchen space is using it as the heart of your office. Here you can bond over a boiling kettle or some homemade treats. Having this safe space to chat casually and get to know your colleagues can reinforce the feeling of belonging within your company and help people feel valued.

4. Healthy Eating

This may be an obvious benefit, but having an office kitchen can help with eating and drinking well.

Having a place to store healthy snacks and lunches can discourage those trips to coffee shops and encourage more nutritious options. It’s also just as important to remember to stay hydrated! We can source the perfect appliances to encourage employees to drink plenty of water.

A dedicated section to eat and drink is also much more hygienic than eating lunch at your desk!

5. Multi-functional

If you’re unsure whether you will benefit from an office kitchen, think of it from a different point of view. Not only do you gain a space to eat, socialise and relax, but you also gain a space that is multi-functional and can meet other needs as they arise. For example, kitchen space can be a great place to hold an impromptu meeting if other meeting spaces are unavailable. They’re both clean and comfortable.

If you’re considering adding kitchen space to your office, we can help create options that work for your needs and budget. Get in touch with us today!

The Ultimate Guide To Moving Offices

If your business has outgrown its current premises and you need the additional space to work effectively, you may have considered moving offices – this can be a great way to achieve a more functional work space that encourages staff collaboration and communication.

Be aware! Office relocation is a major project that requires careful planning and consideration.

There are many independent factors to consider and several boxes to tick off, but don’t worry. Like all processes, office relocation can be broken down into a series of small, manageable tasks that will ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

So, here’s our ultimate relocation checklist to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Office Relocation Checklist

1. Identify your project team

Before planning an office relocation, you should decide which members of your team will be involved in the project and assign clear roles and responsibilities for the office move.

2. Engage your staff and key stakeholders

Ensure any changes directly affecting your staff are discussed with them as soon as possible (Information & Consultation of Employees Regulations, 2004).

And don’t forget to consult with relevant regulators, board members and employee unions on your plan to move offices.

3. Find a suitable office location

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to choosing a suitable office location, so it’s important to establish what your business needs and priorities are.
Some common location priorities are:

• Good public transportation links
• Local amenities
• Parking
• Access to major roadways
• Access to airports

You should always analyse your new office location and make sure that you understand its IT capabilities and facilities.

The most important facilities that your office will need are:

• Wifi
• Printing
• 24/7 access
• Remote access
• Meeting rooms
• Breakout space

4. Establish a relocation budget

We recommend that your business identifies all of the tasks that need to be completed for your office move, no matter how small they are. This will help you to determine the real financial impact of your relocation.

If you’re working with a reputable supplier they will provide full cost estimates for each project element as well as considering the less obvious moving costs:

• Building insurance
• Legal fees
• Office design and fit out costs
• Dilapidation costs on your existing property

Why not check out Hubble’s office budget calculator to get an estimate of how much you should be spending on your next office?

5. Address your telecommunications systems

Telecom offerings are constantly evolving so we recommend shopping around for the right phone system and service contract when moving offices.

Key questions to consider:

• Are you going to embrace new technology and cloud solutions?
• Have you established your required phone line capacity?
• Do you plan on switching providers?
• What are you going to do with your existing phone numbers?

6. Get organised

Moving offices can be a complicated experience but you can minimise the disruptions to your business by:

• Creating an inventory of all your assets and resources
• Carefully labelling all packed boxes

And if you’re choosing to downsize your office to a smaller space, you might also consider:

• Getting rid of your old, bulky office furniture in preparation for new streamlined pieces.
• Decluttering that all important stationary cupboard – only keep the items your business actually needs.

Complete these steps on our office moving checklist and you’ll successfully move offices without a hiccup.

A Successful Office Move

From boosting staff morale to reducing operating costs, moving offices can have a hugely positive impact on your business.

So, if you need a refresh to your current working space, get in touch with our team of office relocation experts today.

Our unique design will reflect and express your organisation’s brand and make all the right impressions, where they count the most.

Plus, we’ll handle all of the moving parts and keep things running on track. Not only that but we can help you to expertly design your new office and take care of office dilapidation requirements.

Office Fit Outs – FAQs

Undergoing a workspace refurbishment, office relocation or an office fit out can be an exciting prospect, after all, who doesn’t love working in a fresh and modern office? But knowing where to start can be daunting too, so it’s natural to have a lot of questions and queries that need answering before you make your final decision. That’s why we’ve put all of the questions we are most commonly asked by our clients into one handy blog.

Do I need planning permission for an office fit out?

Planning permission is not usually required for an interior office fit out, however if you are thinking of making any major changes, particularly structural alterations, you will probably need to obtain building regulations approval and permission from your landlord if you are renting your workspace.

When a commercial property lease comes to an end, most leases require you to return the premises to the landlord in its original condition in order to retain your deposit. This is called an office dilapidation, something you can find out more about in our recent office dilapidation blog.

How long will my office fit out take?

Timescales differ depending on the size of your project and whether there are any complications involved. Before the works commence we always agree timings and deadlines with our clients and our projects are carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to yourself and your employees.

We are proud of our track record for delivering projects on time and to budget, however, if there is a need for a change in timescales, our continuous communication throughout each project ensures our clients are always up to date and satisfied with our service.

Will I need to manage the project myself?

Great news! There is no need for you to worry about managing your office refurbishment or fit out yourself.McFeggan Brown is made up of an experienced team of designers, consultants, coordinators and project managers that’ll deal with every detail on your behalf.

You can find out more about the team who will be in charge of your next workspace project here.

Is it possible to finance an office fit out?

Financing your office fit out can give your organisation the opportunity to expand and improve its workspace without having to pay the full cost upfront.

At McFeggan Brown, many of our clients make use of our leasing service, allowing you to spread the cost of your project over a period of time.

Will my office need a fresh air supply?

In one word, yes. A fresh air supply is a must for building regulations. Every workspace requires an adequate supply of outside air to dilute pollutants that are released by equipment, building materials, furnishings, products and of course office employees.

Our experienced designers and technicians will incorporate a suitable ventilation and airflow system, suitable for your office needs and in keeping with building regulation requirements.

What is a Cat A fit out?

A Cat A office fit out will provide a basic level of finish above that provided in a shell and core. This may include raised floors, suspended ceilings and internal surfaces, along with basic mechanical and electrical services. While Cat A spaces will have a floor and walls, they’ll be quite basic and often finished to an industrial standard.

What is a Cat B fit out?

A Cat B office fit out provides you with a workplace that’s ready to move into. During your Cat B fit out, this is where you design your floor plan, finish and ultimately design your office.

Your Cat B fit out will cover everything from interior partitions to ceiling design, staircase installation and choosing your furniture if needed. You’ll also choose the final finish for the floors, walls and doors to reflect your corporate culture and branding. Cat B fit outs also cover the planning and installation of your new IT infrastructure – from power outlets and height-adjustable desks, to connected meeting rooms.

It can be an exciting and transformational time for your business.

What are the key benefits of a fit out?

There are many benefits of an office fit out, from improving employee wellbeing and boosting productivity to making a great impression to current and potential clients.

Investing in your workspace demonstrates your commitment to your team and staff members are much more likely to work hard for a business that tends to their wellbeing.

If you’re relocating to new offices, or would like to refresh your current working space, please get in touch and organise a consultation with one of our experts to further explore the interior design and social distancing solutions available to you.

What Makes A Good Office Fit-Out?

Whether you’re aiming to enhance team-working, realign your interior with your company culture or simply refresh an old layout, an office fit-out is a worthwhile investment for the new year. There are plenty of advantages on offer, but what makes a good office fit-out and how do you ensure yours is up to par?

What’s the formula behind a good office fit-out?

At McFeggan Brown, we know that in order to create an office space that works for you, it’s vital for us to understand your objectives. If you’re looking for a workspace that can support hybrid working with an active social space, or you’d prefer a quiet haven to concentrate, it’s vital information for us to know. The real purpose of your office is the key to identifying the formula for your perfect office fit-out.

As part of our consultation, we prioritise speaking to staff and key members of your company to discover the true requirements and create interiors to support those needs. After all, having a beautiful workspace that you enjoy being in, that also makes your work-life easier, is the essence of a good office fit-out.

What should you avoid?

You might start your office project with a clear idea of what you want based on another office you’ve seen, but it’s important to note that despite inspiration being welcomed, what works for other companies may not work for you.

Part of our process involves testing out features and layouts and evaluating whether they are best for you. Picking an entirely new layout or style without testing it first is something you should avoid. We ensure your new space works for you with rigorous testing through 3D renders and walkthroughs so you can experience your new office before any work is started. Once you’ve committed to a layout and you realise it isn’t working for you, it can be very difficult to reverse it without significant cost and disruption.

Following the latest trends is another thing we encourage you to be mindful about. There are a number of interior design trends that last the test of time and can still look great in years to come. However, there are also many trends that do not age as well. Ensuring whatever you choose, trend or not will work for you in the future just as well as it does now is something we advise. Picking anything for your office that has not been thoughtfully considered is definitely something to avoid.

It’s important to understand the type of office fit-out you desire to avoid any disappointment. We’ve broken down the difference between Cat A and Cat B fit-outs so you can choose what works best for you. There are also plenty of frequently asked questions we come across, so we’ve also included the questions and their answers on our FAQ’s page to help you on your journey.

How do you ensure your fit-out is successful?

Ultimately, a good office fit-out is only successful if it enhances your workspace and supports your company. There’s a plethora of research that shows how workspace design directly affects the productivity and wellbeing of your employees, which is a measurable way to assess how good your workspace is. Are your employees happy? Do they feel invigorated by their workspace? Has your office fit-out met the goals and expectations you set out to meet?

At McFeggan Brown, we believe a good office-fit out is achieved when our clients are excited to return to work each day because of how their environment makes them feel. There are a number of ways a fit-out can be defined as ‘good’ but for us, it’s all about creating an office that is enjoyable to be in.

Interested in an office fit-out or refurbishment? Take a look at our case studies to see the fit-out projects we have completed or get in touch with us today.

Biophilic Design: How To Incorporate Plants Into Your Office Interior

Biophilic design is a popular concept in the building industry that focuses on connecting building occupants to nature. To create a true biophilia-inspired workspace, it takes a bit more than placing potted plants on the odd desk—there’s so much more you can do to incorporate plants into your workspace design.

Having plants in an office is more than just a trend and can in fact have many benefits, from improving employee mental health and productivity to cleaner air and even reducing noise levels. Some of the biggest names in business swear by biophilic design, including Amazon, who built their own rainforest-inspired office.

Incorporating greenery into your office design is an important step for any company looking to create a positive and welcoming environment.

In this blog we’ll be taking you through our favourite ideas to help bring the outside in.

Living Walls

While living walls tend to be larger-scale pieces, they can certainly make a lasting impression no matter how big or small. A living wall is a statement trend that has gained popularity in recent years and continues to impress both designers and employees alike.

The living wall can give your office or reception the ‘wow’ factor to create a lasting impression on clients, visitors and employees. Serving as both an aesthetically pleasing feature and a talking point, it can help attract potential employees who view it as a sign that you care about your workplace.

There are plenty of options and styles for those looking to create their own statement wall. Whether you prefer larger jungle plants, alpines, a floral look or even a simple moss moment, this feature is extremely versatile and can be adapted to your personal taste.

Living walls can also double up as partitions to help separate areas in your office. Incorporating plants into your office design can serve as both beautiful and practical. If you’d like to know what this could look like, take a look at the design and fit-out project we completed for Quint Events’ work space.

Floating Baskets

If you’re worried about losing floor space, why not get creative?

Take your plants to a whole new level with hanging or ‘floating’ baskets. Much like living walls,  green ceilings make the most of your vertical space and are a great alternative for those concerned about clutter.

Using baskets to display greenery is an emerging trend in interior design and makes a great office focal point. They can fill empty space and are perfect for making the most of high ceilings.

Our top tip for hanging your plants is to suspend them at different heights to create a relaxed and more natural impression.

Unsure about watering? If committing to the maintenance of plants is a concern for you, opting for replica plants can create the same look with minimal care.

Kitchen Herb Planters

Small but effective, kitchen herb planters encourage your employees to engage with the plants around them and can help promote a sense of achievement when herbs flourish.

Not only does it  give your staff the option to season their food with fresh herbs on their lunch break, nurturing the plants can also help staff strike up conversations and inspire new hobbies.

A herb garden can be easily installed as a wall feature or on a stand of its own and can make a great addition to your interior design. There are lots of options to choose from but we’d recommend including herbs commonly used in salads and on classic lunch dishes such as chives, basil and parsley.

A herb planter is a quirky office perk that’ll set you apart from other employers and get current employees involved with office life.

Rooftop Gardens

Don’t forget, it’s not all about your internal workspace!

If you’re fortunate enough to have your own outdoor area, don’t neglect it.

Outdoor areas where your staff take a break or you take clients for meetings are the perfect opportunity to add some colour and make a great impression.

Creating an area of lush greenery can help people relax and make the most of good weather.

With outdoor space you can get even more creative – some of our favourite ideas include wisteria growing up around a pergola seating area, vegetable gardens for staff to tend to in their free time or perhaps as part of a club and rockeries as an outdoor focalpoint.

Getting some fresh air and natural light can also boost performance and mental wellbeing so why not make it an enjoyable space?

Potted Plants

Our final favourite is something we’re all accustomed to, the classic potted floor or desk plant.

This option is arguably the simplest option of the bunch, but is nevertheless, just as effective.

If the choice of plants and placements are both carefully considered, even a small change can have a huge positive effect. Even placing a variety of small potted plants on a table or desk can add some colour to your employees’ workspaces.

We recommend a combination of larger floor plants to fill those bare spaces. You could even utilise pots that match your wall or company colours to create a cohesive style that matches your overall office design.

If you’re worried about maintaining them while staff are away or the office is closed for the holidays, you might want to consider some of the more durable options. We’ve previously discussed our top plants for offices if you’d like our recommendations.

Or if this still sounds intimidating, you could opt for an artificial plant – but be careful, we’ve all accidentally watered a plastic plant before!

Office design is much more than picking colours for carpets and furniture. Even the smallest of details can have priceless benefits on employee mental health and productivity.

Investing in your office design demonstrates your commitment to your team and staff members are much more likely to work hard for a business that tends to their wellbeing.

If you’d like more information about how smart office design can improve your business, why not explore more of our blogs?

Whether you’re relocating to new offices, or would like to refresh your current working space, McFeggan Brown can help you achieve your business goals with expert design knowledge and years of experience in delivering beautiful, innovative designs.

You can get in touch to book a consultation or take a look at our previous work.

8 Office Design Trends For 2024

Is your office ready for a 2024 upgrade?

The year 2024 will see some vibrant changes coming to the workplace scene with the traditional commercial office fit out undergoing a remarkable transformation. Business owners are prioritising innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being at the forefront of their office design. Below we explore the cutting-edge office design trends that are set to redefine workspaces and enhance the overall work experience in 2024.

Office Design Trend 1: Hybrid Workspaces

The pandemic reshaped our understanding of work, giving rise to the hybrid work model. In 2024, offices are embracing this paradigm shift by designing spaces that seamlessly accommodate both remote and in-person work. Flexible workstations, open-plan offices, hot desking options, and adaptable meeting rooms are becoming a big office design trend, allowing employees to choose the environment that best suits their tasks for the day.

Office Design Trend 2: Smart Offices

In the tech-driven era of 2024, smart offices are no longer a futuristic concept but a reality. Smart lighting, temperature control, the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and personalised workstations are just a few examples of how technology is being utilised to enhance employee comfort and energy efficiency. These innovations not only streamline daily tasks but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious workspace.

Office Design Trend 3: Collaboration Hubs

The importance of collaboration in driving innovation has led to the rise of dedicated collaboration hubs within office spaces. These areas are designed to facilitate spontaneous interactions, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities. Key features of these collaboration hubs are comfortable seating arrangements, interactive whiteboards, and state-of-the-art video conference room technology.

Office Design Trend 4: Bringing Nature Indoors

Living walls, indoor gardens, and ample natural light will become essential components of modern office design trends in 2024. Green design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to improved air quality, reduced stress levels, and increased overall well-being. Companies are recognising the positive impact of connecting employees with nature, creating environments that inspire creativity and boost morale.

Office Design Trend 5: Agile Furniture

The one-size-fits-all approach to office furniture is giving way to agile and customisable solutions in 2024. Employees have diverse workstyles, and the office environment should reflect this diversity. Adjustable desks, modular furniture, and ergonomic seating options are becoming standard features in modern offices.

Office Design Trend 6: Inclusive Office Design for Accessibility & Diversity

The inclusive office design trend considers the diverse needs of all employees, including those with disabilities. Features such as accessible workstations, sensory-friendly spaces, and inclusive restroom facilities are gaining prominence. By prioritising accessibility and diversity, companies are creating environments that cater to the unique requirements of every individual, fostering a culture of equality and respect.

Office Design Trend 7: Office Well-being Zones

Employee well-being is a top priority in 2024, and office spaces are being designed to support both physical and mental health. Well-being zones, equipped with relaxation pods, meditation rooms, and fitness areas, provide employees with spaces to recharge and de-stress. The recognition of the interconnectedness between well-being and productivity is prompting companies to invest in wellness initiatives, contributing to a healthier and more engaged workforce.

Office Design Trend 8: Sustainable Office Designs

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, sustainable design practices are gaining traction in office spaces. In 2024, companies are incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste-reduction strategies into their office designs. By prioritising sustainability, organisations not only reduce their ecological footprint but also contribute to a positive corporate image.

Trendy Office Design

The office design trends for 2024 reflect a holistic approach to creating workspaces that prioritise innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being. From the flexible dynamics of hybrid workspaces to the infusion of nature through biophilic design, and the integration of smart technologies, the modern office is a dynamic and responsive environment.

As companies recognise the importance of inclusive, agile, and sustainable design, the office of 2024 becomes a space that not only supports productivity but also enhances the overall quality of work life. By embracing these trends, organisations are poised to create workplaces that inspire creativity, foster connection, and promote the holistic well-being of their employees in the years to come.

If you’re looking for help with the refurbishment of your office from trendy designs to furniture solutions, you’ve come to the right place! Get in touch with us for more information.

The Top 10 Best Office Plants

Office plants have grown in popularity over the last few years and it’s easy to see why.

Plants not only enhance the visual appeal of a space but have also been shown to contribute positively to our well-being and overall work performance. That means that, if you’re planning a commercial fit out and want your staff to get the most out of your workplace, office plants are a must!

When it comes to choosing plants for the workplace, we know that it can be a tough decision. You’ll want something that not only compliments your office furniture and decor but also requires little up-keep so that you don’t have to tend to them too often.

To give you a helping hand, we’ve come up with a helpful list of the best plants for offices. All of these options are easy-to-maintain and will look wonderful with your office interior design.

So, without further ado. Let’s get stuck in!

1. Invest in a Striking Jade Plant for the Office

Not particularly skilled with gardening? In that case, the Jade Plant is an ideal inclusion for your office plant collection. Compared to most plants, this striking succulent requires little maintenance and is very easy to look after, so watering can be kept to a minimum. With thick, shiny and durable leaves, it also has a timeless look that will stand out in any modern workplace!

How to store: If you’re planning an office refurbishment or update, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to include plenty of lighting to brighten the space and minimise eye strain for workers.

Fortunately, the Jade plant can tolerate bright light with ease and even thrives at normal room temperature, so it will be very happy to be placed anywhere indoors.

This is why it takes the top spot for one of the best office plants!

2. Calm Your Office With a Peace Lily

When choosing plants for offices, we want options that reduce tension and stress in favour of a more relaxing atmosphere. Because, let’s face it, we all want peace in the workplace.

The Spathiphyllum, or as it’s otherwise known as ‘The Peace Lily’, is a stunning addition to bring some life to a workspace and help you to find your inner zen at your desk. With its attractive white flowers and calming effect, your staff will feel soothed and restored while carrying out their daily duties.

How to store:

The Peace Lily needs very little watering and only requires a shady corner to add some beauty to your office interior.

3. Remove Toxins From Your Workspace With a Snake Plant

Employees grappling with symptoms like headaches, dry, sore eyes, and other discomforts often linked to Sick Building Syndrome highlight the urgency of addressing air quality in offices. Recognised by NASA as one of the most effective toxin-removing plants globally, the Snake Plant stands out for its capability to eliminate approximately 107 different air pollutants. This remarkable quality is among the reasons why we favour this plant for offices. By strategically placing just two Snake Plants in a 100 sq ft office space, you can effectively cleanse the air of any pollutants present.

How to store: The snake plant is easy to care for, tough, and lasts a long time. Normally, it only requires watering every two weeks and can survive in a range of light conditions.

4. Discover the Versatility of Dracaena Janet Craig

Named after a nurseryman’s daughter, the Dracaena Janet Craig is a great office plant solution, as it’s hardy enough to do well in places with low light or in a closed space. And it certainly can make a big impact wherever it’s placed.

Its large leaves stand proud in any area and can improve the level of greenery in a space immensely. Like the Snake Plant, the Dracaena Janet Craig is also able to purify the air, so is a great addition to a busy office space.

How to store: Janet Craig is able to handle a range of lighting conditions however, try to avoid placing in direct sunlight as this can cause bleaching of the leaves.

5. Add Some Aglaonema Maria Office Plants

Aglaonema Maria is among our preferred office plants, and we often incorporate it in office installations to make a significant impression (view our case studies to see real-life examples).

Its resilience and ability to thrive in lower light make it ideal for workplaces. The distinctive patterned leaves not only complement various office interiors but also add a touch of style and sophistication without the maintenance demands of more delicate plants.

How to store: These plants thrive in a well-lit environment so if you have plenty of windows, this is a great choice for you!

6.  Go for a No-Fuss Zanzibar Gem

The Zanzibar Gem or “ZZ” plant is one of the best choices for biophilic design if you prefer your office plants simple and super low-maintenance. With waxy green leaves and a tall appearance, it will look beautiful in the corner of any office space and can work wonders as a divider in more open-plan office layouts.

What people love about the “ZZ” is that it is almost impossible to kill, so even the least plant savvy members of your team should be able to keep this plant companion alive!

How to store: The “ZZ” plant will thrive in normal office temperatures and is best positioned away from sunlight, in a shady spot.

7. Keep a Kentia Palm in Your Office Plant Collection

If you’re going to add some greenery to your workspace, the Kentia Palm is another fantastic choice. With its graceful, arching fronds and feathery, dark green foliage, the Kentia Palm exudes a timeless charm, making it a perfect fit for various office aesthetics.

This plant not only adds a touch of tropical allure to your workspace but is also celebrated for its low-maintenance nature. So, if you’re looking for a plant that requires minimal attention and still manages to thrive, the Kentia Palm might be your ideal choice.

One of the key features of the Kentia Palm is its resilience. It’s an excellent option for busy offices or for individuals who want to enjoy the benefits of having a plant without the stress of constant maintenance.

How to store: Place in indirect light, as the Kentia Palm prefers filtered or low-light conditions. It can thrive in typical office temperatures and should be kept away from direct sunlight.

8. Add Character to Your Workspace With a Spider Plant

With its arching, slender leaves, featuring a distinctive stripe pattern, the Spider plant can bring a playful element to the office and is yet another species with air-purifying benefits.

What makes the Spider Plant particularly appealing is its ability to produce offshoots, known as “pups,” which dangle gracefully from the main plant. This not only adds a unique visual element but also provides the opportunity to propagate new plants effortlessly. As a result, your office can have a continuous supply of these charming green companions!

How to store: This plant grows best when placed in indirect sunlight, although it can tolerate lower light conditions. It can also withstand a wide range of temperatures which is helpful if your staff often battle over the office air conditioning.

9. Add an Elegant Pothos Plant

The Pothos Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a classic and versatile choice for office greenery. Its heart-shaped, cascading leaves add a touch of elegance to any setting, making it a popular selection for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.

Renowned for its resilience and adaptability, the Pothos thrives in a variety of light conditions, from low to bright, indirect light. This makes it an ideal choice for offices with different lighting setups. It’s also another plant celebrated for its air-purifying qualities, so it will enhance the overall quality of your indoor environment.

How to store: This low-maintenance plant is forgiving of occasional neglect, making it an excellent addition to any office space. It’s best stored at normal office temperature and requires watering every one to two weeks.

10. Enliven Your Office With the Vibrant Rubber Plant

Last on our list of the best plants for offices is the Rubber Plant. Also known as Ficus elastic, it is known for its vibrant, glossy leaves and air-purifying capabilities.

The rubber plant is celebrated for its ability to emit moisture and elevate indoor humidity levels. This subsequently lessens the risk of respiratory allergies, inflammation, and asthma. What’s more, the plant’s leaves can capture dust and pollen, contributing to a decrease in indoor allergens.

How to store: For optimal growth, the Rubber Tree requires a minimum of six to eight hours of daily light exposure. While it can tolerate lower light conditions intermittently, it thrives best when provided with medium to bright light, preferably in the form of bright indirect sunlight.

Embrace Biophilic Office Design

Has our office plant blog got you feeling inspired?

If you’d like your very own green office space and need a helping hand with the design and decor, we’d love to help you out.

As experienced office fit out and design specialists, we’ve created countless plant-focused office spaces which help to keep employees happy and productive. We also have dedicated specialists on the team who know all about biophilic interiors, so they can support you in finding the best plant solutions for your business.

If you’d like to find out more about green design or want to get a quote, get in touch today.

Types of Office Partitions and Their Benefits

Office partitions are a fantastic addition to modern work environments, offering practical solutions for space division, privacy, and functionality. Whether we’re taking on a refurbishment project or planning a commercial fit-out, we love using these handy dividers to break up our office designs!

In this article, we’ll be exploring a range of partition types and diving into some of their benefits.

So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in…

What are Office Partitions?

An office partition is a physical divider or wall-like structure used within office spaces to segment areas, create privacy, and organise the workspace. These partitions come in a range of different styles, from large walls and suspended panels to simple screens and dividers. By separating different sections of an office, you get more flexibility and customisation of the overall office layout.

Types of Office Partitions

Now that you know what office partitions are, let’s run through some of the most popular choices.

Glass Office Partitions for a Collaborative Feel

Glass partitions promote an open atmosphere while providing privacy. They allow natural light to brighten spaces and encourage collaboration by fostering visual connectivity between teams.

Demountable Partitions for Flexibility

Highly flexible and customisable, demountable partitions allow easy adjustments to office layouts without major disruptions. They’re movable and adaptable, making them suitable for dynamic work environments.

Solid Partitions for Enhanced Privacy

Solid partitions offer enhanced confidentiality and reduce noise disruptions, creating focused work areas for productivity and privacy during meetings.

Half-Height Partitions to Maintain Openness

Balancing openness and personal space, half-height partitions encourage interaction while maintaining a degree of separation, suitable for collaborative work settings.

Materials and Design Options

Office partitions come in various materials such as glass, wood, metal, and fabric. They can be carefully customised to align with your office aesthetics which helps you to maintain your brand image while ensuring functionality.

In more recent years, suspended sound-dampening panels have grown in popularity and do a fantastic job of reducing unwanted noise from areas such as kitchens, workstations and break-out spaces. In some cases, they can even provide a more budget-friendly alternative to office pods, especially when you need a space to be quieter but not completely silent.

Why are Office Partitions Essential for Modern Day Working?

Office partitions serve several purposes:

Space Division

Partitions divide a large office area into smaller sections, creating distinct environments for different functions like individual workstations, meeting rooms, collaborative areas, or private offices. In open-plan layouts, this is important because it helps to give each space a sense of purpose.

Privacy

Partitions offer a level of privacy within an open office layout by creating separate areas for employees or specific activities. This helps in maintaining confidentiality during meetings or focused work sessions.

Noise Reduction

As we mentioned above, some partitions are designed to minimise sound transmission with acoustic materials. This reduces distractions and enhances concentration within different sections of the office.

Aesthetics

Apart from their functional aspects, office partitions also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the workspace. They can be designed in various materials, finishes, and styles to align with the office’s design theme or corporate identity.

Need some inspiration? Take a look at this fantastic leaf pattern that we used in our Cowi Office Fit Out.

Further Benefits of Office Partitions

As you can see, office partitions play a crucial role in optimising your office’s layout, ensuring efficient space utilisation, and contributing to a productive work environment for employees.

However, the benefits don’t stop at noise reduction and enhanced privacy! Here are a few more ways in which office partitions can help your space to shine:

Stand Out, Be Different

Being different is what makes you unique, and it will help you stand out in a crowded market.

This doesn’t necessarily mean flashy colours and ultra-modern furniture. Instead, it can represent the essence of your company—an embodiment of your culture and mission. Whether you lean towards minimalism, maximalism, modernity, or tradition, the right office divider can help to inject some personality into your workspace.

Attracting Your Dream Customers and Employees

Creating a lasting impression matters. A workspace that resonates with top-talent and dream customers will help attract them. According to a study by Ipsos, 76% of individuals aged 18 to 34 feel very strongly towards office design and aesthetics impacting their view of a company.

Talent Retention

And it’s not just about enticing new clients or staff to your business…

A well-designed layout can help with employee retention too.

Ever thought about how your office design impacts people psychologically? Research indicates that work environments wield a direct psychological influence on individuals.

Leveraging this impact positively can elevate the overall work experience for everyone in your workplace, and help to retain your top-talent.

The Future of Office Partitions

The future of office partitions is poised to witness dynamic shifts, influenced by evolving trends in ergonomics, technology, and functionality.

Ergonomics

Future office partitions are anticipated to prioritise ergonomic designs aimed at enhancing employee comfort and well-being.

Adjustable partition heights, adaptable layouts, and ergonomic features integrated into partition systems will cater to individual ergonomic needs, promoting a healthier and more comfortable workspace. Partitions will be designed with flexibility in mind, allowing employees to personalise their workspace for optimal comfort and productivity.

Technology Integration

The integration of advanced technology within office partitions will continue to revolutionise how these dividers function.

Smart partitions equipped with digital interfaces, integrated connectivity, and interactive elements will facilitate seamless communication and collaboration. These partitions might incorporate features such as digital screens for presentations, interactive displays, or integrated charging ports, fostering a tech-savvy and efficient work environment.

In Need of an Office Fit Out?

Are you a corporate business, healthcare facility, educational institution or hospitality company? We’d love to hear from you!

As office fit out and design specialists, we provide partitions covering a wide variety of applications, from private offices, meeting rooms, collaborative spaces, and breakout areas, meeting the diverse needs of many businesses. These can be integrated into your wider office design to create a more productive and inspiring work environment.

Our Specialty

Considering upgrading your office layout with contemporary office partitions? Contact us to start a conversation about the best partition solutions for your business.

With expertise in office fit-outs, refurbishment, office design and so much more, our services offer a commitment to quality, ensuring a personal touch for every project.

Kastner Lab Has Rebranded!

We are pleased to announce that we have launched a rebrand for Kastner Lab.

This exciting new concept will bring Kastner in line with McFeggan Brown‘s concepts and values of consistency and trust. Whilst you may not see any change on the Kastner website as yet, rest assured, we are working on launching a new, combined, website by the end of the year/early January.

Our new website will:

Combine information and services on both office and laboratory fit-outs.

Be a user-friendly interface that allows easy access to both McFeggan Brown and KastnerLab content without confusion.

Have a vast display of previous projects from both entities, demonstrating our expertise in office and laboratory fit-outs.

Reflect the new merged identity, incorporating elements from McFeggan Brown and KastnerLab to establish a cohesive brand image.

Provide detailed information about services, past projects, team members, and any other relevant details for potential clients or partners.

Offer easy and simple ways for our potential clients to get in touch, whether through contact forms, direct emails, or other communication channels.

In the meanwhile, get in touch with us today if you have a requirement for an office or laboratory fit out.

How to Save Space With Stylish Office Storage Solutions

Having access to effective office storage is essential for a well-functioning office environment.

Every office worker desires a practical, organised workspace that promotes focus and productivity. The last thing you want when you step into the office in the morning is to be greeted by overflowing filing cabinets and cluttered desks piled high with documents no longer in use. Such an environment can be not only discouraging but also potentially embarrassing when clients or unexpected visitors drop by.

This is precisely why choosing the right office storage is essential for maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring the seamless operation of your business.

Whether you want to stay ahead of the game when relocating offices or you’re seeking to declutter ahead of an upcoming office refurbishment, you’re in the right place. This blog is designed to provide you with stylish and practical office storage ideas that you can implement immediately to keep your office in top shape.

 The Importance of Office Storage 

In today’s fast-paced work environment, an organised office is a necessity. It enhances productivity, creates a pleasant work atmosphere, and ensures essential items are easily accessible.

 If you have a small office, we’re sure you’d agree that space is precious. Therefore for small office, effective office storage solutions are essential for optimising every inch of the workspace! Without smart storage solutions chaos can quickly take over, hindering productivity and creating a cluttered, unprofessional atmosphere.

 However, the importance of storage doesn’t diminish as offices grow larger. In fact, it remains extremely vital. In spacious office environments, items can easily vanish. As an office expands, effective office storage systems ensure everything has a designated place. This organisation streamlines operations and helps employees easily access what they need.

 Keep reading to see how you can benefit from stylish office storage solutions such as multifunctional office furniture, versatile shelving arrangements and much more.

Lockers for Office Workers

One form of office storage you may overlook is providing workers with lockers. Lockers offer employees a safe space to store personal items and important documents, all while promoting a workspace free of clutter.

When personal items can be easily locked away, there’s no need for staff to tuck their bags under their desks or drape their coats over chairs. Instead, they have a designated and secure spot to store their belongings.

Choose a colour that compliments your office or blends in the walls so they are less conspicuous.

Office Wall Storage Solutions

Your office has a lot of storage potential you may not realise! Another often-overlooked area for storage is your office’s walls. The benefits of office wall storage are manifold. Firstly, it frees up valuable floor space, allowing for better traffic flow and a less crowded atmosphere. This is particularly crucial in smaller offices where every square foot counts. By utilising vertical storage, you can maintain an uncluttered and open office layout.

Furthermore, wall-mounted storage provides quick and easy access to frequently used items. Whether it’s frequently used reference materials, documents or office supplies, having them within arm’s reach can significantly boost productivity. No more rummaging through drawers or searching for misplaced documents; your essentials are right where you need them.

Wall-mounted storage solutions, such as shelves, pegboards, and cabinets, offer a plethora of advantages that can upgrade the way you manage space. Here are a few options:

Shelves

Wall-mounted shelves are versatile and come in various sizes and materials, allowing you to display items while keeping them organised.

Cabinets

For those who prefer a more discreet office storage solution, cabinets are the way to go. Theyprovide concealed storage, offering a sleek and uncluttered appearance to your office.

Pegboards

Pegboards offer customisable storage with hooks and pins, perfect for tools, accessories, or smaller office supplies.

To make the most of office wall storage, consider the arrangement of items. Keep frequently used items at eye level for easy access, while less frequently used items can be placed higher or lower. Labelling shelves or bins can also aid in maintaining order.

Smart & Stylish Office Storage Furniture

Office storage cabinets and draws are not the limits of efficient office storage. Furniture with built-in storage can play a pivotal role in enhancing office organisation and maximising space utilisation. The beauty of office storage furniture lies in its ability to merge functionality with aesthetics.

These pieces not only offer plenty of office storage space but also contribute to a well-structured and visually appealing workspace. By seamlessly integrating them into your office layout, you can achieve a balance between practicality and design. 

Office desk with storage

One such piece of furniture to consider is the trusty office storage desk. These desks often feature integrated drawers, shelves, or compartments, offering a convenient space for storing office supplies, documents, and personal items. It’s a practical choice for both small and large offices, helping to keep work surfaces clean and uncluttered.

Bookshelves for Office Storage

Another valuable addition to your office storage is the humble bookshelf. While it may seem like a simple piece of furniture, a well-placed bookshelf can work wonders for organisation. Use it to store books, binders, decorative items, or even office plants. Bookshelves come in various sizes and styles, making it easy to find one that complements your office decor.

Office Storage Draws

To further streamline your workspace, consider office storage drawers. These compact units can be discreetly placed under your desk or integrated into other office furniture. They are perfect for keeping stationery, documents, and personal items, helping you maintain a clutter-free workspace while keeping essentials readily accessible.

Office Furniture and Installation Company

If you want to optimise your workspace, increase office storage, or make a strong impression, Mcfeggan Brown is here to help. Our office fit-out and design specialists work closely with you, providing a wide range of top-quality, customisable office storage solutions to meet your unique needs.

Hacks for Style and Functionality With Office Storage Solutions

A well-organised office doesn’t have to sacrifice style. Combining style and functionality is key to creating an inviting and efficient workspace. Let’s explore how to get that balance:

Choosing Stylish Storage Solutions

When selecting storage units for your office, consider options that align with your office’s design theme. Whether your office has a modern, traditional or unique aesthetic, there are office storage solutions that can complement it.

Matching Storage Units

To maintain a cohesive look, aim to match storage units with existing office furniture and decor. Coordinating colours and styles can create a harmonious atmosphere that adds appeal and gives extra depth of organisation.

Wooden storage units with classic designs can give a traditional feel to your office. If you opt for dark wood, this adds an elegant look. However, you may prefer something more modern such as sleek, minimalist office storage. It’s up to you and the impression you want your office to provide. If you feel you’re in need of guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team for advice and tips.

Personalisation

Encourage employees to personalise their storage spaces with decorative elements, such as artwork, plants, or stylish desk accessories. Personal touches can make the workspace feel welcoming. 

Office Storage Maintenance Advice

Regularly review and declutter your files by disposing of outdated or irrelevant documents to free up space and maintain an effective filing system. Organised files contribute to a streamlined workflow and efficient decision-making. An organised office, both in the physical and digital sense, promotes a productive work environment.

Result: An Organised Yet Stylish Office Space

And there you have it. With these office storage solutions, you have a clutter-free sanctuary!

Whether you have a small or large office, the significance of office storage cannot be overstated. It’s the key to maintaining organisation, professionalism and productivity, ensuring that teams of all sizes can thrive in their spaces. Choosing the right mix of storage solutions is vital to keeping your office organised, from creative wall storage to stylish office furniture.

Do you want custom office storage solutions to suit your space? Get in contact with McFeggan Brown at 01275 464220, and we’ll help you find the best office storage options for your business.

A Guide for Choosing the Right Office Carpet

When it comes to creating a productive and inviting office space, one element that often gets overlooked is the office carpet. If you’re in the process of designing your office interior or carrying out an office refurbishment, your office carpet choice should be high on your priority list.

Perhaps your office carpet has served its time and has reached the point where it is beyond repairs. Or, maybe your current office carpet doesn’t reflect your brand, and you want something more stylish that ties in with your company colours. If that’s the case, we’re on hand to help.

In this blog, we’ll explore some valuable tips to help you make an informed choice when selecting the perfect office carpet. We’ll help you with the whole process, from initial considerations to choosing your office carpet’s material, and maintaining it.

So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in!

Office Carpet Considerations

When it comes to choosing the perfect carpet for your office, it’s essential to take a thoughtful approach to your office’s specific needs.

By carefully assessing your office’s unique requirements, you can ensure that your chosen office carpet not only meets your expectations but also seamlessly harmonises with the overall office design, creating a cohesive and inviting workspace.

Finding The Right Office Carpet For Your Office Space

First, consider the primary purpose of your office space – whether it’s an executive suite, a dynamic creative studio, or a busy shared workspace. This will dictate the type of carpeting solution best suited for your office.

Consider Foot Traffic

Next, evaluate the level of foot traffic your office receives; high-traffic areas demand more durable carpet materials to withstand daily movements.

Think About Your Budget

Finally, establish a clear budget for your office carpeting project, keeping in mind that high-quality office carpets can be a valuable long-term investment that can be worth spending a bit more on.

Once you’ve considered these main factors, it’s time to decide on what types of office carpet you would like.

Types of Office Carpets

There are many office carpet types to choose from, each with its own set of characteristics. Here are some of the most common choices:

Loop Pile Office Carpets:

One office carpet type that is very popular is loop pile carpets. This type of office carpet is well known for its affordability, durability and resistance to wear and tear.

As well as being neat, professional and available in various colours, they are also very robust, making them particularly well-suited to high-traffic areas. But if you’re looking for an office carpet that is soft underfoot, then consider another option like the cut pile carpet.

When investing in a loop pile carpet for your office, it’s important to note that they can occasionally snag. So, if you’re in a pet-friendly office, you might be better off with a different carpet option.

Cut Pile Carpets for Offices:

Cut pile office carpets are plush and soft, providing a comfortable feel underfoot. This makes them ideal for executive offices and areas where comfort is a priority.

Cut pile carpets in your office can require a little more effort to keep clean due to their loose fibres. If you want a lower maintenance office carpet, loop pile or synthetic office carpets might be a better choice for you.

Synthetic Office Carpet

Synthetic office carpets offer a wide range of benefits, making them a popular choice in many workplaces. They are highly durable, stain-resistant and cost-effective compared to wool carpets.

Let’s take a closer look at the different types of synthetic office carpets.

Nylon Office Carpets:

Known for their durability and resilience, nylon office carpets are a go-to choice for offices with heavy foot traffic. They are resistant to stains and are available in various colours and styles, allowing for versatile design options. Additionally, nylon carpets for offices are known for their excellent longevity, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Olefin (Polypropylene) Office Carpets:

Olefin carpets are valued for their resistance to moisture and mildew, making them an ideal office carpet choice for areas where spills are common. And not only that, but their colour lasts for a long time. However, they are not as durable as nylon carpets, so consider the specific needs of your office space.

Polyester Office Carpets:

Polyester carpets are prized for their luxurious feel and vibrant colour options. They are soft underfoot, providing comfort in various office settings. While they may not be as durable as nylon, they excel in low-traffic or executive office environments where comfort and aesthetics are valued.

Synthetic Blended Office Carpet:

Many office carpets combine various synthetic materials to capitalise on their individual strengths. These blends can balance durability, stain resistance, and style, catering to a wide range of office requirements.

The Advantages of Office Carpet Tiles

Now, when it comes to choosing between these carpet types mentioned above, it’s worth considering the unique advantages of carpet tiles that have made them the preferred choice for offices over carpet rolls.

Carpet tiles are modular flooring solutions consisting of individual carpet squares that can be assembled, like a puzzle, to cover your office floor. This makes them easily replaced if an area is damaged rather than removing the whole carpet. This not only saves valuable time but also proves exceptionally cost-effective.

Since they are modular, they work particularly well within multi-purpose office spaces because they can be switched around and moved to suit your changing requirements.   

The benefits of office carpet tiles don’t end there – installing, replacing, and maintaining them is more convenient than carpet rolls. Plus, the opportunity to mix and match colours and patterns grants you boundless creative freedom to design a truly unique office space!

Choosing the Right Colour for Your Office Carpet

The wall colour in your office plays a role in the mood and motivation of your staff. And, the same applies to the colour of your office carpet. Here are some tips for nailing the perfect office carpet shade:

Brand Synergy

You should match your office carpet to colours that align with your office’s theme or branding. Think about your company’s logo colours or the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

If you have a bright, bold logo, maybe you’d prefer something neutral and understated for your office carpet that allows your branding to shine. Or, perhaps your logo is more paired back and neutral, and you want to use your office carpet to add a pop of colour. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but don’t forget to keep your brand in mind!

Light Vs Dark Office Carpets

Consider whether you want to opt for a light-coloured office carpet or a dark-coloured office carpet. Light carpets can make an office appear larger and brighter, which is ideal for smaller spaces when you want to maximise your space.

If you have the luxury of a larger office space, why not opt for dark-coloured carpets? On trend for 2023, darker shades can create a cosy and sophisticated ambience that really elevates your overall office design. 

Once again, it’s important to be mindful that if you go for a lighter shade for your office carpet, it will be harder to hide unsightly stains. To counter this problem, think about adding an elegant pattern that will help to draw attention away from marks or scuffs.

Get Even More Inspiration for Your Office Carpet

Looking for additional inspiration to elevate your office carpet choice? Utilise the vast range of online platforms and resources that showcase office carpet ideas. For real-world examples, Mcfeggan Brown’s case studies offer stunning inspiration from which you can draw from.  

Another great resource is Pinterest. With its vast collection of interior design boards, it’s great for generating ideas. Consider creating a mood board filled with inspiring patterns and colours that resonate with your vision.  

By immersing yourself in these sources of inspiration, you can refine your office carpet preferences and make a well-informed decision that transforms your office space into a harmonious and inviting workspace.

Maintaining Commercial Carpets

When you’ve installed new office carpets, you certainly want to get your money’s worth. Use these ideas to help maintain your freshly installed office carpets and protect them from your office furniture to increase its lifespan:

Office Carpet Mats

Office carpet mats play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the carpet area they are placed. They can even add extra texture and colour to your office.

Entrance Mats for Office Carpets:

These are often placed at the entrance of a building or room to trap dirt, debris, and moisture from shoes. This will definitely keep your new office carpets cleaner, especially during the rainy winter season!

Chair Mats for Office Carpets:

Chair mats are used under office chairs to protect the underlying carpet or flooring from damage caused by the chair wheels. They also make it easier to move the chair around without wearing your office carpet away. Consider a colour that will compliment your office and its new office carpet.

Choosing the Right Office Carpet

Choosing the right office carpet is a crucial decision that can impact your workspace’s overall ambience. You can create a comfortable and visually appealing office environment by understanding your needs, considering different carpet types, and selecting intentional colours.

If cost-effectiveness and low maintenance tops your list, loop pile carpets are your go-to option. For ultimate comfort, opt for cut pile carpets for luxury or synthetic polyester as a cheaper but still comfortable alternative. Embrace the versatility of office carpet tiles for flexibility and creativity.. And don’t forget the practicality of carpet mats to enhance the overall functionality of your workspace.

Remember that your office carpet is an investment. So, choose wisely, and your employees and clients will appreciate the attention to detail and comfort you’ve provided.

Whether you’re planning an office relocation or simply want to refurbish your existing space, we’re always more than happy to help!  As expert office fit-out specialists, we’ll help you select the right flooring, furniture and office design features that will allow you to transform your office space.

Contact us today for a fast and free quote!

Want more flooring ideas to bring life to your office? Check out our handy blog full of future-proof office flooring ideas.

Cat A Fit Out vs Cat B Fit Out

“Cat A fit Out” and “Cat B fit out” are terms used all the time within the office fit out, design and refurbishment industry, however, for landlords and business owners, these phrases can sometimes be a little confusing. To help you identify the best commercial fit out type for your needs, we’ve compiled all the key information and put it into one handy blog.

Here, we’ll detail everything you need to know about both types of commercial office fit out, when they’re most suitable and how they differ from other types of office refurbishment.

Let’s get stuck in…

What is a Fit Out?

In construction terms, a fit out is all about developing a space with the sole purpose of aligning to the goals of those occupying it. When it comes to offices, this means preparing a space so that it becomes a usable business environment.

Over the years, the demand for office fit outs has increased enormously as business owners look to upscale and relocate whilst landlords look to accommodate the needs of commercial tenants.

Fit Out Categories

When we use the terms Cat A and Cat B, we are simply referring to categories that fit into a wider classification system used to identify the type of fit out in question. Here is a brief overview of the 3 common categories that make up this system:

• Shell and core: This is the stage at which we prepare the structure of a space as well as the gas, water and electric supply

• Cat A fit out: This refers to the creation of a usable environment that is finished to an industrial standard

• Cat B fit out: This is the creation of a fully furnished office that often includes office design, furniture, branding and partitions

What is a Cat A Fit Out?

When understanding the purpose of a Cat A office fit out, it’s best to imagine a blank canvas that can be decorated or styled to suit a business’s individual requirements. One level up from a shell and core, it offers all the basic elements needed for a commercial workplace, yet comes unfurnished so that future owners have the flexibility to make their mark on the space.

Some of the most common features included in a category A fit out include:

– Lighting

– Air Conditioning Units

– Toilet Facilities

– Basic Kitchen Facilities

– Raised Access Flooring

– Grid Ceilings

– Basic Fire Detection Systems

It’s important to note that, despite these being the most common features of a Cat A office fit out, the elements that go into your space will very much depend on your needs.

Most of the time, your office fit out company will give you some lee-way and will be able to tailor your space to suit you.

Who is a Cat A Fit Out Suitable For?

Cat A office fit outs can serve a whole range of different purposes. Here are just a couple of ways that they can be used:

A Great Investment for Landlords 

For landlords wanting to let or sell, a Cat A fit out makes it easy to attract occupants who want an office that is ready to move into but requires a personal touch. By offering an empty, yet functional space, prospective business owners can get creative with layout, design and decor but won’t have to focus on more invasive work such as installing electrical systems and ventilation systems.  

This can also be attractive to co-working companies that are looking for somewhere to house multiple businesses or freelancers. Without partitions or fixed layouts, they can decide how to configure the space in a way that best suits their occupants.

Office Dilapidations

In most cases, businesses looking to move premises will need to go through the office dilapidations process. In other words, they’ll need to ensure that their office space is returned to its original state prior to occupation so that is ready for the next tenants.

With a Cat A fit out, everything is taken care of. All furniture, partitions, branding, paintwork and temporary fixtures will be removed without a trace, creating a clean, fresh space ready for a redesign.

What is a Cat B Fit Out?

With a Cat B fit out, we go beyond the basic requirements and create a space that is fun, inspiring and helps to enhance your business. From carefully crafted break out spaces to contemporary conference suites with multi-functional furniture, you’ll end up with an office that reflects your brand personality, encourages collaboration and makes day-to-day tasks a walk in the park.

Cat B office fit outs can include:

– Walls and Partitions

– Office Screens

– Staircase Installation

– Cafeterias and Kitchen Areas

– Office furniture

– Office Lighting

– Bespoke Branding and Signage

– Interior Decoration

– And much more!

Who is a Cat B Fit Out Suitable For?

Cat B fit outs are the perfect choice for business owners who have acquired a new company space that has been finished to Cat A level.

With a cat B fit out, you can start to transform your new premises into a vibrant, contemporary office that reflects your company values and enables your staff to thrive.

What’s the Difference Between a Fit Out and a Refurbishment?

There is a lot of debate surrounding the differences between fit outs and refurbishments; however, the main difference between the two is that a refurbishment is often carried out within a space that is already being used and is in need of an update. Because of this, it is often chosen by business owners looking to update their business or to reflect a rebrand.

On the other hand, fit out jobs are often carried out on untouched, empty spaces which can require complete repurposing to turn them into functioning office environments.

The Cost of Cat A and Cat B Fit Outs

In general, Cat A fit outs come with a higher price point than Cat B because there are so many elements involved.  

With that being said, the price of your project is very much dependent on the type and size of the space, along with your specific requirements and goals.  

With every fit out project that we undertake, we’ll work with you to identify a suitable solution for your budget and will be transparent with you about costs at every step of the process.

How we can help!

Whether you’re a landlord or a business owner, if you’re looking for a quality fit out, it’s important to enlist the best people to do the job.

Here at McFeggan Brown, we have a vast amount of experience fitting out commercial business spaces that go above and beyond our client expectations. To find out more about our services or to discuss your project requirements, do not hesitate to contact our friendly team on 01275 464220.

Commercial Interior Design: Why It Pays To Hire a Professional

When it comes to commercial interior design, creating a visually appealing space is just the beginning. By enlisting the help of an office interior design company, you’ll be able to maximise productivity, improve employee morale, and create a more cohesive work environment that aligns with your company values.

At McFeggan Brown, we’ve been designing inspiring commercial interiors for over 20 years and, along the way, we’ve learnt a thing or two about the art of corporate interior design.

From selecting the right office furniture and materials, to meticulously planning space saving solutions, every element of your office space is there to serve a purpose. And, in order to fulfil that purpose, your workspace design choices should be carefully thought out, with all costs accounted for.

In this article, we’ll explore how commercial office designers can help to take the headache out of commercial office design, and show you just why it pays to invest in professional office design services!

What Is The Role of a Commercial Interior Designer?

Before we get stuck into the benefits of using a commercial interior design company, let’s take a look at the role of the interior design expert.

For a commercial interior designer, responsibilities extend further than just designing beautiful workspaces. Along with finding solutions that help to meet client goals, designers need to think about 3 crucial factors: style, budget + function.

In order to guarantee a successful office refurbishment, a commercial interior designer must create a harmonious blend of office aesthetics, ergonomics and optimal functionality, while also adhering to a strict budget. This difficult balancing act requires skill, experience and a thorough understanding of some very important interior design principles. That’s why most business owners opt to hire a professional rather than going it alone!

Top tip! When enlisting the help of a commercial office design company, always check out their reviews and testimonials to see what their clients have to say!

The Challenges of Commercial Office Design

As with any major renovation project, unforeseen challenges can arise from time to time.

Fortunately, with experience, expertise and resources, any reputable commercial interior design company is well-equipped to deal with these challenges. Unlike business owners who choose to go it alone, a design and fit out company will have a team of skilled professionals on hand to deal with technical challenges, budget constraints, and any other unforeseen issues that may arise during a project.

What’s more, with access to a network of contractors and suppliers, commercial designers can simply reach out to their contacts and find fast, innovative solutions that keep the project moving forward.

Want to save space, enhance your layout, have a more sustainable office, or simply add a touch of sophistication to your office? Check out 7 office interior solutions that will modernise your workplace.

Time and Cost Savings

How do you stay on schedule and get great value from your project?

A commercial interior designer is the answer!

Professional interior designers have the resources and know-how to manage your project efficiently, from planning to execution. Because commercial interior designers have worked on countless corporate interior design projects before, they’re instinctively able to select the best, most cost effective design materials that will deliver results and won’t sacrifice on quality.

What’s more, commercial designers are able to draw on design experience and estimate how long a project will take. This means that, when they create a plan for your project schedule, they are able to factor in any potential setbacks and make sure that they won’t affect the overall time frame of your project.

Incorporating Branding into Your Office Interior

A recent study conducted by brand templating company Marq, found that nearly 70% of companies attributed brand consistency to significant revenue growth.

So, if you have a beautiful brand, it’s important to shout about it!

A professional commercial interior designer will work closely with you to understand your business, your vision, and your goals.

With this information, they can help you to create a space that reflects your unique brand identity while meeting your functional needs. This level of customisation can help you stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression on your clients and employees.

Commercial Design Compliance and Safety

With any commercial interior design project, safety is paramount.

Not only do you need to ensure that your staff end up with a safe place to work, but you also need to consider the welfare of the workers or those entering the building during the commercial fit out process.

Commercial office design is subject to a variety of government regulations, including building codes, fire safety, and accessibility requirements. These regulations are put in place to prevent harm or injury so mustn’t be overlooked.

By using a professional interior design company, you get peace of mind knowing that your project will be completed safely and that your space will meet all the necessary compliance and safety standards.

Improving Productivity with Commercial Interior Design

Want to give your employees a boost?

With a well designed office space, you can drastically improve workflow and increase staff morale. By making careful design choices, a commercial interior designer will create a space that is conducive to productivity and fosters a positive work environment. From choosing the right lighting to picking the perfect colour palette, there are so many ways that commercial interior design can impact upon your business efficiency.

And the benefits don’t end there…

Great office design has been proven to increase motivation, enhance employee satisfaction and reduce absenteeism. This helps you to maintain a happy, focused and stable workforce! What’s not to love?

McFeggan Brown: Commercial Interior Design Experts

Now you know all the reasons why it pays to use a commercial interior design company, why not give us a try?

At McFeggan Brown, our passionate team of commercial design professionals will help you to create an inspiring new office space whilst sticking to a budget and time frame that suits you. We support you every step of the way, from the initial planning stage right through to completion. That way, you’ll know exactly what to expect throughout your office design journey.

If it’s time to transform your workspace, give our friendly team a call on 01275 464220, fill out our simple contact form of see our design checklist.

Check out our team page to meet our interior design experts!

7 Office Interior Solutions that Will Modernise Your Workplace

If you’re looking for ways to modernise your office and create a more practical and stylish work environment, there are plenty of office interior solutions that can help.

In this blog, we’ll be exploring seven of our favourite office interior ideas that will help you to spruce up your workplace and bring it into the 21st century!

From contemporary office furniture and savvy space saving solutions to bold branding and functional flooring, these tips and ideas are sure to get you feeling inspired.

Solution 1. Modernise Your Office Interior with Timeless Floor Tiles

For our first office interior solution, the focus is on flooring!

Selecting the right type of office flooring is a critical decision that can make or break your office interior and, unfortunately, it’s something that businesses get wrong time and time again.

Instead of prioritising practicality, business owners will often opt for styles or colours that are visually appealing or help to save money but don’t benefit from being suitable for long-term use.

What are the consequences of choosing the wrong flooring?

The obvious downside of choosing the wrong floor is that it can result in costly and time-consuming repairs and replacements in the future. Whether you have an old roll style carpet with signs of fraying and thinning or laminate that has warped and has unsightly scuff marks, it’s important not to make the same mistake twice.

When refurbishing your office interior, it’s vital to opt for a floor that can withstand the demands of daily use and maintain its visual appeal over time. This is where office carpet tiles provide an excellent solution.

The reason carpet tiles make such a great office floor type is because they are durable, easy to install and come in a variety of colours and patterns – making them more forgiving when it comes to stains and spills.

So, when choosing a floor, try a hardwearing carpet tile that has a speckled or patterned appearance. This will help to give your workspace a contemporary feel whilst minimising the look of dirt and discolouration.

Did you know?… carpet floors are also excellent for reducing noise, absorbing up to 10 times more airborne noise than hard floors!

Solution 2. Opt For Comfortable Contemporary Office Furniture

Next on our list of office interior solutions is furniture.

Quality office furniture is essential for a modern office interior because it not only helps to create a more welcoming and attractive environment, but it also plays a big part in protecting the health and well-being of your employees.

By offering flexible ergonomic seating options and comfortable desk spaces, you can help to reduce the risk of injuries and discomfort that can arise from sitting for long periods of time.

When selecting furniture for your office environment, consider furniture types that unite both comfort and cutting-edge design. To get you inspired, take a look at these fabulous purple task chairs that we recently installed as part of a refurbishment for IT company, Kubus. Their practical bow style back rests offer much needed lumbar support, while the sleek metal bases give them a futuristic feel and offer a great alternative to swivel chairs when you want to maximise under desk space.

Solution 3. Keep Company Branding at the Heart of Your Office Interior

When it comes to workplace interior design, it’s important to celebrate your business and communicate the fact that you’re proud of your company values. So, if you’ve not considered incorporating your branding into your office design, you could be missing a trick.

Here are just a few reasons why you should give it a try:

Reinforcing brand identity: Your office design is an opportunity to visually showcase your brand identity to employees, clients, and visitors. By including elements such as your logo, colours, and other brand-specific design elements, you can help to reinforce your brand identity and create a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints.

Increasing employee engagement:  An office design that incorporates your company branding can create a sense of pride and ownership among your employees, which can lead to increased engagement and productivity. When employees feel a strong connection to the company and its values, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to their work.

Standing out from the crowd: Bringing your company branding into your office design will help you stand out from the competition. By creating a unique and memorable office environment that reflects your business, you can differentiate yourself in the minds of potential business partners and stakeholders.

So how do you go about incorporating your company branding?

From branded glass partitions to inspiring wall decals, there are so many ways that you can shout out about your brand.

Take a look at this colourful cafeteria space that our team completely stripped out and refurbished for our client, Westrock Packaging. To place emphasis on their company values and culture, we’ve not only taken the shapes and colours from their company logo and implemented this into the design, but we’ve also highlighted their core principles and given them pride of place on the wall in the canteen.

Solution 4. Consider Space Saving Workstations

Does your office have an abandoned alcove or a quiet corner housing a dusty filing cabinet?

If the answer’s yes, it’s time to make the most out of your unused space!

Transforming an alcove or empty corridor nook into a workstation with a bench and stools can be an excellent way to provide a more flexible working space within a smaller office environment.

Although it might not be the best place to work all day long, this type of setup can be particularly useful for shorter tasks that don’t require as much time such as making a quick phone call or responding to emails.

If you wanted to, you could even divide the space up with sound absorbing panels so that staff benefit from maximum noise reduction.

Solution 5. Add a Stylish Sofa to Create a Welcoming Office Waiting Area

If you want to design a more modern workplace, an eye-catching waiting area is a must.

Your waiting room is often one of the first things that visitors will see so it’s crucial to create a welcoming environment that strikes the perfect balance between style and comfort.

From cosy rugs to statement lighting, there are so many ways to give your waiting area a more up-to-date feel, however, one of our favourite features is a stylish corner sofa.

Take a look at the example below.

When our team at McFeggan Brown decided to up sticks and relocate to a new office, we just couldn’t resist this plush moss green L-shaped suite! The soft, sumptuous fabric adds a touch of sophistication, while the corner shape design helps to maximise floor space.

One of the key benefits of a corner style sofa is that they often come in pieces, allowing you to adapt them to fit your needs. This gives you more flexibility and control over your layout should you wish to repurpose your space or add in additional furniture.

Why not add some personality to your sofa with a few textured scatter cushions or a soft throw? This will create an even cosier waiting space and elevate your overall interior!

Solution 6. Embrace Your Window Space

Everybody loves a room with a view so, if you’re lucky enough to have floor to ceiling windows in your office, why not make a feature of them?

Adding a seating area or some desks in front of your windows is the perfect way to create a connection to the outdoors. This will help staff to feel calmer and more relaxed whilst reaping the benefits of natural light.

Did you know, natural light has been proven to improve sleep quality and enhance mood? With exposure to a natural light source, we can regulate our circadian rhythms, helping us to focus better and feel happier.

In order to make the most out of your window space, resist the urge to clutter your window area with too many furnishings. By leaving space directly in front of the window, you will maximise the natural light and help to make a focal point within the room.

Take a look at this serene seating area that we created for WD Trust. The built in padded seats and laptop stands provide a comfortable space for tasks while freeing up floor space and making a feature of the beautiful view over the harbour.

Solution 7. Optimise an Open Plan Office with Cleverly Placed Partitions

Last on our list of office interior solutions, we have office partitions!

Partitions offer a cost-effective alternative to built in walls, making them ideal for rented office spaces. If you want to create a designated meeting area or a zone for independent working, a few simple dividers can help to offer privacy and reduce distractions.

There are a large number of partition styles available to suit different requirements. So, whether you want to reduce noise or simply want to break up an open plan space, there is an office divider to fit your needs.

Take a look at these handy wooden partitions that we installed for our client, MSA Safety. The slatted design provides just the right amount of privacy for team meetings while allowing light to flow through the space.

Need a Little Help to Modernise Your Workplace?

At McFeggan Brown, we can help you to implement a range of office interior solutions that will both enhance the look of your workspace, boost its functionality and make it unique in a positive way.

Our passionate team believe that your office should represent your business in the best way possible. That’s why, when you work with us, we’ll take care to ensure that we fully understand all of your company requirements.

If you want to transform your premises into an eye catching office that will allow your staff to flourish, give our friendly team a call today! Simply let us know your project plans and we can provide you with a bespoke quotation.

How to Design a Coworking Space in 2023

Design a coworking space that stands out from the rest…

In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, the coworking space provides an environment for innovation, opportunity, cohesion and, most importantly, flexibility. Not only does it enable like-minded individuals to come together and work collaboratively, but it also tends to ‘feel’ more casual and noncommittal.

Fancy grabbing a flat white and responding to a few emails over by the pool table? Or, maybe you feel like heading over to the on-site gym for an hour before you get started on your accounting.

That feeling of autonomy that you get when walking into a co-working space isn’t an accident.

Coworking spaces are carefully designed to ensure that workers can enjoy the best of both worlds – independence AND community.

So, if you want to know the secrets of successful coworking office design and keeping your workspace modern, read on to find out more…

What is a Coworking space?

You could argue that any space designed for coworking is essentially a coworking space. But if that’s the case, how would one differ from the traditional office environment?

Unlike the traditional office building, in which a single company might occupy the entire premises or a particular floor, coworking spaces are designed to be used by multiple companies or freelancers. For example, although company A might have a dedicated room for its staff, that room might be situated next to company B, and both will have access to the same conference rooms, communal kitchen and open-plan offices where individuals from different businesses can work side by side.

With that being said, it is still possible for a single company to occupy just one coworking space.

Nowadays, it can be difficult for staff working in bigger companies to get to know all of their colleagues. Due to Covid-19 and the rise of remote working, newer staff members may have only ever communicated with their colleagues by email or over Zoom.

So, for large organisations with 150+ staff members, coworking spaces enable different departments to get to know each other and work more closely together in one building.

Why Might You Want to Design a Coworking Space?

If you’re thinking about investing in a co-working space, that might just be a smart idea!

With the right location, amenities and design, investing in a co-working space can be a profitable venture that caters to an ever-growing demand.

Whether you’re looking to acquire a new building for your own company, refurbishing your existing space or opening up new premises for multiple businesses and entrepreneurs, you must ensure that the design of your co-working space is well thought out. From the layout to the furniture and decor, every single element requires careful consideration!

That leads us nicely onto our next section…

The Importance of Design in a Co-working Space

The interior design elements of your co-working space are more important than you think.

Nowadays, owners of co-working spaces are pulling out all the stops to design the most imaginative and appealing workspaces possible. From swings and games areas to themed rooms and Karaoke booths, modern co-working spaces are a far cry from the traditional, gloomy grey office buildings of the past.

To ensure that your co-working space design stands out from the rest, think about your USPs.

Perhaps you’ve secured an office space in the heart of a great city and you want to reflect this within your design. Shout about your location by incorporating large murals showcasing popular landmarks or meeting rooms that are themed around different parts of the city!

Maybe you want to focus on sustainability and healthy living?

If that’s the case, don’t forget to include lots of biophilic elements and offer a dining space that promotes healthy eating.

Think carefully about your office furniture choices…

When choosing office furniture for a co-working space, it’s vital to consider factors such as comfort and durability. Task chairs should be adjustable to accommodate different body types and styles of working, while desks should be spacious enough for people to spread out their work, with plenty of leg room underneath.

Of course, it’s a great idea to get playful with bean bags and hanging chairs but you also need to be able to provide the basics.

Creating a Multi-Functional Kitchen Space for Coworkers

In the past, we wrote about the best ways to design an office kitchenette. In that article, we talked about encouraging staff to take proper eating breaks so that they can take time to refuel and unwind before heading back to their desks.

With a co-working space kitchen/cafeteria design, the dining table might just be someone’s desk for the day! To make sure that your dining area doubles up as a workspace, it’s important to offer ample sockets for laptops and phone charging. What’s more, you’ll need to illuminate the space appropriately so that staff can stay productive and won’t fall victim to eye strain.

How do you choose the best office lighting for productivity?

Large windows that allow natural light to flood in are the best choice for your kitchen/dining area however if natural light is limited, warm gentle lighting such as floor lamps and soft pendant lighting will work too.

Provide space for small and large groups

When it comes to the kitchen furniture, make sure that you offer both small and large tables. Teams within co-working spaces often host meetings within cafes and dining spaces, so larger tables are required in order to facilitate this. For those wanting to work autonomously or with one other colleague, a small break out booth or 2 seater table is ideal.

And, don’t forget the tea and coffee!

Tea and coffee are absolute must-haves when it comes to the office kitchen. A cosy tea station or coffee bar will be the first port of call for most workers first thing in the morning. So, keep your hot drinks station easily accessible to avoid overcrowding.

Design Collaborative Meeting Rooms and Conference Suites

For those that want to host important meetings without being overheard, conference suites are a must.

Conference suites are essential to any co-working space, providing a dedicated and comfortable spot for teams to brainstorm ideas, conduct interviews, host events or simply connect with other members.

By giving teams somewhere to discuss sensitive topics in private, they’ll have the freedom to voice their opinions discreetly without worrying about unwanted interruptions or distractions.

When designing a meeting room or conference space, it’s essential to incorporate multimedia displays and interactive tools, as these can help facilitate collaboration by giving everyone the opportunity to share ideas easily.

Make the most of multifunctional furniture!

Another great feature that you can add into a conference room is moveable furniture. Allowing teams to re-configure the space is particularly helpful for when they want to carry out activities or make room for equipment.

Incorporate Smart Technology into your Co-working Space Design

Nowadays, most people expect some level of smart technology to be available within a co-working space.

Adding smart technology helps to make operations more efficient and provides staff with a smoother workplace experience.

A good place to start is by determining which technology will best suit your space’s needs. From voice-controlled lighting and temperature regulation to automated cleaning services and interactive whiteboards, there are so many ways to make use of smart tech, but you need to decide which features to prioritise.

In order to choose the most valuable smart technology for your co-working space, think about the types of people that will be using it and how the technology will benefit them. For example, if you know that your space will be occupied by tech companies, not only will you need to ensure that they have everything they need to carry out their jobs, but you might also want to offer some more cutting-edge tech solutions that will draw them in and you give you an edge over other co-working spaces.

Once you have decided upon your smart technology features, integrate them into the workspace through an app or web portal. That way, your members will have complete control over their working environment.

Co-working Spaces Designed by Experts

Designing a co-working space is a big task. That’s why we’re on hand to help!

At McFeggan Brown, our team of experts specialise in creating custom workspaces that are tailored to the specific needs of our clients. We use the latest smart technology, collaborative tools and design features to ensure that your workspace provides maximum efficiency and comfort for employees.

In need of a complete office refurbishment?

Let us help you create a co-working space that cultivates productivity, creativity, and collaboration today! Give us a call on 01275 464 220

8 Office Game Room Ideas That Your Whole Team Will Love

When refurbishing your office, designing an office games room can be exciting!

But, when you’re short on design ideas it can be tricky to know what to include in your space for your next office fit out.

In this article, we’ve highlighted 8 of our favourite game room ideas that will help staff to connect, unwind and, most importantly, have fun!

1. Office Pool table

First up on our list of game room ideas is the office pool table!

This classic pub game can be enjoyed by multiple players and is a great way to boost staff morale, ignite healthy competition and help staff to de-stress after a busy day of work.

Why not customise your office pool table to reflect your company branding?

Brand-coloured cues or personalised pool balls will really make your pool table stand out.

2. Office Table Tennis

There are few people that don’t enjoy a fun-filled game of table tennis.

A cheaper alternative to the pool table, a ping pong table can provide hours of fun whilst getting your staff active. If you’re looking to save money further, you could even consider repurposing an existing table.

All you need is a medium-sized conference table, some bats, a ball and a net, et voila, you’re ready to play table tennis!

3. Office Arcade Games

There is nothing more nostalgic than retro arcade games! From Pacman and Pinball to Frogger and Space Invaders, who doesn’t love an old-school game?

A vintage arcade machine is a great statement piece for your games room and provides a suitable alternative for staff wanting a more relaxed gaming activity.

If you want to incorporate retro games into your office design but don’t have the budget to accommodate a games machine, a vintage console can work just as well. All you need is a console, a monitor and some controllers and you’re good to go!

4. Office Video Games

If your team are more into modern gaming, then why not invest in a contemporary games console? From Fifa to Gran Turismo, there are so many multiplayer games that all your staff can get involved with.

What’s more, many of these consoles offer access to TV and film streaming services.

With Netflix, Amazon, Now TV and many other services at your fingertips, your team can enjoy a movie marathon or binge-watch their favourite series’ together!

5. Office Climbing Wall

According to UK market research conducted by ABC walls, 116,000 people visit indoor climbing walls at least twice a month. With climbing proving to be such a popular leisure activity, why not bring a climbing wall to the office?

While a 20 feet climbing wall may not be practical within a small office games room, a smaller 10 feet wall is still a fun way to keep your staff active.

If you do have the luxury of a warehouse space with high ceilings, you could go the whole nine yards and install a full-size bouldering wall within the office!

6. Office Vending Machine

When staff are feeling a little peckish, it’s always handy to have a vending machine within easy reach of the office.

By providing snacks on site, your staff won’t need to venture out of the building to stave off hunger.

Cereal bars, dried fruit and vegetable crisps are great healthy options for when staff require a much-needed energy boost.

And, for when staff are looking for something a bit more indulgent, consider including some chocolatey treats or flapjacks!

Don’t forget to take allergens and dietary requirements into account. Ensure you have a suitable selection of vegan, vegetarian and allergen-free snacks so that there is something for everyone.

7. Office Board Games

Another low-cost way to inject some fun into your office games room is with board games! Board games are the perfect option if you have a smaller budget and limited space.

From Monopoly to Trivial Pursuit, there are so many fun classics to choose from!

When picking your games, consider getting your whole team involved. Select a range of board game favourites then ask your staff to vote on their favourites.

8. Office Karaoke

You might want to invest in some good soundproofing for this one…

Office karaoke is on the rise, so instead of spending a fortune renting out a Karaoke bar, why not bring Karaoke to the workplace with an office karaoke machine?

While your colleagues may not appreciate you serenading them with Cyndi Lauper first thing on a Monday morning, come post-work drinks on a Friday, staff won’t be able to resist the opportunity to let off steam by belting out their favourite tunes!

Have you thought about hosting an office games night?

An office games night is a great way to bring all your team together. Order in some pizzas, set up your scoreboard and let the games begin.

If you really want to get the competitive juices flowing, you could even offer some simple prizes for the winners. Think wine, chocolates, vouchers or cinema tickets!

Designing Your Games Room

When it comes to the design of your office games room, there are many ways you can make your space both exciting and practical. If you’re planning a games area, it’s useful to think about the following:

Mood: How do you want your games room to feel? If you want to create a feeling of relaxation and comfort, why not go for a green indoor/outdoor look? Think squishy green bean bags, biophilia and textured rugs!

If you want a more lively feel for your games room, why not opt for a theme? Step on board a spaceship, get lost in wonderland or enjoy the fun of the fair with a novelty games room design!

Flooring: Wood, carpet tiles and rubber flooring all work well in an office games room. If you can’t choose just one type of flooring, why not combine different flooring styles? You could go for a carpeted movie/console area and a rubber floor for more active games such as table tennis and pool.

Lighting: Your office games room is a great opportunity to get playful with lighting. Combine cosy pendant lights with modern strip lighting to create a nice balance within the space. If you want to create even more of an ambience, consider coloured LED lighting. This works particularly well if you’re going for a specific theme!

Layout: While it can be tempting to cram as much as possible into your office games room, it’s vital that you use your space wisely. If your games room is on the smaller side, select just a few games that you know your team will love. You can then use the leftover space for decorative touches and shelving.

If you’re lucky enough to have a large open-plan area, think carefully about sectioning. Hanging dividers and partitions are an excellent way to break up your game zones.

Furniture: As well as gaming activities, staff might also choose to use the games room as a place to catch up with colleagues or unwind with a coffee. With this in mind, be sure to select comfortable seating and other office furniture options such as lounge chairs and sofas. You can then accessorise your seating with comfy cushions and throws to create a sense of snugness!

And don’t forget about the coffee table!

For the ultimate relaxation spot, add a small coffee table where you can place tasty snacks, magazines and coasters.

What Next?

If you’re planning an commercial office fit-out and would like us to design you an exciting office games room that will enhance productivity and increase team bonding, why not get in touch?

At McFeggan Brown, we create eye-catching office spaces that will transform your business and help you to achieve your company goals.

Simply tell us what you have in mind and we’ll create a bespoke design to suit your time frame and budget.

Office Meeting Pods: The Ultimate Break-Out Space

If you’ve been keeping tabs on the latest office interior design trends, you might have heard the terms “work booth”, “break out space” or “work Pod” thrown around quite a lot in recent times.

Whatever you decide to call your office pod, all of these spaces essentially serve the same purpose.

As open-plan offices rise in popularity, never has it been more important to provide quiet zones where staff can focus on important tasks, host meetings and answer phone calls.

From small telephone booths to mini-conference suites, the idea is that your staff have a private place to work, away from the noise and distraction of the office floor.

In this article, we’ll be talking through the ins and outs of office pods. So, if you’ve been toying with the idea of incorporating a break-out space into your commercial office fit-out, read on to find out the benefits.

Office Pods Offer a Quiet Space

According to a study conducted by Future Workplace, 93% of workers reported feeling frustrated at distractions whilst on the phone.

So, if you have to go dashing about your building in search of a quiet space to handle important phone calls, chances are, you could benefit from an office pod. The last thing you want when taking a client call is to be banished to a storage cupboard, or, even worse, a toilet cubicle!

This is where office meeting pods offer the perfect solution. Rather than having to put up with noisy distractions from colleagues, you can take refuge in a soundproofed booth that is designed to keep out distractions.

How do you ensure that your office pod keeps noise out?

One of the easiest ways to soundproof your pod is with acoustic panels.

These ultra-absorbent panels not only help to reduce unwanted noise from outside the space, but they also dramatically limit the amount of reverb and echo on the inside. Made from thick acoustic foam and upholstered in fabric, they are easy to install and can be applied to both the ceiling and walls.

With a simple soundproofing solution, you’ll never have to put up with noisy colleagues again (well, almost).

Office Pods Support Staff Wellbeing

If you’re planning an office refurbishment in the near future, it’s important to design your space with employee well-being in mind.

Research carried out by HSE highlights that stress, anxiety and depression accounted for around 50% of all work-related illnesses between 2020 and 2021.

It’s statistics like this that show us we need to be doing more to support our staff.

By providing a place to work autonomously, staff can take time out whenever they need a break from the busy office environment. This can be particularly beneficial for staff with anxiety disorders who can find these settings uncomfortable.

If you don’t offer a space for autonomous working, you may find that staff opt to work from home often. And because they’re at home, you may not always have a chance to check in with them and find out how they’re doing.

So, keep a pod space free for your staff. That way, employees will feel less reluctant to come into the office knowing that they have a calming place to de-stress whenever they need to.

Office Pods Offer Comfort

When staff are tied to their desks all day long, aches and pains can start to creep in.

According to the European Society for Safety and Health at work, 3 in 5 workers report having some sort of musculoskeletal disorder. Given that so many staff have to deal with ongoing joint issues, it is crucial to offer comfortable seating that will reduce the likelihood of injury.

The type of seating you provide within your office pod will depend on the primary purpose of the space. For example, if your pods will predominantly be used for independent working then it’s worthwhile investing in ergonomic chairs. These chairs should be stable, fully adjustable and should offer some sort of lumbar support.

If you envision your pods as more of a collaborative space, why not provide sofa-style booth seating? Not only is this type of seating comfortable, but it can also add a contemporary look to your pod space. With the addition of a central table and some stylish pendant lighting, your staff won’t be able to resist hosting meetings in their exciting new space.

Office Meeting Pods Offer Privacy

Having a private place to escape to within the office is crucial when hosting 1-1s or important meetings. If you’re checking in with a team member and you don’t offer them a quiet corner to catch up in, you run the risk of them withholding information from you.

It’s time to give staff your full attention…

By hosting your 1-1 in an office meeting pod, you’re giving your staff a safe and secure space to air their issues and concerns. Without the worry that they might be overheard or that you might get distracted, they’ll open up and will value feeling listened to.

Office Meeting Pods Look Great!

The best thing about office pods is that there are endless possibilities when it comes to the design! With office pods, you can play about with shape, size and colour to create something completely bespoke and reflective of your brand.

Nowadays, there are so many different contemporary pod designs to choose from. From quirky igloo-shaped spaces to hexagonal booths with 360 seating, these eye-catching structures add a sense of fun to the workplace so don’t be afraid to get creative!

What Next?

Want to spruce up your space with some stylish office meeting pods? If you’re looking for custom-built quiet booths that look fantastic and offer excellent soundproofing, we can help!

At Mcfeggan Brown, we design unique contemporary workspaces that represent your business.

From decor to furniture, lighting and flooring, we can completely transform your office space to meet your company needs.

So, if you’re based within Bristol, Bath or the South West and are in need of a office fit out company, we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s have a chat about your upcoming project…

Talk to us today.

How to Motivate Staff with Your Office Interior Design

Think that office interior design is purely about aesthetics?

Think again…

While switching up your office design can certainly improve the look of your space, concentrating on appearance alone won’t result in a more motivated workforce.

Any experienced interior designer will tell you that interior design is all about a balance between style and function. In the workplace, this means creating an office that both looks beautiful and helps to motivate staff.  

So, if you want to create a more motivated workforce, and even attract new talent with office interior design during your upcoming office fit out, read on to find out our top tips…

Lighting

How important is good lighting when it comes to office interior design?

Well, if you want a more productive and motivated workforce, then it’s not just important – it’s essential.

Did you know, 40% of European office workers struggle with poor office lighting? What’s more, 1 in 4 workers has expressed frustration at having to deal with inadequate lighting on a daily basis.

These striking statistics were recorded by Staples as part of an online survey involving 7,000 European office workers and prove just how pivotal effective lighting is for staff.

So, how do you motivate staff with office lighting?

It goes without saying that natural daylight is always going to be the best form of office lighting. However, if your office space has few windows and little exposure to natural light then you’ll need to find alternative solutions. When introducing artificial lighting into your commercial office fit out, there are 3 key areas to consider:

Lighting temperature

The temperature of your office lighting can have a profound psychological effect on your staff.

For example, when used correctly, cooler, blue-toned lighting can help with alertness and help to freshen up a space. However, too much exposure to blue-toned lighting can physically make people feel colder which can be counterproductive during the winter months.

To ensure that you make the most out of your lighting, consider introducing different lighting hues within different areas of the workspace. This way, your staff will have a choice of working areas that are lit appropriately for the tasks that they need to perform.

Lighting Efficiency

Illuminating a large office space with minimal natural light can be both costly and harmful to the environment. So, if you want to cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, LED lighting is the way to go.

Unlike incandescent lighting which uses almost all of its energy to heat the bulb, LED lighting is far less wasteful, with only a tiny fraction of its energy generating heat.

The other great thing about LED lighting is that it can be used to mimic the hue and intensity of natural daylight. With the replication of sunlight, not only will your staff feel more energised, but they will also benefit from better sleep as it helps to balance the body’s natural circadian rhythms.

Better sleep + increased energy levels = a more motivated workforce. 

Office Furniture

Whether your staff are sitting or standing, they need to feel comfortable within the working environment.

So, if your staff are spending half their day adjusting their chairs or desks and still don’t feel content, it’s time to rethink your furniture.

To ensure that staff stay pain-free and motivated throughout the day, consider incorporating some ergonomic office furniture into your new interior design.

Office Desks

When sitting at an office desk, feet should be flat on the ground and there should be ample space underneath to move the legs around freely. If a desk has drawers built in or bars that restrict movement, staff will be more prone to muscle cramps and pain in the legs.

If using a standing desk, it should extend to a height of 46” inches at a bare minimum. If a standing desk doesn’t extend far enough, then it encourages poor posture which will do more harm than good.

So, make sure that your desks offer plenty of space and can be adjusted to a height that will suit everyone.

Office Desk Chairs

In order to prevent back pain and discomfort when sitting,  your office desk chairs need to have sufficient lumbar support. A chair that is unsupportive or too rigid can be harmful to the spine and may increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries.

In addition, there should be no pressure at the back of the knees and both the height and tilt should be fully adjustable.

By providing a range of ergonomic furniture options, staff are much more likely to stay motivated throughout the day.

Storage

You may be wondering what storage has to do with motivating staff but bear with us…

It all has to do with clutter.

If your office space is busy and disorganised, don’t be surprised to find that motivation levels have dropped.

According to a survey conducted by Brother, 40% of employees feel that a messy workspace lowers their productivity levels.

To keep on top of clutter, consider the addition of open shelving with contemporary storage boxes and slick filing cabinets with easy-to-read labels. By keeping stationary and supplies neatly tucked away, staff will feel calmer and more productive.

What’s more, when clients visit your office, you’ll create a much better impression if everything is in its place.

Soundproofing

The office is a hive of activity. From phone calls to workplace chatter, there are so many ways that staff can get distracted.

If you allow noise to get out of control and don’t take steps to reduce distractions then staff motivation will drop significantly.

To counter this issue, acoustic wall panels and dividers offer a great solution.

When planning your office interior design, there are a number of ways to incorporate soundproof panelling that is in keeping with your office decor.

Section Off Quiet Zones

Quiet zones allow staff to work autonomously within a space that guarantees calmness and tranquillity. To keep these spaces quiet, consider adding layered foam wall panels or hanging partitions which will absorb unwanted noise and reduce the amount of reverberation.

The best thing about these panels is that they can be designed to blend in seamlessly with your office design. So, why not get creative with colour, shape and pattern to liven up your space?

Soundproof Your Meeting Spaces

When it comes to meeting spaces, privacy is key. The last thing you want when discussing confidential client information is a nosy passerby listening in on your private conversation!

Once again, wall panels offer a great solution for noise reduction. However, if you want to let more light into your space, you might want to think about adding frosted acoustic glass.

Acoustic glass is made from Polyvinyl Butyral and is often found in busy spaces such as airports and stations. While this style of glass doesn’t always come frosted, it’s very easy to apply a layer of frosted film which will add an extra layer of privacy and still allow light to travel into the space.

Wall Colours

If you really want to motivate staff with your office interior design, then choosing the right colours is hugely important.

Did you know that your choice of wall colour can have a direct impact on performance?

In 2015, a study was conducted to determine the influence of colour within learning environments and produced some very enlightening findings.

When testing out different wall colours, the researchers found that students’ reading scores were markedly higher when taking a test within a vibrantly coloured environment.

Furthermore, it was found that specific hues had a profound effect on student heart rates.

So, if you want to create an environment that energises staff and improves performance, why not add a hint of bright orange or zingy green?

You could even go as far as to carry out your own colour psychology research. With a simple online survey, you can find out which colours your staff are most drawn to and which colours are best to avoid.

Asking your staff for their opinions is a great way to get everyone involved in the interior design process and will (hopefully) make decision-making a little easier!

Greenery

Aaah…plants.

At McFeggan Brown, we’ve made no secret of the fact that we’re big fans of office greenery. With an exhaustive list of employee benefits and positive environmental effects, plants are a fantastic addition to any office design.

But how do plants help to motivate staff?

As well as improving air quality, office plants have been scientifically proven to reduce stress.

While a small amount of stress can temporarily increase motivation, prolonged stress has been shown to have a negative effect on motivation levels.

If you want your staff to feel inspired by their work environment, dotting a few potted plants around the office is a fantastic way to give your team a boost.

Wondering which plants to choose? Check out our article on “The Top Ten Best Plants To Invest In For Your Office Space”.

Feeling Motivated To Switch up Your Office Interior?

If you’re planning an office re-design and are feeling inspired by our article, why not let us help?

At Mcfeggan Brown, our expert interior designers are highly experienced in creating bespoke workspaces that increase motivation and enhance productivity. Whatever the size of your office space, we can create something that suitably represents your business and allows your staff to thrive.

Contact our design team today or call us on 01275 464 220.

6 Furniture Ideas to Inspire Your Office Fit Out

You’ve prepared your walls, chosen your flooring and planned your partitions and now it’s time for the fun part – filling your space.

When refurbishing your office, it’s important to choose furniture that provides comfort, functionality and convenience. With the right furniture choices, you can create a more productive office environment whilst making the space your own.

Need some help getting started?

If you’re planning to transform your office and would like some inspiration, take a look through our top 5 furniture ideas to inspire your office fit out.

1. Fit Out Your Space With Comfortable Office Seating

In the modern office environment, comfort is key. With remote and hybrid working on the rise, never has it been more important to offer your staff a range of comfortable working spaces.

When working from home, staff don’t need to stay glued to their desks and can just as easily switch over to their sofa when they get tired of working in one place. So, if you’re planning an commercial office fit out, think about ways that you can offer your staff the same flexibility when they enter into the office space.

For tasks that require greater concentration, consider the addition of quiet booths with soft seating and soundproof panelling where staff can escape distractions and maintain focus.

When it comes to your booth seating construction, there are a range of styles to choose from.

For maximum durability and ergonomic support, opt for pocket-sprung seating which is both long-lasting and provides excellent support for the joints.

If you’re after a softer style seat, foam is your friend. Foam seats are both comfortable yet practical however it’s important to choose wisely. Cheaper foam options can break down quicker over time so this is something to be mindful of when placing foam seats in high-traffic areas.

How about an office sofa?

For seating to suit more relaxed activities such as casual meetings and simple admin tasks, why not provide a simple yet stylish sofa.

From contemporary modular styles that encourage collaboration to classic 3 seaters, sofas are a great way to make staff feel at home. Accessorise with colourful scatter cushions and a cosy throw to inject some personality and make your space more inviting.

2. Create a More Eco-Friendly Office with Sustainable Furniture

As people awaken to the reality of climate change, it’s no wonder that staff are growing more concerned about the impact they may have on the environment.

In fact, a survey conducted by Unily involving two thousand UK office workers found that over half of all respondents would be more inclined to work for a company that had a “strong environmental policy”.

To reduce your environmental impact, why not consider incorporating some sustainable furniture options into your company office design?

There has been a huge increase in the number of green office furniture manufacturing companies cropping up around the UK. Many of these companies offer desks, chairs and meeting tables made from recyclable and renewable materials that are hard-wearing and good for the planet.

But what should you look for when buying sustainable office furniture?

Choosing a green manufacturer that talks the talk AND walks the walk is essential. So consider the following questions before committing to a purchase:

Material source: Are the products on offer made from FSC-certified wood or recycled natural materials?

Product Design: How are the products made? Is the company making an effort to reduce carbon emissions during the manufacturing process?

Product Shipment: Does the company offer sustainable shipping methods and package products responsibly?

Being aware of a manufacturer’s sustainability policy will help you make a more informed decision so don’t forget to do your research!

3. Make The Most of Office Storage Solutions

As we head further into the digital age, we are fortunate enough to have computers that can be used to store important files and documents. In spite of this, most offices still have supplies and stationery that they need to keep organised and out of the way.

In order to keep workspaces clear and clutter at bay, one of the best things you can do is invest in a solid storage unit. With a quality storage unit, messy paperwork and unsightly office supplies can be hidden behind sleek-looking doors while open shelves can be used to display trinkets and decorative items.

If your office is on the smaller size, why not opt for a bespoke floating cabinet? By installing your cabinet higher up, you will preserve valuable floor space and keep your office looking clean and tidy. Just make sure your cabinet is within easy reach. You don’t want staff injuring themselves by climbing up onto tables and chairs!

4. Prioritise Privacy and Style With Quality Office Blinds

Whether you’re looking to hide precious equipment or simply want to create a private space for confidential meetings, office blinds are an absolute must-have.

Unlike curtains, blinds are cheap to install and maintain making them the perfect choice for the office environment.

If you’re not a fan of the traditional vertical style, why not smarten up your space with a simple roller or stylish Venetian blind? Not only will these blinds give a more contemporary look to your office, but they’re also a great way to block out glare when you’re using a projector to display presentations.

When choosing your blinds, take time to consider different fabric types. If your office has a lot of windows, you might want to think about investing in a UV protection fabric which will block out harmful rays and keep your staff safe while working.

If energy saving is a key concern, consider lined shades with thermal properties that will regulate temperature and reduce your spend on costly combined air conditioning units.

5.Brighten Up Your Office with Free Standing Floor Lamps

It’s no secret that office lighting has a huge impact on employee well-being. The right lighting choices can really affect the mood and ambience of your office space, which can in turn help to boost staff morale and increase concentration levels.

But why stick to ceiling lights when you can make a statement with a stunning floor lamp?

When it comes to contemporary office design, nothing screams ‘grown-up office space’ more than a stylish free-standing lamp.

Unlike the traditional ceiling light, floor lamps allow you to quickly play around with shades, bulbs and dimmer settings so that you can switch up your lighting style whenever it suits you!

If you decide to opt for a floor lamp as an alternative to desk-level task lighting, choose one that offers a hinge or swivel function so you can easily adjust the angle and height.

What Next?

If our office furniture ideas have got you thinking about your next office fit-out project, why not get in touch? At McFeggan Brown, we offer bespoke office fit-out solutions that reflect your business goals and enable staff to flourish.

From decor to lighting, electrical fittings and furnishings, we offer a complete package that can be tailored to suit your budget and time frame. Check out our latest case studies here.

Still looking for inspiration? Take a look at these 18 office design ideas that will transform your workspace.

Why Your Office Interior Matters

Securing a shiny new office space is exciting for any business but if your office interior design doesn’t inspire your staff, you might need to make some changes.

From wall colours to lighting, to furniture and signage, there are many components that make your office unique. Get it wrong and you run the risk of a lacklustre workforce. Get it right and you’ll have a motivated workforce to help your company prosper.

Want to know why your office interior really matters? Read on to find out more.

Your Office Design Represents Your Business

The key thing to remember when planning your office fit out is that your decor has got to represent your business! If you don’t feel proud of your office, just imagine what your clients will think when they step into your space.

A strong office interior can act as an extension of your marketing. If a prospective client walks into your office and sees clear company branding, tasteful decor and a thriving workforce, then you’ve instantly increased your chance of making a sale.

At the end of the day, your commercial office fit out is an opportunity to showcase what your business does best.  

So, if you’re a graphic design company why not create something bespoke for the walls? An eye-catching mural is sure to capture your client’s attention.

Perhaps your business is all about sustainability and helping the environment? If that’s the case, show that you’re serious about what you do by adding plenty of greenery and sustainable design features.

Your Office Colours Influence Staff Mood and Behaviour

Your office colour scheme may be affecting your staff more than you realise.

The right choice of colours can boost morale, inspire creativity and lower stress levels while the wrong choice of colours can inhibit productivity and make it harder for staff to focus.

To ensure that you’re making the most out of your colour scheme, it’s important to use colour carefully. So before committing to a colour palette, think about what you want to achieve.

If your staff are struggling to stay alert, consider pops of bright, bold colours such as orange and red. These colours have been found to have a greater effect on attention levels when compared with cooler colours such as brown and grey.

If you want your colour scheme to have a calming effect, why not add some green tones to your office? According to a study published by the Natural Library of Medicine, a green environment has been shown to significantly reduce heart rate, helping individuals to relax.

Bear in mind that your colours need to complement each other when used within the same space.

If your office is small, it’s best to stick to one colour scheme throughout to avoid unsightly colour clashes. If you have the luxury of a larger space, you have the opportunity to create colour schemes for different workspace zones.

Just be mindful of your colour placement, what might be suitable for one room might not work for another.

Your Office Furniture Impacts Upon Staff Wellbeing

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, “up to 60% of the adult population can expect to have low back pain at some time in their life.”

When you consider the fact that most people spend up to seven hours a day sitting, it is essential that you offer your staff safe and comfortable seating that promotes good posture and reduces the risk of injury.

But what makes good ergonomic seating?

In an ideal world, each staff member would have an ergonomic chair specifically designed to suit them but, for most companies, this is simply unrealistic. As an alternative, it’s best to find chairs that are fully adjustable with attachments so that each staff member can set them at a height and position they find comfortable.  

And don’t forget your desks!

Some of your staff members may not want to sit at all. To give your staff a break from sitting, consider offering standing desks or desktop risers which will give them more flexibility. The simple act of switching from a seated to a standing position can be all that is needed to increase energy levels and reduce tiredness.

Your Office Lighting Affects Staff Happiness

If there’s one interior design element that has the power to totally transform your workplace, it has to be the lighting.

A report published by City University London highlighted that “lighting solutions tailored to the individual needs of workers have considerable potential for enhancing employees’ work satisfaction and enhancing retention.”

So, why aren’t we doing more?

In large open-plan offices, it can be tricky to provide lighting that suits every individual’s needs.

As a bare minimum, you should be considering different lighting styles to suit the types of tasks that your staff will be undertaking. It’s no surprise that areas dedicated to more detailed work will require a greater amount of light than those used for relaxation. So think about the purpose of your space before making your lighting choices.

If you want to give your staff more control over their space, why not consider the addition of dimmable lights within smaller meeting nooks and break-out rooms?

LED dimmable downlights are the perfect choice for quiet break-out spaces as they allow the user to adjust the amount of light to a level that suits them.

Installing these lights in independent working spaces gives staff the freedom to change the light settings as much as they desire without affecting other employees.

Your Office Interior Should Give Staff Flexibility

The office of today is more than just a place to work. Modern office design should prioritise a work-life balance and, in order to achieve that, you need to offer spaces for staff to relax and unwind.

When planning your office interior, talk to your staff and find out what they’d like to see in their ideal workspace. Perhaps your team would like a space to exercise or a games area where they can let off steam and socialise with their colleagues?

By providing suitable spaces to de-stress and engage in other activities, staff will not only feel valued but they’ll also feel refreshed and ready to take on important tasks when returning to their desks, this can all lead to higher employee retention rate.

What Next?

If your office interior could do with a little TLC, why not see our design checklist or speak to our design experts? At Mcfeggan Brown, we can help you to transform your office into an exciting, contemporary workspace that suits the needs of your business. Contact us today: 01275 464 220

18 Office Design Ideas that will Transform your Workspace

When it comes to office interior design, many jump to the assumption that “good office design” is predominantly about the aesthetic. And, while there is no question that a show-stopping colour scheme and careful selection of bespoke office furniture will make your environment appear more visually pleasing, there are so many other design features to take into account.

To ensure that you make the best design choices, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite office interior design ideas so that you can create a striking space that is both functional AND easy on the eye!

Read on to get inspired…

1. Create a More Ergonomic Office Space

At the top of our design ideas checklist is ergonomics. By incorporating ergonomic furniture into your office, you can prevent physical injury while supporting the mental well-being of your staff.

Think of it this way. If you felt uncomfortable in an office, your work would lack quality and take much longer to complete. If this were to happen, you’d be more likely to suffer from stress as a consequence. What happens when employees are injured or suffering from long-term stress? Absence. (and this can cost you a lot of money in the long run)

To avoid these issues, ensure that your office screens, chairs and desks are at an optimal height for each of your staff members. By taking time to recognise the ergonomic needs of your workforce, you can easily boost staff performance and ensure that staff feel safe within their work environment.

If you’d like to learn more about how to inspire a happier and healthier workforce through ergonomic design, check out our article on ergonomics in the working environment.

2. Incorporate Break Out Areas

Working in an open-plan office can be great for collaboration, however, when a lot of people are occupying a space, it can be easy for staff to get distracted. In fact, a survey conducted by Future Workplace and commissioned by Poly, revealed that one of the biggest office distractions reported by respondents was colleagues taking loud phone calls or speaking loudly to others.

If noise is an issue within your workplace, it is important to offer your staff a space away from their desk where they can relax, unwind and work with minimal distraction. This is where break-out areas offer the perfect solution. Break-out areas are versatile spaces that can be used to take calls, host informal meetings or work on complex projects in peace.

To maximise the noise reduction benefits of your break-out space, consider incorporating acoustic panels into your break-out area design. Not only do they do a fantastic job at reducing noise, but they can also be used as a substitute for artwork. With so many colours and shapes to choose from, you can really modernise your break-out space whilst eliminating unwanted sounds.

3.Inspire Clients With an Eye-Catching Reception

If you want to impress visitors, your reception area mustn’t be overlooked. As the first space that clients see when they walk into your office, your reception needs to clearly represent your brand and make guests feel welcome. At this stage, it is helpful to put yourself in the shoes of a visitor. Think about the things that would make you feel comfortable whilst waiting for a meeting or appointment. What would you expect to find?

The Waiting Area:

Ditch rows of corporate task seating for a comfy corner sofa or lounge chairs so that guests can relax and unwind. When choosing your seating, consider darker colours and fabrics that can be cleaned easily so that you can keep things looking fresh.

If you decide to include a coffee table, don’t forget the finishing touches! A table dressed with flowers, magazines, tissues and a jug of iced water will make your guests feel taken care of and show that you pay attention to detail.

The Reception Desk:

When it comes to your reception desk, why not get creative? Your reception desk doesn’t have to be linear. Experiment with different desk shapes and heights to really make a statement. If you want to soften the space, opt for a curved or circular desk which will provide a sense of fluidity and add a contemporary feel.

4. Never Underestimate the Power of Good Office Lighting

Bad lighting is a big no-no. According to The Health and Safety Executive, poor lighting puts employees at risk of suffering from ‘sick building syndrome’ which causes “headaches, lethargy, irritability and poor concentration”.

Fortunately, there are so many different lighting solutions available, meaning you can avoid these issues and even increase productivity if you pick the right type of lighting when designing your space.

If lack of natural daylight is an issue within your office space, it might be worth investing in some Human Centric Lighting. As the name suggests, HCL is all about the human experience of lighting. Therefore, when daylight is not available, HCL allows you to adjust the warmth and temperature of the light source so that it aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythms.

Another great reason to mix up your office lighting is to add to the feel of different zones within the working environment. If you have decided to incorporate meeting nooks or breakout zones into your open-plan office fit out, why not use a different colour or style of light to create a sense of calm or cosiness? A warm pendant light or coloured architectural wall lights are a great way to change the mood within a small working space.

5. Bring the Outdoors In With Office Plants

Want to relieve stress and bring a sense of calm to your office?

Why not breathe some life into your space with a touch of greenery? Plants will not only make your office environment look better, but they will help staff to feel better too.

A study conducted by the journal of physiological Anthropology found that plants in the home or office can make people feel more “comfortable, soothed, and natural”.  

When it comes to caring for your office plants, there are so many low-maintenance options that are ideal for the office environment as they only require a few minutes of your attention each week. Palms, Money plants and Aloe vera are great low-maintenance options but the list doesn’t end there. Check out our pick of the best plants to invest in for your office space.

6. Make Staff Feel at Home in the Office

According to Finder, 60% of the UK’s adult population worked from home during the first lockdown so it’s no surprise that some employees have struggled to adapt to being back in the office.

If your office is still half empty and you’re wondering why your staff just won’t return, think about what might be missing from your space. While it’s important to acknowledge that there are some reasons you have little control over (family commitments, long commutes, etc), your office environment shouldn’t be one of them.

Take time to understand what your staff would like to see in their ideal office. Do your staff prefer home working because they find it more comfortable or like having access to a fully stocked kitchen and dining space? These are things that are simple to implement yet will make a big difference to staff morale.

Don’t forget, staff opinions count. In a global survey involving 7,600 office workers from 16 countries, 33% of employees reported that office design would “unequivocally affect their decision whether or not to work somewhere”. So, if you want to attract prospective employees and retain the staff that you already have, make those important design changes before it’s too late. You don’t want to lose a staff member because they found a company with a better office space!

7. Inject Some Fun With an Office Games Area

An office games area is more than just a place for employees to unwind. Introducing team games into the office provides the opportunity for your staff to connect and get to know each other better.

If you have new employees joining the company, why not arrange a lunchtime game of pool or table tennis? This can be a great way to encourage bonding in a relaxed, informal way and can help you to break the ice with new starters.

When creating your office games room, you don’t need to blow your budget on an extensive range of game options. Instead, pick one or two games that are worthwhile investing in and then use your design features to create a sense of playfulness.

Beanbags, bold signage, DIY scoreboards and soft furnishings can all bring a games room to life.

At the end of the day, a games room is all about fun so let your imagination run wild!

8. Create a Kitchen That Is All About Connection

Last year, we published an article about the benefits of having a kitchen space in your office. From inspiring healthy eating to socialising and relaxation, we explained how an office kitchen can be more than just a place to grab a bite to eat.

But while you might be sure of the benefits of an office kitchen space, you could be wondering where to start when it comes to your kitchen design.

When creating an office kitchen, one of the biggest challenges can be creating a sense of mindfulness so that staff take time to eat well and don’t feel inclined to rush back to their desks. If you want to inspire mindful eating and counter rushed meals, you must carefully consider your use of space, light and colour.

Your kitchen space should be all about the experience. If a kitchen is dark, cramped, cluttered and uncomfortable, your staff members won’t acknowledge it as a space to relax and catch up with other colleagues. However, with the use of calming tones, soothing lights and plenty of inviting seating, your kitchen will draw employees in and establish itself as a space for connection.

If your office is a little on the small side, don’t be fooled into thinking that a kitchen is out of the question. An office kitchenette is a great way to incorporate the key features of a kitchen environment without needing tons of space.

9. Adapt Your Office Space for Hybrid Working

Earlier on, we spoke about the importance of redesigning your space to attract remote workers back into the office. But what else can you do to keep your team connected in the age of remote working? 

Adapting your office for hybrid working has never been more important. If you know that, at any given time, a handful of your staff will be working remotely whilst the remainder are working in the office, you’ll need to think about how the office space reflects this.

Imagine that you have only 11 staff members turn up to work in an office designed for 24. If this starts to become a regular occurrence, there is little sense in providing more seating or desk space than you actually need. Instead, you can adapt your free space so that it is better equipped for virtual meetings and online training.

Why not introduce quiet nooks that can be used for online training courses? Or conference rooms with large monitors where zoom calls can be projected so that staff can connect both virtually, and in person?

Designing your office space with flexibility in mind will ensure that your team can choose how and where they want to work without unnecessary limitations.

10. Section off Your Space With Contemporary Office Partitions

In the past, solid wall partitions were fairly commonplace within most commercial office spaces. However, with the growth in popularity of open-plan offices, business owners have had to think of new ways to divide up their space. 

If you have permission to build walls within your office, then solid wall partitions are certainly an option, however, they can get very costly if you’re looking to include more than one. A more budget-friendly alternative that offers both practicality and flexibility, is a moveable divider or temporary partition panel.

The best thing about using a temporary partition is that there is no rule to suggest what constitutes one. So, while you might opt for a hanging fabric panel or acoustic divider, your partition could just as easily be a bookcase, shelving unit or free-standing screen.

When looking for a suitable office partition, think about what you want it to achieve. Maybe you want it to have acoustic properties or an interesting design that will liven up an area of your office? If you need help figuring out the type of divider that would work best for your space, why not speak to a member of our specialist design team?

11. Create a Killer Conference Suite

We couldn’t create a list of office design ideas without including the killer conference suite!

With some tactical design choices, your conference suite can become a hub for innovation, creativity and productivity.

But how do you ensure that your meeting space leaves a lasting impression?

Firstly, it’s essential to consider who might be using the space. If you regularly host client meetings in person, then you need to think about how your conference room is going to appeal to your guests and reflect your core company values. A great way to highlight these values is by incorporating them into your design.

Supposing your company motto was ‘respect and integrity’. What better way to get this message across than to have it written on the wall in your conference suite?

To really place the emphasis on the fact that those values belong to YOUR business, why not design the text so that the colours match your company logo? Bold fonts and minimalist graphics are an excellent way to showcase your values whilst giving your boardroom a contemporary feel.

If your meeting room is likely to be used by both visiting guests and staff members, it’s vital that you make your space as comfortable and as versatile as possible. Consider executive swivel seating and folding conference tables that will give you more flexibility to rearrange the space when required.

To guarantee comfort for your guests, look for padded chairs or soft textile cushions which will add some personality and make them feel at home.

If you’re seeking further inspiration, check out our blog post to find out how to set up a conference room for maximum impact.

12. Improve Air Quality With Office Ventilation

Never before has office ventilation been so important. Since the pandemic, employees have become much more aware of the potential to catch infectious diseases whilst working within a busy office building. According to data collected by HSE, between 2020 and 2021, 93,000 staff self-reported that they had caught Covid-19 whilst at work. Although we have since made significant progress in stopping the spread of the virus, the fear of catching Covid is still very much present.

If you want to ensure that your office air quality is safe and well-regulated, you need to invest in a quality office ventilation system. With a quality HVAC system, you can draw impurities out of the air and control the temperature of your space. You can find out more about keeping your office space well-ventilated here.

13. Promote Inclusivity With Neurodiverse Design

According to a study published by the British Medical Bulletin, it is estimated that between 15-20% of the population are neurodivergent. Neurodiversity covers a wide spectrum of conditions, however, those that are more commonly known include ADHD, autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

In order to create a workplace in which all employees can flourish, it’s essential to design your office interior with neurodiversity in mind. By communicating with your staff, you can find out how to properly adapt the space for those with additional needs.

Once you have spoken with your staff, you can then identify any adjustments that need to be made. Perhaps office noise levels are too high or the colours are making it difficult for employees to focus? Whatever the issues are, there are so many ways to fix them. Check out this useful article on Neurodiverse design, to find out how you can start making a change.

14. Make the Most of Modular Furniture

Did you know that there is evidence of modular furniture dating back to the 1920s?

After the first world war, a housing project named “The New Frankfurt Initiative” was developed in Germany to combat the post-war housing shortage. When designing the homes, a number of prestigious architects came up with furniture solutions that prioritised “modularity, mobility, and multi-purpose functioning”.

These design principles are still just as relevant today.

If you want to save space and money at the same time, modular furniture is the way to go.

Why not consider extendable desks or moveable cube seating? Having the option to move furniture when it’s not being used is crucial when you have a small office. With space-saving furniture solutions, you’ll have plenty of room to host company meetings or work events within your office, meaning you won’t need to look elsewhere. 

15. Introduce Sustainable Office Design Features

In the last few years, more and more people have been thinking about ways that they can lessen their environmental impact. And for good reason.

According to the European Commission, greenhouse gases are increasing rapidly. This increase has led to warmer temperatures and more instances of extreme weather which has already had devastating effects on our planet.

But, what can you do in the workplace to help the environment?

With the right materials and sustainable design choices, you can reduce your environmental impact whilst encouraging eco-friendly habits amongst your staff. Research conducted by The University of California and INSEAD has suggested that including visual cues as opposed to text, can help people to recycle more effectively. So, if you want to encourage your staff members to dispose of their waste appropriately, consider incorporating some simple graphic signage.

When furnishing your space, look for furniture made from materials that can easily be recycled. That way, you know that your furniture will get a second lease of life when you no longer need it.

Find out how you can make your office environment more sustainable. 

16. Combine the Old and the New With Office Antiques

As we have already mentioned, incorporating recyclable materials into your commercial office fit out is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. But why stop there?

Another way that you can make more sustainable design choices is by incorporating antique or secondhand furniture.

For a charming vintage feel, consider the addition of an iconic anglepoise light, retro rotary phone or a stunning 60s swivel chair. It only takes one or two stand-out pieces to add character to a space so you don’t need to go mad!

17. Stay Current With Smart Office Technology

If you regularly send instant messages or attend virtual meetings online then you are already using smart technology. Simply put, smart technology helps to make life easier by offering flexibility, connectivity and convenience.

What constitutes smart technology?

According to Built In, there are three main features of a smart device. These are:

• Context Awareness: The ability to collect information about the environment and modify actions accordingly
• Autonomous Computing: The use of data to make simple decisions without needing to rely on the user
• Connectivity: The ability to connect to a data network

In the office environment, smart technology can serve a range of purposes. From virtual communication apps to online booking software, cloud security and smart lighting, there are so many ways it can be used. Take a look inside one of the world’s smartest office spaces here.

18. Encourage Staff To Spend More Time Outside

Who wants to spend the entire day cooped up inside an office when the sun is shining?

An outside seating area gives your staff the opportunity to take a well-earned break from the office whilst reaping the benefits of fresh air and much-needed vitamin D.

Whether you’re in the heart of the city or out in the sticks, if you’ve got outdoor space, there is ample opportunity to get creative.

Perhaps you have a small balcony area? Why not repurpose it into a rooftop bar or terrace? While it may not technically be a rooftop OR a bar, it can still be a fun space to host after-work drinks and socials. Consider adding large plants, cosy bean bags and hanging egg chairs to create a stylish hub for socialising.

If you have a large outdoor space on the ground level, think about how you can add practical features to make the space more functional. Features like bike racks, benches and communal lunch tables will encourage your staff to step away from their desks and spend more time outside.

If you have limited access to outdoor space, don’t forget to ensure that your office has adequate ventilation, suitable lighting and touches of biophilia. When your employees can’t escape outside, it’s even more important to make sure that your employees feel comfortable!

What Next?

We hope that our office design ideas have given you some food for thought.

If you’re feeling inspired but need some help planning your next office fit-out, why not give us a call? At Mcfeggan Brown, our extensive range of office interior design solutions can help you to transform your office into a dynamic, contemporary workspace that meets the needs of your business.

Speak to our friendly team today: 01275 464 220

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

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

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

Create a Space That Prioritises Employee Well-being

Grab-able Healthy Drinks & Snacks

Bring The Outside In

Healthy Food Art

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.

5 Reasons Why Your Office Layout Matters

Is your office layout more of a hindrance than a help?

If you’re sitting there nodding your head, then it’s probably time to ditch your outdated workstation setup, do away with bulky office furniture and start giving your staff the space they need to succeed.

Nowadays, the office is more than just a place to work. The office of today has become a hub for people to connect, create and recuperate. When you pay little attention to your office layout, your staff simply have to ‘make do’ with an unconventional work environment.

But this isn’t beneficial for anyone.

If you’re planning an office fit out and want to understand the thinking behind effective space planning – we can help! In this article, we’ve put together 5 important reasons why your office layout matters. With these helpful considerations, you can create a thriving, future-proof workspace where staff are supported to reach their full potential.

So, let’s get stuck in.

1. A Well-Designed Office Layout Keeps Employees Happy

There are 24 hours in a day, and for most people, a large majority of this time is spent at their place of work.

To boost employee morale and keep staff happy at work, you need to create a space that is both functional and inviting. If your office is poorly designed and not fit for purpose, your employees will feel overwhelmed and undervalued. And this feeling of dissatisfaction can quickly spread throughout the business…

Office Layout Top Tip:

To promote a happy workforce, incorporate spaces away from the workstation that encourage collaboration and inspire innovation. Large, open-plan meeting areas and break-out zones are ideal for this!

If noise reduction and privacy are priorities, position your break-out pods in a quieter part of the office or consider acoustic panels. This will allow employees to focus on important tasks while maintaining a sense of calm.

2. The Right Office Layout Will Keep Staff Safe

When it comes to your office layout, health and safety must be a priority.

According to the UK government agency HSE, “Every room where persons work shall have sufficient floor area, height and unoccupied space for purposes of health, safety and welfare”. They also state that “fire escape routes must be easily accessible and unobstructed”.

While health and safety measures might seem obvious, some business owners can become preoccupied with their office design and decor, failing to spot potential hazards along the way.

Others may try to accommodate rapid company expansion with additional seating and desks that can lead to cramped, confined workstations that pose a risk to their staff.

Office Layout Top Tip:

To create a space that is both stylish and safe, it’s important to do your research.

When preparing for an office refurbishment, it can be tempting to spend hours scouring the net for office design ideas but you also need to factor in staff safety.  If you’re considering a new office layout, take time to look through the helpful guides on the HSE website so that you fully understand how to protect your employees. With careful planning and the right preparations in place, you’ll be able to mitigate risks early on.

3. A Clever Office Layout Can Save You Time & Money

Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that your office layout could be costing you time and money?

Along with health and safety negligence, which can lead to hefty fines from HSE, failure to consider good office furniture placement and appropriate zoning can affect your purse strings in more ways than one.

When employees can’t navigate the office properly, frustration is inevitable. If staff can’t move from A to B without having to walk the whole way around the kitchen, meeting rooms, and reception area, you are losing out on precious work time. This is time that could be spent on client meetings, important projects or valuable sales calls.

Office Layout Top Tip:

To get the most out of your space, you need to think carefully about the purpose of each area within your office. Once you’ve established this, you can then start to think about how these areas work in conjunction with one another.

When deciding upon the placement of each zone within the office, consider who will be using the spaces. For example, if your reception team spends a lot of their time printing and photocopying, it makes sense to keep a printer next to the desk so that they won’t have to rush back from another room to jump on an urgent phone call or welcome visitors.

If you regularly have clients coming in for appointments, why not position an office kitchenette or coffee machine close to the waiting area? That way, your guests won’t have to walk past busy workstations and other office facilities to grab a hot drink before a meeting.

What if your layout STILL isn’t working?

Fixed features such as solid partition walls and built-in workstations will cost you more in the long run should you ever need to reconfigure your office layout. So, to prevent unnecessary costs, opt for moveable options such as desks on wheels and temporary partitions which are a great alternative and will allow you to be far more flexible.

4. The Right Layout Will Impress Your Clients

When you put time and effort into planning a layout with purpose, it won’t go unnoticed by visitors.

With a layout that promotes maximum productivity, clients will see that you’re committed to working smart and championing innovation.

Don’t forget – your office is a chance to showcase what your company is all about. So, if your space is beautifully decorated but awkwardly laid out, your clients may start to question your attention to detail which could reflect negatively on your business.

Office Layout Top Tip:

To show that you care about your clients, offer a welcoming reception space that is free from clutter and easily accessible. This will make a good first impression and make them feel valued.

Oh, and remember those office pods that we mentioned earlier on? By showing that you have quiet, distraction-free spaces to take confidential calls, visiting companies will see that you take their privacy seriously. This is particularly crucial in industries where sensitive information is exchanged.

5. Great Office Layouts Facilitate Supervision

When a new employee joins a company, it’s necessary to have a supervisor or fellow staff member on hand to provide support and respond to any queries that they might have.

Whilst it’s never a good idea to breathe down the neck of your new recruit, it is beneficial to position a senior staff member at a close distance so that they can monitor progress and assist when needed.

Office Layout Top Tip:

Facilitate supervision by making your workspace more collaborative. This can be achieved with hot desking arrangements or larger desks without dividers. You could even designate a particular area of the office for new starters so that they can support one another while they get to grips with new systems and processes.

The key thing to remember here is that the more you support your new employees, the better chance they have to integrate successfully into your team and become valuable assets to your organisation.

What Next?

As you can see, there are a number of key reasons why your office layout matters.

From productivity to employee wellbeing, the right office layout can help to revitalise your office environment and help your team to thrive.

If you still need convincing, why not give us a call?

As an experienced office fit out company, we take great pride in our ability to inspire clients with innovative layout solutions and are eager to help you make the most out of your office space. Whether you already have a layout in mind or would like us to create something bespoke, our friendly team are on hand to help.

Contemporary Office Flooring Ideas To Incorporate Into Your Fit Out

Scratch Resistant Flooring

If you’re looking for scratch-resistant flooring that will stand the test of time and won’t break the bank, vinyl planks are the ideal solution. Not only are they hard-wearing due to the pressure and heat applied during the manufacturing process, but they are also much easier to replace than vinyl sheets.

Nowadays, vinyl flooring comes in a whole range of styles and colours, so you’ll be able to find something that fits your office interior, whether that be a traditional oak effect vinyl or a bold block colour to brighten up your space. If your office is likely to include a kitchenette, you will also benefit from the fact that vinyl planks are water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about any accidental spillages wreaking havoc over time!

Another cost-friendly, scratch-resistant option is laminate flooring. Laminate has come a long way since it first became available on the market. Today’s laminate flooring is available in a wealth of different wood styles and can even be embossed to give it a more authentic wood feel.

Before purchasing your laminate, you can find out the durability of the product by checking the AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating provided by the manufacturer. The higher the number, the more hard-wearing the product will be, so be sure to double check this before you commit to purchase.

Carpet Tiles

When you’re working in a busy office where staff are regularly on the phone or conducting face-to-face meetings, noise can be a real problem. If you’d like to bring a little zen back into your office space and reduce unwanted distractions, carpet might be just what you need. In terms of acoustics, carpet comes up trumps when compared with other commercial flooring types. In fact, research has shown that carpeted floors can reduce airborne noise by up to 35%.

In addition to noise reduction, carpeted floors can make the office both look and feel warmer. The insulative properties of carpet mean that it can maintain the level of warmth in a room, whilst the appearance and feel of a carpet underfoot helps to add a sense of cosiness that you don’t get with harder commercial floors.

When it comes to choosing your office carpet, carpet tiles are the preferred option due to them being cost-effective and straightforward to install. As with laminate flooring, there are different carpet ratings and classifications that can be used to identify how suitable the carpet will be for your space. The TARR (Texture Appearance Retention Rating) is one of the most common; however, the rating system used will be dependent on the manufacturer. Bear in mind that, if you do decide to opt for a lower or medium-grade carpet, you might want to consider purchasing additional mats to protect the carpet from the office chairs.

Hardwood Flooring

Nothing beats the look of a beautiful hardwood floor. Both stylish and sophisticated, hardwood flooring is extremely versatile and looks great in both modern and traditional office spaces. Whilst it may not be the cheapest option out there, one major advantage to hardwood flooring is its longevity. When maintained properly, a hardwood floor can last anywhere between 20-30 years before it needs attention, making it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re conscious about the environment, then you have yet another reason to invest in a hardwood floor. Gifted by mother nature, wood is a natural resource and doesn’t emit any harmful chemicals into the environment. That being said, make sure you do your research to find the most sustainable hardwood options. If your aim is to become more environmentally friendly, stay well away from endangered wood species. Instead, consider using reclaimed wooden planks which add charm and character to a space without harming the environment.

Anti-slip Flooring

Earlier on in the article, we mentioned the benefits of vinyl plank flooring for office spaces with kitchenettes. Another reason why vinyl flooring is such a great choice for this is because of its anti-slip properties. Some vinyl floors will be specifically designed to be slip resistant so, for kitchen and bathroom areas, take time to check which type will be most efficient.

Whilst a little more expensive, rubber is also another great anti-slip flooring material. If you’ve ever purchased a pair of running trainers, you might have noticed that the soles are made from rubber and there’s a good reason for that. Natural rubber has a solid grip making it an ideal choice for preventing falls and injuries. With the addition of an embossed surface, you have a recipe for the perfect anti-slip floor.

What Next?

Having read through our guide, we hope that we have given you some food for thought when it comes to flooring for your commercial office fit out. As you can see, there are many flooring options available for budgets both large and small.

As an office fit out company, our expert team have many years of experience finding the best flooring solutions for commercial office spaces. So, if you need help with planning your office fit out and would like to know how we can help you transform your space with the right flooring for your business, get in touch today.

5 Modern Office Spaces To Inspire Your Office Refurbishment

When it comes to office design there’s so much to consider. From striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetics to space planning, signage and budgeting; knowing where to start can seem daunting.

That’s where, as an office fit out company, McFeggan Brown can help.

To give you some inspiration as you set out on your office refurbishment journey, we’ve pulled together 5 of our favourite recent commercial office fit outs for you to take a look at.

Mostly Media Office Refurbishment

Mostly Media is one of the UK’s top 20 independent media planning and buying specialists.
Having recently relocated to Bath from their former offices in Bradford-on-Avon, they were eager to attract new staff with a brand new office space that would complement the unique character of the building.

Opting for a CAT B refurbishment, we worked alongside Mostly Media to transform the existing space into a fun and contemporary open-plan office. From exposed ceilings to beautiful, bold branding and industrial-style stone washed walls, we combined the old with the new to create something truly unique. Take a look at our Mostly Media case study.

iPipeline Office Refurbishment

Based in Cheltenham, software company iPipeline were looking to expand their business and relocate to a larger office that would suit the company’s growth.

After deciding to make the 1970’s landmark “The Quadrangle” their new home, we designed a sophisticated multifunctional office that incorporates both large open social spaces and quieter private booths. For the colour scheme, we paired monochromatic tones such as white, pale grey and charcoal with bold pops of colour to make an impact. Find out more about the project here.

Coveya Kitchen and Toilets Refurbishment

Bristol based company Coveya specialises in the manufacturing and supply of conveyor systems both within the UK and internationally.

Having worked with them previously, Coveya came back to McFeggan Brown wanting brand new first floor kitchen and toilet facilities. In need of a little TLC, we completely transformed the area into a bright and modern, open-plan space for all of their staff to enjoy. See more images here.

WD Trust Office Refurbishment

Every once in a while, we come across an office building that stands out from the rest. In 2021, we carried out works at Vertigo, an office development with a grade II listed shot tower built back in 1969.

A Not-for-profit organisation, WD trust, approached us wanting a total refurbishment of two very dated office spaces which required new electrics, flooring, furniture and decor. After 8 weeks of renewal, we achieved a fresh, contemporary space with plenty of stylish seating areas for their staff to choose from. Take a look at the WD Trust case study.

Cowi Office Refurbishment

COWI, a long-standing civil engineering client based in York, requested an office refurbishment to refresh their existing office in York.

In order to accommodate their hybrid working model, we created an office that encourages flexibility and provides plenty of space for collaborative working and Zoom calls. As the company takes pride in its focus on well-being, we ensured that all desks were height adjustable for maximum comfort. For that added wow factor, we incorporated calming, organic textures and foliage to the walls along with striking, abstract acoustic panels. Read the full case study.

What Next?

Hopefully these case studies will have given you some ideas for your own office fit out.

We’ve shown you a range of office designs that have inspired employees, increased motivation and made staff love coming to work.

But what can we do for you?

At McFeggan Brown, we’re always excited to take on new projects. So, If you’re moving to a new space or are in need of a refurbishment for your existing office, we can work with you to create something bespoke that will attract new clients and help you to meet all of your business needs.

Talk to us today and find out we can help transform your office. 

Attracting Employees With Your Office Design

As more companies increase their focus on employee well-being, the design of an office or other forms of workplace is becoming increasingly important when trying to attract the best talent, with up to 78% of employees saying their physical environment influences where they choose to work. This is where McFeggan Brown can help, get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help with your next office fit out.

Office design trends have changed over the years. However, not all innovations lead to higher rates of satisfaction and productivity, so what factors must be considered to create a suitable office space/environment today?

Biophilic Design and Sustainability

We previously wrote about the benefits of biophilic office design and how it helps attract the modern staff member – this is essentially the process of incorporating greenery and organic elements into your office design. It’s by no means a new idea, and studies have shown that including natural elements in your office can help boost productivity by 8% and well-being by 13%.

Elements of biophilic design also now take into consideration the effects of a greener office on the planet and encourage a focus on sustainability as part of the overall increase in natural elements in the office. Not only does this help the planet but making positive sustainability changes to an office can also help with your business’s bottom line as you lower costs for the future. By changing to a more sustainable office, business owners are preparing for an overall shift in the market in the future – recently, a survey showed that 72% of global businesses said a focus on sustainability would be “influential” and 11% said “it will be the key influence” in future office investments.

Health and wellness

Traditionally society would argue that a worker’s free time is their chance to focus on their own personal happiness, but modern life shows us that your satisfaction at work plays a big part in your overall levels of stress and well-being, both inside and outside of the office. As a result, there’s been a recent shift in thinking, with many now finding the responsibility of employee well-being no longer sits purely with the employee themselves.

Morgan Lovell created a list of important well-being factors to consider when focusing on your employees’ health and wellness. With things like changeable temperatures, on-site exercising facilities, and contemplation zones, all getting a mention.

Integrate company values and personality

Studies have shown that using an office design that aligns with your corporate values will help create a healthier and more engaged workforce. Visitors, possible future business contacts, and employees see your office space as an extension of company culture and brand values. In other words, your workspace design offers a unique opportunity to build your brand identity and reinforce your core values. There are many ways to “brandify” your commercial office fit out, including listing your core values and items associated with certain values to amplify your brand personality.

Open shared spaces and encourage collaboration

Another idea that helps with employee satisfaction, which has been around for a while, is a focus on open areas within t+C18he workplace, but does anyone actually prefer ‘open office’ space? The idea behind open offices is to increase inclusivity and encourage an increase in shared ideas and communication in general; however, studies have shown that in certain cases, when businesses switched to open offices, face-to-face interactions fell by 70%, so it is important to understand how and when to implement open elements within an office space to maximise the benefits.

So if there are risks associated with open office space, what are the benefits of shared space in the workplace? According to studies from the Harvard Business Review, “face-to-face interactions are by far the most important activity in an office” and “creating chance encounters between knowledge workers, both inside and outside the organization” helps improve worker performance.

On top of this, a survey of workers showed that “younger workers are more appreciative of a community atmosphere than their older peers” with millennials being the “most likely to want a workplace that helps them bond with fellow employees”. With this in mind, it suggests that open spaces within offices are here to stay.

Outdoor spaces

As office design has evolved, it has become increasingly important to understand how your outdoor space contributes to the overall feeling of your workplace, and workers are noticing this too, with some studies suggesting up to 85% of workers want to spend more time outside during work hours.

Not only are staff interested in working outside, but from a management point of view, there are a number of data-backed benefits to outdoor spaces at work. Amongst them are lower stress levels, an  increase in energy levels, and generally a higher level of happiness reported amongst staff.

Think about light

Studies have shown that better access to natural light and outside views sit at the top of many employee wishlists, and statistically, an increase in natural light helps increase employee satisfaction and productivity with many office improvements. Furthermore, as levels of satisfaction increase so does productivity.

Whilst access to the real thing is best, it’s important to remember you can also supplement the feeling of natural light within an office using replicators such as tabletop UV lamps or natural-spectrum bulbs.

How to Keep Office Dilapidation Costs to a Minimum

Office dilapidations can be an expensive and exhausting task; if you’re a company owner and at the end of your commercial lease, you will probably be making all the necessary preparations for the big move.

We are here to help. Our fully-managed office dilapidations service is cost-effective and will take the pressure off. In addition, we can help by working with landlords and tenants to deliver a solution suitable for all. If, however, you’re thinking of going it alone, here are some tips to help reduce the cost.

Read the small print of any lease agreement

Before entering a lease, understand the terms proposed, and make sure they are relevant to office dilapidations. Terms should include:

– Repairs
– Decorating
– Covenants to comply with statute

The covenant is an important factor, especially when considering office dilapidations; it will help you prepare for any potential repair bills. However, always remember that these terms are negotiable. You should also inspect the office and ensure that document descriptions are accurate. If you’re not sure, make sure you run the terms of the proposed lease past legal advice.

Seek legal advice

We suggest that you always seek legal advice from your solicitor; they will help you read over your lease and appoint a surveyor to look over the office space. Even though the service costs, it could, in turn, save you money in the future. Ensure you understand your liabilities and that the terms set are fair.

Schedules of Condition

The schedule of the condition report is a detailed record of your office lease; its primary focus is to record your lease’s condition, which is retained for use in the future. This report should be prepared by a surveyor and will contain images of the property and any defects. The schedule of conditions provides beneficial evidence regarding the state of the office before the lease is agreed to.

Negotiate

Quite simply, don’t be afraid to negotiate. However, make sure you are happy with the terms and any office dilapidation schedules.

Budget for dilapidation costs

Unfortunately, you will not find out the actual cost of office dilapidations until you near the end of your lease. If you’re ill-prepared and have not set aside a budget for the work, you could find yourself in financial difficulty. Make sure to estimate your office dilapidation costs at the beginning of the lease, and ensure you set aside a budget!

Time Management

Make sure you give yourself enough time to make any repairs before your lease is over. Take into consideration the amount of time needed to carry out any repairs and alterations in accordance with your office lease agreement.

Office dilapidation issues can be complicated, so if you’re struggling to meet the demands of your office dilapidation clause, why not appoint a commercial office fit-out company to carry out the work for you? Here at McFeggan Brown, we have decades of experience in working with businesses as their chosen office fit-out company; we will work closely with you to ensure the entire process runs as smoothly as possible. Contact us today to find out more about our full turnkey office dilapidations service.

The Essential Office Relocation Guide

Over the course of the pandemic, many companies have found themselves needing to relocate their offices.

With teams changing as people move to a hybrid way of working, many businesses have found that their pre-pandemic office space is no longer fit for their needs, and they require a new office fit-out with a setup designed more towards hot-desking.

Perhaps the building you were working in was sold, forcing you to relocate, or perhaps your business has grown over the pandemic and you need to accommodate more members of staff.

Whatever your reason for relocating, one thing is for sure — relocating can be a complex and sometimes difficult process.

But don’t panic! We can help. There are a few essential things that you need to consider when relocating offices, and in this blog, we’ll work through each of them.

Don’t Forget About Dilapidation

With a whirlwind of decisions to make and things to think about, it’s possible that you might forget about your dilapidation clause in your current office contract. This is essentially an agreement about the condition your office needs to be in when you leave it.

Sometimes you may have to do very little, maybe a lick of paint. But often a small renovation may be necessary to take the office back to the state it was in when you took over.

Budget

Before you begin any relocation project, you’ll want an idea of your budget. There are the obvious costs of relocating such as removals, but also you need to consider the hidden costs such as moving delicate equipment, dilapidations, or even unexpected delays.

To cover the unexpected, you might want to list all the known costs and give your budget some wiggle room for the unknown costs. If you need some help in making sure you’ve covered all your bases, then get in touch with an office fit out or office relocation company like McFeggan Brown for some advice.

Office Design

Once you’ve found a location, you’ll need to think about the office interior design of your new office. This means you’ll want to contact a fit-out company like McFeggan Brown. And when you do, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you get the best results:

– Make sure you have a clear idea of what you need. e.g., how many desks, do you need a sound-proofed meeting room or perhaps a staff kitchen?

– What are your deadlines? If you have any hard deadlines that simply can’t move, make sure these are communicated clearly.

– Take a look at our office design checklist for more information on what to look out for when thinking about office design.

If you need some help thinking about the actual design of your new office, you can start with our look at the top design trends of 2022.

Connectivity

In today’s world, it’s hard to deny the importance of connectivity to business – particularly as workers move towards more hybrid ways of working between home and the office. It’s important that you arrange adequate connectivity in your new office space, with leeway for delays and other issues.

Keep in mind that while many broadband connections can take just 7 days to set up, they can also take up to 30 days, and the last thing you want is to start work and find you can’t access the internet!

What Next?

Following this advice, you should be well set up for a successful office relocation. Remember that we’re always happy to give more specific advice, not only on office relocation services but also on commercial office fit out services. Just get in touch.

What Makes for a Good Office Fit Out

Whether you’re aiming to enhance team-working, realign your interior with your company culture or simply refresh an old layout, a commercial office fit-out is a worthwhile investment for the new year. There are plenty of advantages on offer, but what makes a good office fit-out and how do you ensure yours is up to par?

What’s the formula behind a good office fit-out?

As an office fit out company, we know that in order to create an office space that works for you, it’s vital for us to understand your objectives. If you’re looking for a workspace that can support hybrid working with an active social space, or you’d prefer a quiet haven to concentrate, it’s vital information for us to know. The real purpose of your office is the key to identifying the formula for your perfect office fit-out.

As part of our consultation, we prioritise speaking to staff and key members of your company to discover the true requirements and create interiors to support those needs. After all, having a beautiful workspace that you enjoy being in, that also makes your work-life easier, is the essence of a good office fit-out.

What should you avoid?

You might start your office project with a clear idea of what you want based on another office you’ve seen, but it’s important to note that despite inspiration being welcomed, what works for other companies may not work for you.

Part of our process involves testing out features and layouts and evaluating whether they are best for you. Picking an entirely new layout or style without testing it first is something you should avoid. We ensure your new space works for you with rigorous testing through 3D renders and walkthroughs so you can experience your new office before any work is started. Once you’ve committed to a layout and you realise it isn’t working for you, it can be very difficult to reverse it without significant cost and disruption.

Following the latest trends is another thing we encourage you to be mindful about. There are a number of interior design trends that last the test of time and can still look great in years to come. However, there are also many trends that do not age as well. Ensuring whatever you choose, trend or not will work for you in the future just as well as it does now is something we advise. Picking anything for your office that has not been thoughtfully considered is definitely something to avoid.

It’s important to understand the type of office fit-out you desire to avoid any disappointment. We’ve broken down the difference between Cat A and Cat B fit-outs so you can choose what works best for you. There are also plenty of frequently asked questions we come across, so we’ve also included the questions and their answers on our FAQ’s page to help you on your journey.

How do you ensure your fit-out is successful?

Ultimately, a good office fit-out is only successful if it enhances your workspace and supports your company. There’s a plethora of research that shows how interior office design directly affects the productivity and wellbeing of your employees, which is a measurable way to assess how good your workspace is. Are your employees happy? Do they feel invigorated by their workspace? Has your office fit-out met the goals and expectations you set out to meet?

At McFeggan Brown, we believe a good office-fit out is achieved when our clients are excited to return to work each day because of how their environment makes them feel. There are a number of ways a fit-out can be defined as ‘good’ but for us, it’s all about creating an office that is enjoyable to be in.

Interested in an office fit-out or refurbishment? Take a look at our case studies to see the fit-out projects we have completed and get in touch with us today. Why not also check out our recent blog on office fit out trends for 2022 which touches on smart and transformable offices, sustainability and collaboration spaces?

Ergonomics in the Working Environment

Ergonomics is the science of designing and adjusting a workspace to suit the needs of its users; this includes the arrangement of furniture and equipment. By combining anatomy, physiology, psychology and engineering, businesses can improve employee comfort and increase efficiency and productivity.

The relationship between an employee and their work environment has an enormous impact on their physical and mental health, which is why it can be extremely valuable to both worker and employer. The furniture and equipment employees have access to are a big part of their workspace so if something isn’t working for them, it can have a big impact too. Get your office fit out right and you’ll have a happy and productive workforce, get it wrong and workers can become demotivated, unhappy and, in some cases, experience issues such as repetitive strain injury.

In this blog we’ll be taking you through the key points you need to consider when it comes to ergonomics during your commercial office fit out to ensure your workers can not only work efficiently but also produce their very best work.

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

When it comes to office chairs, posture is vital, especially when you’re spending hours at a time sitting at your desk. A good ergonomic chair will also reduce the chances of common aches and pains such as back and neck pain, all of which can lead to long-term and sometimes permanent issues if left untreated. The Health and Safety Executive recommends the following:

– Your office chair should provide good lower back support or, if this is not possible, a cushion or additional back support accessories should be sourced

– The height of the seat should equally support the front and back of your thighs

– There should be a gap of 2-3 cm between front of the seat and the bottom and back of your knee

Where possible, chairs should also provide good arm support to help support your neck and shoulders. Both of your feet should be flat on the ground without having to strain your feet or legs; if this isn’t possible, foot rests can be introduced for elevation.

Sitting down for a long time has been shown to be bad for your health so encouraging your employees to get out of their chair and move around on a regular basis will help to counteract these problems.

It’s All About Screens

Nowadays, the majority of office workers spend several hours in front of a screen each working day so having a properly positioned computer monitor or laptop screen can have a profound effect on your health. If positioned at the wrong angle or height, a screen can cause neck pain, shoulder tension and headaches.

Optimal screen positioning depends on a number of factors including height of the monitor, distance to the screen and arrangement with multiple monitors. The Health and Safety Executive recommends the following:

– The top of your screen should be level with your eyes

– Your screen should be at about an arm’s length away, directly in front of you on desk or other surface

– Your keyboard should be just below elbow height and central

– Your mouse should be in line with your elbow

Again, advising your employees to take regular breaks away from their screen will help them to relax and re-set their joints as well as reducing eye strain and headaches.

Desks and Breakout Areas

There are all sorts of options when it comes to desks these days. An adjustable desk can be the ideal ergonomic solution, with the option to adjust its height to suit the individual using it or even switch things up and use it as a standing desk for a change.

Breakout areas and meeting pods are another great solution, giving your team a change of scenery for part of their day. Not only will this give them a break from their usual seated position but it will also help them to re-energise and refresh their minds. And don’t forget about the all important breakroom and communal kitchen – your staff members need a place where they can socialise and restore.

What next?

As we transition into a new year, now is the perfect time to consider refreshing your workspace as workers gear up to return to the office. If you’d like some help with your office furniture or office design, contact us for a chat today.

Office Design: Why Different Is Good

As experts of office design and office fit outs, we understand that your workplace interior has a huge impact on your company. Most of us picture the same thing when we talk about the office; a somewhat bland, uninspiring place where we argue over the temperature and who has the best desk. We’re here to show you that it doesn’t have to be this way.

We encourage all businesses to rethink their office design, to consider the impact a good office can have, and to be different. Different is good, and in this blog, we’ll explore why different is so imperative to your workplace.

What is ‘Different’?

Different doesn’t have to mean garish colours and über modern furniture, it can be a visual representation of the very heart of your company. It can reflect your culture and mission. It can be minimalist, maximalist, modern or traditional; whatever your preferred definition of ‘different’ is, we can help you achieve it.

Finding out what your ‘different’ is, is exactly what our team of experts are here for. So why do you need ‘different’ office design?

Spark Creativity

One of the forgotten benefits of good office design is the way it can spark creativity. A well thought out design can help employees find a new sense of purpose and inspiration. After all, the best workplaces are the ones that help staff reach their full potential.

Stimulating design and features can encourage employees to step out of their comfort zones, step away from their desks, and explore new ideas. Incorporating areas to support group collaboration can also be beneficial.

Stand Out

Another benefit of having a ‘different’ office design is the chance to stand out and set yourself apart from competitors. Traditionally, most office buildings were built with functionality in mind rather than individuality. During our commercial office fit-outs we often find ourselves redesigning spaces to best support the needs of our clients. A redesign can be a brilliant opportunity to relaunch yourselves in your industry, keeping you ahead of competition and demonstrating that you’re leaders of change. If everyone’s raving about how fantastic your new office is, you’re on the right track.

Attract New Employees & Clients

We all know first impressions are important. Having a workplace that is memorable can do a lot of legwork for you when it comes to finding new employees and clients.

In fact, a recent survey shows that 76% of those aged between 18 and 34 feel very strongly that the office design and aesthetics of a workplace influences their impression of a company. Another aspect of this survey found that 70% of respondents wished their current workplace would consider an upgrade.

A ‘different’ office design can not only help you attract new talent, but it can also help you retain current employees and increase employee satisfaction.

Innovation & Future-Proofing

An intrinsic part of standing out and attracting new employees is innovation and future-proofing. Innovation often goes hand in hand with future-proofing, and at McFeggan Brown, we’re passionate about finding smart solutions to your workplace challenges.

A ‘different’ office is often the one that embraces new developments in technology and ergonomics. Being open to modern improvements and designs, such as private pods and smart appliances, will put you at the forefront of innovation.

One of the key issues raised by employees about their workplace is the feeling of stagnation that often comes with a lack of refurbishments or upgrades. Don’t stay stuck in the office design of the past or you could be left behind. The whole point of future-proofing your workplace is to enhance and improve current working conditions, so what have you got to lose?

Shows Care for Employees

Have you ever considered the psychological impact of your office design? Research shows that work environments can have a direct psychological impact on people; harnessing this for good can help you improve the work life for everyone at your workplace.

We’ve discussed the influence of office design on employees’ wellbeing and productivity numerous times, largely because it really is as complex as it is important. Not only does this show a level of respect and care for employees, it may also help with encouraging people to return to the office and find joy in office life again, following the COVID-19 restrictions.

So, hopefully now you understand why ‘different’ office design is a good thing. If you’re still not sure what to do about your current office, why not get in touch with our friendly team and see how we can help?

Hybrid Working – Making Your Office Work For You

Previously, we wrote about how offices and workspaces may change in the wake of COVID-19. Today we’ll be focusing on the concept of hybrid working and how it may apply to your office and your business activities.

What is hybrid working?

The definition of hybrid working is somewhat blurred and differs from industry to industry, but put simply, it is being able to work anytime and from anywhere. Not only has the advancement of technology enabled office workers to do their jobs from anywhere in the world, but the outbreak of COVID-19 has proven that employees across a wide range of industries don’t need to be in the office every working day.

How does hybrid working work?

Many businesses are now adopting this flexible-working concept, allowing their employees to work abroad, work from home, work in the office or pick and choose depending on what suits their situation at the time.

There are no hard and fast rules about how to do hybrid working but in order to make hybrid working work for a business, boundaries should be set, performance indicators and key aims must be carefully agreed and the main office hub must be adapted to suit the new needs of the business’ employees.

Benefits of hybrid working

The hybrid working method can empower employees and help them to become more innovative and productive. With the option to work at times and in locations that fit in with their lifestyle, they will be happier and less distracted when they’re working.

This can be a big attraction for potential employees when businesses are hiring. Satisfied, happy, skilled and motivated employees will inevitably lead to better customer satisfaction and ultimately a better bottom line profit for your business.

Drawbacks of hybrid working

It can be challenging to make it work for everyone; after all, ensuring everyone in the team can be available at the same time for a meeting can become tricky when working at different times and locations, but this can usually be sorted by setting up regular or recurring meetings at a pre-agreed time.

Some businesses using this working model also choose to implement core hours for a short window of time each day to ensure all employees are working at the same time for at least a few hours.

Spotting inefficiencies and ensuring everyone in your team is happy and feels included can be another challenge of the hybrid working model; however, regular meetings, one-to-ones and virtual or in-person socials will help with these potential stumbling blocks. Behavioural management is of paramount importance when it comes to hybrid working so guidelines and boundaries need to be put in place to ensure everyone fully understands what is expected of them and that trust and accountability is upheld.

Setting up your office

For the hybrid working concept to work for you, it is likely that you’ll need to make changes to your workspace. You may wish to have individual and permanent desk setups for any employees wishing to work from the office on a regular basis as well as hot desks for those dropping in from time to time.

Hybrid workspaces can contain a range of formal and informal work zones for both collaborative and focus time. From breakout areas and meeting rooms to focus pods and office booths, there are lots of options when it comes to commercial office fit out and office design.

What next?

As we transition into 2022, now is the perfect time to consider an office fit out as workers gear up to return to the office. Setting your office up for hybrid working can seem like a daunting task, but McFeggan Brown is here to help you. If you’d like some help with your office design, contact us for a chat today.

Office Design Trends to Watch in 2022

Previously, we wrote about some of the things you might expect to see when you return to your office. This discussC11ed hybrid working, social distancing in the office and how your office design is an integral part of making that happen.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some office design trends to look out for in 2022.

As many companies have been through periods of remote working with a gradual return to the office, now is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate the space you need for your business and staff to excel in. We’ve collated some of the most interesting trends to consider when planning a new office.

Transformable offices

When it comes to people remotely working here and there, you’ll find fewer people in the office as a whole. That means fewer personal desks and more transformative spaces. This means you can create socially distanced layouts and try different arrangements to make it feel more like a sociable space than a classroom.

For those who are deciding whether to work from home or the office, it gives businesses the option to change things up in the workplace to keep the creativity alive.

Noise cancellation in areas

As offices become more open-plan, there are moments where you need to do group work with minimal noise to stop disruption from other colleagues. Luckily, there are many options to how you can address this. With acoustic partitions, you can easily split up spaces of the office to arrange meetings or group activities where you can be as loud as you like without disturbing your colleagues.

Smart Offices & Workplace Safety

Alongside more open plan offices and contemporary decor comes the element of smart technology. One example is Huawei and Wanglong Intelligent’s creation of the elevator call app. Meaning no one has to touch communal buttons in the building and can get into a lift safely.

Additionally, you also might want to consider automatic doors, automatic soap dispensers and no-contact flush systems in bathrooms so your colleagues can stay safe.

There are other cool smart appliances and pieces of kit that you can add to the office like coffee machines, kettles and smart speakers to keep things fun and easily accessible.

Green spaces

Another popular trend to consider when renovating your office space is adding green elements. Using natural elements and plants inside the office can help improve productivity as well as create a visually appealing workspace.

Floor pots with potted plants, living walls and hanging plants around the office can help reduce stress when people are working on big projects and can contribute to a positive environment to be inside.

What next?

As we get ready for the new year, it’s the perfect time to consider some cool office renovations as workers gear up to return to the office.

If you’d like some help with your office design, contact us for a chat today.

The Social Workspace

Human beings are wired to be social creatures, we thrive off cooperation with others, it helps us stay sane and motivated. Socialising at work helps alleviate some of the daily pressures we as workers are burdened with and makes interactions with coworkers and managers much easier. Don’t be surprised that the conversations that co-workers have aren’t always going to be about work.

In fact, it has been shown that there is a definite positive correlation between sociability and productivity that needs to be nurtured, most notably a study by The Journal of Education and Health Promotion concluded that “sociability has a direct effect on productivity, the more the personnel become organisationally sociable; the more productivity would be seen in their organisational performance.”

So how do we encourage socialising at work?

There are different kinds of relationships built among employees. It is important to recognise that some employees can be extroverts, which means they find socialising with people at work really easy, and some are introverts, which means they find it hard to communicate and create relationships. Try to create an office design that accommodates all employees’ personalities. If you’d like some inspiration, have a look at one of our earlier blogs where we discuss in further detail how office design can impact employee wellbeing.

To help employees work together, think about creating an area where they could regather thoughts, or have group meetings, and make sure the area has a relaxed feel. Remember, a commercial fit out does not mean you have to create an environment that is not an enjoyable and social space.

Break Out Areas

Breakout areas are a great way to help influence the social connections of your employees with different social traits. This is an area where they could get time out from stress, and regather thoughts after a big meeting, to put it simply they are any space that colleagues can congregate without any predetermined purposes.

For example, a big meeting has just taken place, and several colleagues would like to discuss their thoughts. Instead of using the general office, where it could be super busy and noisy, they could use the breakout area to regather their thoughts and discuss any ideas.

Breakout areas are a perfect addition to any working environment, they are especially useful in fast-paced work environments, they are the ultimate representation of agility. The beauty about breakout areas is that they don’t have to be complex, a simple table with 3 or 4 chairs is ideal!

How Work Environment Affects Motivation and Socialising Factors

The social workspace has evolved especially after lockdown, there is a large portion of the workforce that now works from home. This means that socialising with other colleagues has changed, from real life to just a pixelated Google Meets video chat or the odd teams chat.

However, as lockdown has now relaxed and normal life is starting to commence, employees who preferred working in the office have now been allowed to congregate once again, highlighting the importance of the physical working environment and how that affects motivation.

In fact, both the physical and the non-physical work environments have been shown to affect the motivation of employees, studies by the Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research explored this in greater detail, using a questionnaire approach, they finalised two important conclusions:

“Physical work environment has direct and indirect effects on work productivity through work motivation.”

“Non-physical work environment does not directly affect work productivity. But the non-physical work environment has an indirect effect on work productivity through work motivation.”

The research document outlined some ways companies can improve employee motivation.

– Rearrange the layout of the room, ensuring employees have plenty of space to work, implement breakout areas to help filter out any distractions.

– Organise work activities that can enhance teamwork between employees.

– Openness between employees and leaders, try and develop fraternal bonds between the co-workers, this will ensure that both parties are working towards company goals and can exceed work targets set.

We’ve explored how companies can improve productivity using office design in previous blogs, and we really do believe it can have a huge impact on employees.

What Needs to Be Considered

Here at Mcfeggan Brown, we are an office fit out company that understands that the working environment can be an effective tool to help employees communicate and work as a team effectively. We help design the perfect environments to nurture such collaboration.

If you’d like to get in touch with us and are curious about how you can improve productivity, quality of work, and eventually the performance of the whole company don’t be afraid to get in touch.

Fresh Air and Ventilation in Open Office Designs

The continued health and well-being of everyone who uses your premises is paramount, and an effective ventilation system is going to be a significant factor. Ventilation has always been important; however, since the pandemic a lot has changed, and fresh air design has been put under the limelight.

Most modern offices utilise mechanical ventilation, which is great as in most cases, mechanical ventilation is the answer, it works really well with CIBSE guidelines and achieving compliance with building control regulations. Ventilation also works in any type of weather, be it raining or snowing, and solves the issue that occupants are unlikely to open the windows in winter.

Office regulations stipulate that you must provide 10 litres per person per second of air changes; this is of course based on one person occupying 100 square feet of space. This must be taken into consideration in your office fit out. Designing offices under guidelines can be cumbersome, and we fully understand this. As an example of modern office design, we will delve into the Open Office Design.

Open Office Design

One of the most challenging environments to get right; not only do you have to take into consideration different ages and sexes, but the office environment also changes on a daily basis, from being crammed to almost half empty which is taxing to the HVAC equipment. This is why we take into consideration all external and internal factors when designing. This could include Room layout, ask yourself:

• Do you have heat-generating equipment that spews hot air? If so, can these be moved?
• Do you have desks next to doors or windows?
• Have you taken into consideration that some of your employees may prefer a colder environment to work in, and others prefer being warm?
• Is your HVAC system working as it should, and do you have any open vents that blow down on employees?

Centralised Controller

Another alternative would be the use of a centralised controller for your office; most modern-day HVAC systems will have the ability to connect to such a system. Centralised controllers allow the user to track temperatures and hotspots within a room and monitor energy use throughout the day.

What we would advise is to use the controller to track trends of energy use, which will allow you to find areas for concern, and counter these areas before they become an issue. You’d be surprised how much of a difference these controllers have in controlling comfort levels and costs. You will also find that allowing your employees access to a centralised controller will play in good stead in their psychological wellbeing, as they will feel better being in control.

Final Thoughts

You might find that your office does have a centralised system; however, it may need modifying, and we would advise getting in contact with your maintenance company to help you out!

If you would like to discuss office design, please feel free to contact us!

Returning To The Office: Part Two

Last year, we wrote a blog about returning to the office post-covid lockdown and how businesses would need to prepare. Now that new habits have been set into stone a bit more and things are settling down, we thought it was time to return to this topic with our updated thoughts and guidance!

So much has changed, even in such a short period of time. So here’s our updated guide to returning to the office…

Hybrid Working

If you haven’t considered hybrid working yet, it’s time to embrace it before you’re left behind.

At the start of the year, there were rumours of employees being reluctant to return to office life full-time. With so many lifestyle changes it’s understandable that the flexibility of working remotely would be hard for many people to sacrifice. This is exactly why the hybrid style of working has taken off so rapidly.

Allowing for the advantages of flexibility to merge with the benefits of working in an office environment, hybrid working is now one of the most popular desires of workers. When done right, this style can not only help people who feel isolated working remotely and boost productivity, but on a bigger scale, it can also change the way we design workspaces altogether.

We’ve already explored how COVID-19 has changed office design but this really is something that we could be seeing become the norm in the near future as more companies embrace hybrid working.

Talking to your employees about their preferences for hours and environments is the best way to move forward when making a decision about whether hybrid working will work for your company.

Social Distancing

The guidance for social distancing has changed quite a bit since our last blog, and could still be subject to change, so before we go any further we recommend you check to confirm the latest guidance where you are.

In most places, social distancing and mask-wearing are down to personal or corporal preference. With vaccinations coming into consideration now, some workplaces may be scrapping screens and social distancing completely.

If you were one of the many companies to install measures such as hygiene stations it may be reassuring to keep these in place for both your employees and visitors. The usefulness of encouraging cleaner habits will be just as important for preventing those dreaded office colds as it is for preventing COVID.

How can office design support the return?

So, how we behave has changed but how do office design and commercial fit out come into this?

To start with, employers need to consider just what it is about the office that will encourage people to return. After all, with the option to work from home now far more common than it ever was pre-pandemic, it might take more to entice people back.

Using office design to adapt the workspace to new needs and requirements is the perfect solution and will make employees happier in the long run. If people feel like their presence is wanted and their needs are respected, this can really help build a stronger sense of community at work and enrich company culture.

Adapting to these changes may involve physically changing work environments. Not all of these changes need to be drastic. Even simple additions of more homely fabrics and comforts such as pillows and soft furnishings can make a big difference.

Implementing new break-out spaces for people to socialise and relax may be particularly successful for those looking to focus on wellbeing and building workplace bonds.

Even new private pods or dedicated areas for hot-desking would help with those searching for hybrid working as we mentioned earlier.

What needs to be considered?

Ultimately encouraging a return to the office is all tied to the end goal of futureproofing.

Office design needs to change in order to reflect the changing requirements of workers. If nothing changes, it’ll be much harder to keep employees happy in the long term and could have detrimental effects on productivity, quality of work and eventually the performance of the whole company.

If you haven’t considered how your office may need to change as people return, now is the time!

If you are thinking about an office fit out to update your office design, get in touch and organise a consultation with one of our experts to further explore the interior design and social distancing solutions available to you.

The Best Office Lighting for Productivity & Employee Health

Lighting can make an enormous difference to employee wellbeing, health and productivity. Optimised office lighting, whether through a light update or a full commercial fit out, has been shown to bring about a reduction in sick days and increased work output making it a really worthwhile investment. Read on to find out how you can use office lighting to improve productivity and employee health.

Types of Office Lighting

A widely used type of office lighting is fluorescent light. This is the office lighting that most will be familiar with as many office spaces are expertly designed with fluorescent lighting systems as standard. As of September 2023, fluorescent lighting is actually due to be banned in the UK in favour of more efficient lighting.

Other types of lighting you may find in older office buildings are halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs are not a good choice for offices due to their high energy consumption and are also being banned in the UK as of September 2021. If your office has halogen bulbs you will want to look into upgrading them as soon as possible.

With the more traditional and less energy-efficient lighting being gradually phased out many people are, or already have switched to LED (light emitting diode) bulbs. LEDs are cheaper, longer lasting, do not emit infrared radiation, do not trigger migraines and do not interfere with melatonin production and therefore sleep patterns. Even if lighting options are becoming more limited due to emission-reducing initiatives there are still plenty of options available when using lighting to boost your employees’ health and wellbeing.

How Can Lighting Colour Affect the Office Environment?

The colour, or temperature of the light can have an impact on the productivity of your space. By temperature this does not refer to the actual heat the bulb gives off but rather the colour cast the bulb emits. Many people will choose warmer-toned white light for their home. However, it is proven that cooler-toned blue/white lights increase productivity. Not only this, but cooler lights can be linked to improving mental acuity, reducing eye strain, and fatigue. Workers in offices with cooler lighting also report that they feel happier and more alert.

The “temperature” of a light is measured in kelvin with a lower number meaning a warmer more orangey white light, this tone of light can be found under 3,000 kelvin. 3,000 to 4,600 kelvin is a cool white. 4,600 and above reaches the blue end of the spectrum the higher up you go. This mimics daylight and works with the brain’s chemistry to reduce fatigue.

LED lighting is available as both warm and cool so for office space a temperature above 4,600K is best for increased productivity. Different colour lighting can be used in different parts of the office though, although cooler lights are great for productivity, warmer lights can be beneficial in breakout rooms as it gives a calmer and more inviting atmosphere. Meeting rooms suit a more middle temperature, where you want people to be calm, but also awake.

Does the Brightness of Office Lighting Affect Employee Wellbeing?

Sitting in a room constantly lit at the same level is very unnatural to humans and mimicking the lighting outside can increase wellbeing while reducing energy consumption. Though a brighter light is great in the morning for getting everyone awake and ready to work, a dimmer light towards the afternoon can help to maintain focus. A benefit of LEDs is that they can be adjusted to give just the right amount of lighting for the time of day for natural light rhythms.

Utilising Natural Light for Employee Productivity

A huge benefit of LED lighting is that it allows for the flexibility to mimic natural light. Natural light is the best type of light for wellbeing and productivity, though in some cases it is not reliable or attainable. There are studies that have shown that natural lighting is a top office perk for many people. Offices that are able to harness natural light report an 84% drop in reports of eye strain and headaches.

A way to increase natural light within an office is to increase the size or amount of windows or make your office more open plan. Even the paint can have an effect on office lighting, having a matte finish on the walls will make the room feel more.

If you would like to make the switch in your office to a more modern, cost-effective light source or find out how a hybrid system of LEDs and natural lighting can benefit you and your employees then get in contact with an office fit out specialist today.

Closed Vs Open Plan Offices

Do you prefer the flexibility of an open plan office or the privacy of a partitioned space?

Having the right layout for your office can have a huge impact on your employees. Before you start your office fit out, it’s important to consider how office design will cater to the requirements of your company as well as the needs of those that will be working within it.

When it comes to office floor plans, it can be difficult to know which style is right for you. So, to help you discover which will work best for you in your next commercial fit out, we’ve put together the key advantages and disadvantages of open plan office design vs partitioned office design!

Advantages of an Open Plan Office:

Open Plan Office Spaces are Brighter

Open plan offices are the perfect choice for those seeking to make the most of their natural lighting. Thanks to the lack of barriers or walls, open offices tend to feel more bright and airy than those with partitions, which is why this style can work so well for smaller spaces.

Good lighting is not just important for the aesthetics of the office, having a light office can have a positive impact on the performance and wellbeing of your workers.

Want to know more? Take a look at our article on the best office lighting for productivity and employee health.

Open Offices are Multifunctional

Flexibility is one of the key benefits of choosing an open office design. With no barriers to restrict you, your space can be easily adapted to suit the demands of multiple situations.

How about using your break-out zones as client meeting spaces or adding modular furniture so you can reconfigure your office for larger events?

With an open plan office design, you can effectively create a hybrid space that can be tailored to many needs. The possibilities are endless!

An Open Plan Space Encourages Interaction

Due to the nature of open offices, social interactions tend to occur far more frequently.

In an open plan space, it’s inevitable that workers will come into contact with each other more often and will be more inclined to build friendships and take part in conversations across departments.

This is great for office morale and a sense of community within the company because it helps to bring people together who may not otherwise interact.

Want to strengthen your company culture and encourage more social interaction in your office? Check out our article on the social workspace.

Open Plan Offices Feel Contemporary

Open plan office design is very popular at the moment. While some people do prefer the more traditional closed-off style, it’s clear that open plan layouts are here to stay.

If you’re hoping to attract the next generation of workers, designing an office that appeals to them is key to standing out and attracting potential employees.

Research suggests that Millennials and Generation Z’s have a huge preference for modern office design which has a notable impact on their desire to work for a particular company. So if you want to attract a vibrant, young workforce then the open place office is the way to go!

Open Offices Are Affordable

With no partitions to build or walls to upkeep, open design does tend to be the more affordable option. With its full flexibility, spaces can be changed with no limits or restrictions that may require any major manual work or serious re-design.

Disadvantages of an Open Plan Office:

Open Spaces Can Be Loud

While a lack of partitions can be a positive, it can also double up as a potential issue if there are employees who struggle with background noise or distractions as they work.

Due to the lack of materials to act as a buffer to other sounds, it can be harder to block out distractions such as other employees talking, phone calls and even music or people conducting meetings.

There are ways to counteract this, but it is certainly something that many people have to acclimatise to if they’re used to a quiet environment.

An Open Office Is Less Private

As mentioned above, some people prefer to have their own space. If you’re having a sensitive conversation or a serious meeting it can be difficult to restrict other people from hearing it without a partition or closed door. In this case, it may be worth considering adding a space that is partitioned-off within your office such as a booth or meeting pod.

Advantages of a Partitioned Office:

Partitioned Offices Are Quieter

A huge advantage of having partitions in an office is that you automatically have more privacy and peace and quiet. Sound travels less with more barriers between workstations, and a closed-off room gives the option to offer a meeting space that is separate from the rest of the office which is a desirable office feature for most companies. This can save on the cost of hosting the meeting elsewhere and can offer a multi-use space itself.

Closed Spaces = Reduced Distractions

Following on from the above benefit, having physical separations can help reduce distractions. Some people work better in different environments, so giving them the opportunity to personalise their own private workspace away from the noise of a breakroom or ringing phone can help increase productivity and overall performance.

Partitions Can Add Character

Partitions don’t have to be dull. At McFeggan Brown, we relish the opportunity to create features in your office that are as stunning as they are practical. You could use biophilic design features to act as barriers, smart storage walls or even partitioning walls that can be moved into different positions.

Closed Offices Create A Sense Of Order

Another advantage of partitioning is that you can easily organise employees via department or seniority. This is great for larger companies that rely on frequent group work or have different needs from their office space. It’s an excellent way to have a clear layout that can otherwise get lost in an open space.

Disadvantages of a Partitioned Office:

Divided Spaces Can Be Isolating

One disadvantage is that enclosed spaces and walls can divide up the workplace mentally as well as physically. Barriers can create a  segmented feeling that discourages interaction and collaboration. Unlike with an open space, it is harder to cultivate a sense of ‘togetherness’. In this case, glass partitions are a great option to maintain the appearance of a more open design.

Partitions Reduce Space Elsewhere

In order to have adequate partitions you need enough space to do so in the first place. You may need to sacrifice space elsewhere just to ensure that the partitions don’t create cramped areas that no one actually wants to work in.

Partitioned Offices Can Be Restrictive

If your partitioning is made up of permanent structures, it can be very hard to make changes to your design in the future. With permanent dividers, you are restricted to the purpose and design of each section of your office if the barriers are difficult to adjust or remove.

In our opinion, it’s best to talk to your staff about their needs and design your office space with them in mind. There are plenty of options to choose from and aspects of both open plan and partitioned office designs can be merged and customised to suit you.

Getting your layout right can be daunting, but at McFeggan Brown, we have the expertise to ensure your office design is as good as it can possibly be. Whether you’re relocating to new offices or would like to refresh your current working space, we have the expert design knowledge you need!

You can get in touch to book a consultation or take a look at our previous work.

Office Air Conditioning Wars: The Battle Of Hot & Cold

We have previously discussed how your office interior design can have a profound effect on productivity. But did you know the temperature of your workplace can have a significant effect on your wellbeing as well as the quality of work you produce?

The battle between those that run hot and those that run cold is one I’m sure many office dwellers are familiar with. With the increase in the frequency of heatwaves across the UK, the need for temperature control in the workplace or designed in your next office fit out service is only going to become more essential.

In the office, temperature disputes can be a difficult situation to manage, especially as it all relies on personal preference. The official government guidelines suggest that while there are no general rules for precise temperature, they do advise that the temperature needs to be ‘reasonable’.

Research has shown that office workers feel less productive when they feel too hot or too cold and this can even contribute to more errors in their work. Not to mention, arguing with colleagues can create an unhappy atmosphere and negatively affect workplace morale.

Getting hot under the collar or feel like you’ve got cold feet? Here are our top tips for staying comfortable in the office:

How to stay cool in the office:

– Install reflective blinds to protect people from direct sunlight.

– Ensure there are water coolers or availability of cold drinks.

– Get an air conditioning unit fitted.

– Encourage regular rest breaks to step away from workstations and get fresh air.

– Consider allowing flexible hours so employees can avoid spikes in temperature during the day.

– Make special arrangements for those that are more sensitive to heat, especially pregnant women who are more susceptible to overheating.

– Are you on the top floor? Heat rises so consider moving to a lower level if possible.

How to stay warm in the office:

– Consider your clothing – could you wear more layers? Could you bring an extra jumper in case you get chilly?

– Opt for warm drinks over cold.

– Turn on heating if necessary.

– Check your workplace for drafts and see whether repairs or replacements can be made to stop cold air from sneaking in.

– Get up and move about! Staying active can help with circulation and get the blood-pumping.

– In desperate situations, hand warmers and hot water bottles should help warm you up.

Above all, the most important piece of advice when dealing with a temperature disagreement is to communicate!

If you’re uncomfortable the best thing you can do is talk to your colleagues so you can come to a compromise where everyone is happy. No one wants to be uncomfortable in the workplace so don’t suffer in silence.

There are several other benefits to investing in an air conditioning system, including solving other common issues such as poor air quality and energy efficiency.

We can work with you to create an office design that helps your employees stay comfortable no matter the weather. We offer air conditioning and heating services for all your needs. Whether you’re relocating to new offices or would like to refresh your current working space with a new commercial fit out, we have the expert design knowledge you need!

You can get in touch to book a consultation or take a look at our previous work.

Considerations for Effective Reception Area Design

A well-designed reception area is very important as it is part of the first impression that your business gives. It is important that a reception space is well designed so it looks appealing and is also functional, increasing direct enquiries and keep the business running smoothly.

Branding

As the face of your company, the reception area should represent your brand and service professionally. Reception desks can feature the company’s logo on the backdrop or on the front surface of the counter. Regardless of placement, the brand name should be clear and prominent, ensuring it is the first thing visitors notice and is a good way to introduce your branding as cohesive and professional.

Screens & Desks

You’ll need to add screens to your reception desks to protect your staff. If you have multiple front-of-house staff, you might also need to add additional screens between them or put up partitions. These can be quickly installed with little disruption to your work processes and glass, acrylic and perspex office screens are all good options available to you.

You could also look at separating your staff by introducing smaller modular reception desks. If you have a small reception area with a large front desk, you could consider replacing it with a smaller desk to increase functional space.

Signage

To make navigation easier to visitors to your office install clear signage and directional markers. If your office space is large, consider placing a map or floor plan near the reception desk for easy visibility by guests.

Decoration

It’s important to make the right impression and for your guests to feel comfortable and welcome. Reception areas come in all shapes, sizes and styles depending on the type of business and brand image. Before deciding on your decoration, you’ll want to ask yourself a few key questions:

• What impression would you like to make? – Inviting? Professional? Modern?
• Does your reception area make your clients feel comfortable and welcome?
• What do you need your reception area to do in terms of functionality?

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be able to move onto the next step – designing your reception area.

How We Can Help

Get in touch and organise a consultation with one of our experts to further explore the interior design and social distancing solutions available to you.

How to Setup a Conference Room for Maximum Impact

When setting up a conference room, it’s easy to stick to the bare minimum – a table in an empty room with a few chairs, pens and notepads to tick the necessary boxes. However, this approach can appear uninviting to your colleagues or clients, and fail to make the great impression you are hoping for.

A personalised and planned conference space will generate more positive energy for those that use it and is likely to be much more functional for those longer meetings. To achieve maximum impact, it is important to consider the type of conferences you expect to have and the message you wish to convey with your space. It doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive – there are lots of simple ways to boost the appeal and usability of your conference space during your next commercial office fit out.

Furniture & Decor

First up, be sure to consider your office furniture and decor within your office interior design. Conference room furniture can set your business apart from others and make you more memorable, leaving a lasting impression on those visiting your office for meetings, as well as potential employees.

Comfortable and aesthetically pleasing furniture will improve employee wellbeing, encourage guests and employees to make use of the space and will help them to feel more positive during meetings.

Conference rooms don’t always need to be stereotypical with plain white walls and standard office furniture. They’re a great opportunity to showcase your brand identity and company culture.

If your office has multiple conference rooms then it can be an idea to have themes for each one with furniture to match. These themes can be subtle or more obvious, but it is a good way to be inspired for decor and be able to easily distinguish between multiple conference rooms.

Layout

Not having the right layout for your conference room can result in lower levels of participation. Due to this, it is important to take into account where attendees will sit and where any audiovisual equipment will be located. Several different layouts can be considered, each serving a different purpose.

– Theatre Style does not require tables and is rows of chairs facing the front of the room (much like a theatre). This style of seating works well for sessions that are not too long and where a large amount of notetaking is not required.

– Classroom Style; for this, chairs are laid out around tables in rows facing the front of the room. Unlike theatre-style seating, this is great for long sessions which require a lot of notetaking.

– Boardroom Style is the classic conference room seating with chairs gathered around a central table. This style of room works well for shorter agenda-focused meetings with no more than 25 people.

– U-Shape Style is a series of tables organised in a “U” shape with the chairs placed along the outside. This is a versatile layout as each group has a table for notetaking and it is great for facilitating conversation between the audience and the speaker.

– Hollow Square Style; for this, there are tables arranged in a square which gives space in the middle for the speaker to move between the tables.

If possible, it’s good to have space where you can switch between different layouts for different kinds of conferences. You may even find it more representative of your company to go for some less traditional layouts. Experiment to find out what is the most comfortable layout which encourages good levels of participation where required.

Equipment & Tools

Though picking out the visual aspects of your new conference room can be exciting, it is important that the room functions as it should. This means all the necessary equipment must be available and in working order. From ensuring that non-technological items like whiteboards, pens and flip charts work and are easily accessible, to having audiovisual conference equipment available and ready to turn on at the start of a conference.

If you have a large space then investing in microphones and projectors may be needed to make sure everyone is able to hear, see and participate. A way to make sure that all cables are kept tidy is also a good consideration, not just from a visual perspective, but also for organisation and health and safety.

Acoustics

Having a conference space that looks the part is great but the sound quality in the room must be good too, this is especially important if many conferences involve dialling people on phones or through video conferencing.

There are several ways you can ensure your conference room has adequate acoustics. One way is to make sure that your conference room has as many soft surfaces as possible. Having carpets, a rug, soft chairs or a sofa, can reduce reverberation that can interfere with the audio. Extra decorations like office plants and throws can also control echo and improve conversation quality.

Specific sound-dampening panels can also be invested in for the walls of your conference room. These panels are easy to fit over current walls and can even be branded or personalised to fit your space.

A conference room does not have to be dull and corporate. There are simple and functional ways that can make these rooms an extension of your company culture, therefore leaving a lasting impression on those who utilise them.

At McFeggan Brown, we are experts in office fit out and design services an can work with you to create a conference room that helps you reach your business goals and inspires your employees. Whether you’re relocating to new offices or would like to refresh your current working space, we are experts in professional office design. Get in touch and book a consultation today.

Why Should You Convert Your Warehouse Into Office Space?

In the last year, COVID-19 has impacted so many businesses and some have been left with empty warehouse space as a result. Converting your warehouse into an office space may seem like a big task or even a crazy idea, but by investing in a modern office design and office fit out services you reap significant benefits.

Converting a warehouse into an office workspace may seem like a time-consuming task at first, but you will quickly discover that the benefits far outweigh the costs. It is also an exercise in creativity and in the end, will provide you with an open, spacious, well-lit office with high ceilings and an original feel.

Over the last few years, more and more businesses have realised the benefits of warehouse conversion for customisable office space. Now more than ever, the extra space per person and long-term savings are a great reason to consider converting a warehouse.

Cost-effective

Warehouse pricing is a lot more economical in the long run than purpose-built office hire. Even if you are able to buy office space outright, it is much harder to expand as your company grows. With the current increase in people working from home, it is important to cut office costs where possible, whilst making offices inviting and an enjoyable place to work.

If you find your warehouse is too large for your current needs, you could look at renting out the unused space for extra income until it is time for your business to expand.

Customisable space specific to your needs

When it comes to an commercial office fit out, warehouses are blank canvases and the simple open floor plans are easier to modify than standard office buildings. With proper office space planning, you can create a workspace that is best for your company and employees. It is very important to have a concept or plan for your space and stick with it from the initial ideas stage, all the way to office furnishing your office fit out.

With all the extra space and height to work with, you can decide on what is most important for your employees and their productivity. To maximise employee satisfaction and to create a space that people want to work in, speak with your team and find out what priorities they have for office space and factor these into the plans where possible.

Different to the everyday office

Converting a warehouse to an office offers an interesting framework to plan your space around. The architecture is more original and many people are drawn to older buildings that may have a historical background. Having a creative office design can have positive impacts on potential employees, business partners and any other visitors. Warehouse offices are increasingly becoming more sought after and as a trend they are here to stay and even grow in popularity.

Opportunity for natural light

When we think of a warehouse, we often have a stereotypical image in our heads –  dark, industrial and without natural light. But the opportunities for space and customisation mean it is easier for windows to be installed.

Increasing natural light in an office gives a proven boost to employee well being. Not only this but you can also save on energy costs by using natural lighting only when possible.

Extra space and high ceilings

When converting a warehouse into a beautifully designed office space, you will benefit from lots of floor space and high ceilings. This gives you extra room to work with when it comes to designing your space and even the potential for extra floors if you have enough ceiling height.

A large building space will also be beneficial if your business needs to regularly handle deliveries. The extra space you can get from a warehouse conversion is especially beneficial for growing businesses as it will make expanding much easier.

Location

Warehouses are usually located on the outskirts of busy towns and cities meaning traffic issues during the commute can be reduced in comparison to working within the city. There will still likely be good public transport networks too.

Additionally,  warehouses are much more likely to have areas for employee parking, something that can be hard to come by with inner-city offices where parking can be expensive enough to put employees off.

If you need advice on your warehouse to office conversion or any other office design project speak to one of the team at McFeggan Brown today. We can help with any office fit out and refurbishment in Bristol and a vicinity.

5 Ways To Create A Productive Office Culture

We have previously discussed how your office interior design can have a profound effect on productivity. But how else can you create a productive environment for your employees? Take a look at how nurturing your office culture can improve performance and create a positive community for all to enjoy.

1. Don’t be afraid to try something new

One of the most obvious ways to create a productive workplace is to ensure that employees have access to the tools and resources they need. However, it’s just as important to think outside of the box. Every office has standard industry equipment and systems that they tend to stick to, so why not try something new?

Listening to the requirements and having open conversations about whether or not certain pieces of equipment could be better is a great way to spark new ideas and try out new technologies.

Not only will employees be happy that they can work effectively, but keeping up with trends and new gadgets can help keep you ahead of the competition. A company culture that encourages trying new things and is unafraid to admit when new ideas fail, is a company that is never in danger of being boring.

You’ll never know if there’s a better way to work if you don’t try it first!

2. Prioritise Wellbeing

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that good health and wellbeing is priceless. This feeling should be clear in your company culture if you want your employees to truly feel appreciated.

Whether it’s shown through a well-stocked break-out room to let their hair down, company trips or offering mental health days, there are plenty of ways to show that you care that will only strengthen your company culture.

Time and time again, research has shown that taking breaks and having an adequate space to work in has a huge impact on the quality of work produced. Even simple changes to the office such as lighting and office plants can improve performance and comfort.

3. Spend Quality Time Together

A large part of office culture is overhearing conversations and picking up on what the people around you are working on. Being exposed to other parts of the company and having the ability to learn from the people around you is a huge benefit of being in a workplace.

Why not solidify this by encouraging employees to spend time together to learn new things and build relationships? In the office or outside of it, having fresh perspectives and discovering new solutions is one of the many advantages of spending time with colleagues.

Not only does this reinforce a sense of belonging in the workplace, but it also inspires employees to try out new skills and gain an understanding of other job roles; bridging the gap between different departments and disciplines.

In fact, employees that feel disengaged from their company are 60% more likely to make errors at work, so engaging with each other is better for everyone.

If you or any of your employees are working remotely you might think building a company culture is impossible, but it’s not! We’ve got plenty of advice on how to stay connected and productive even while you’re apart.

4. Celebrate Achievements

One of the most effective ways to grow your company culture is to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and teams.

Acknowledging good work and attitudes, not just sales and numbers, can foster a mutual feeling of respect among employees and eradicate negative feelings of self-doubt such as imposter syndrome.

Not only is feeling appreciated at work a real boost of motivation, but it can also help build confidence and a positive outlook.

After all, research shows that the happier we are at work, the more productive we are!

5. Encourage Transparency and Realistic Expectations

We’ve all been there. You’ve had a terrible night’s sleep only to get to work and you realise you have a long to-do list and a deadline that you’re just not going to be able to hit.

Allowing employees to be honest about struggles or worries about job loads without fear is at the heart of a strong company culture. Offering empathy and understanding is the key to building respect. Having employees that want to produce good work creates much higher quality work than those that feel like they’re there because they have to be.

Did you know stress in the workplace can lead to costly 50% higher turnover? Productivity is not a quota, and we are all human after all. Stress is natural, but having a good community at work can combat the negative feelings that kill productivity. Having realistic expectations about productivity is (ironically) the best secret to achieving it.

In conclusion, a strong sense of company culture creates happier employees which in turn leads to higher levels of productivity. It’s a win-win situation! So, how do you maintain your company culture? Does it support productivity?

We can work with you to create an office fit out and design that helps you reach your business goals and inspires your employees. Whether you’re relocating to new offices or would like to refresh your current working space with an commercial fit out, we have the expert design knowledge you need!

You can get in touch to book a consultation or take a look at our previous work.

How To Strengthen Your Office Culture (even while social distancing)

Strengthening office culture is a more important goal now than ever before. With many employees choosing to stay working remotely while others prefer to return to the office, many businesses are dealing with a new, fragmented way of working. So, how can you grow a strong office culture during a pandemic? 

Returning to the office should be an individual decision, but in general, the UK workforce is more reluctant to return to their desks than staff overseas. Working from home has been an entirely new challenge, with many growing to prefer it to the “typical” office environment.  

Why is creating a culture so important?

According to “The Power of Company Culture”, entrepreneur Chris Dyer suggests that a strong sense of culture in a company is a clear signal of greater revenue growth and resilience in comparison to those that are lacking culture. 

Dyer reminds us that office culture should be at the forefront of all businesses, and if it isn’t, you could be missing out financially and socially. 

So how do companies nurture their office culture at a time when there are so many physical barriers? 

How can you build your office culture?

As experts in office design, we understand the importance of creating a workspace that is suitable for you and your employees.

At the moment, the most vital factor is that your workspace is a place that your employees are excited to return to. Not only that, but it needs to be a space where they feel comfortable and safe. 

The work environment needs to be somewhere they can feel at their best even during this difficult transition to the ‘new normal’. The implementation of perspex screens and transparent barriers between desks can help ease stress and worry, providing a clear safety precaution along with the necessary extra amenities such as handwashing stations and antibacterial-gel.

Establishing trust and respect between workers are vital building blocks of strengthening office culture.  

The overall design of your office is also a strong foundation to start with when you’re thinking about what you want your culture to reflect. 

If you take a look through some of our most recent projects, you’ll see that almost all of the briefs we are given stress the importance of having a functional space for employees that still has the ‘wow’ factor. Style and functionality is a balance that we have perfected over the years. When your workforce has a space that the want to be in because it puts them first, then this strengthens your office culture.

We’ve also explored the future of office design post-COVID in a recent blog, but of course, the pandemic poses a challenge when it comes to building a strong sense of community, especially if not all employees are physically back in the office. 

How do you build a culture with remote workers? 

If you have staff working remotely that are starting to feel distant, a good first step is to find out what they miss being out of the office. 

If they’re missing the social aspects of break out spaces, why not try regular video calls to catch up on non-work-related topics? 

If they miss bouncing ideas off each other, why not utilise an application or programme that enables staff to draw up ideas together? Or even make company presentations interactive to encourage engagement. 

Many workers are self-reporting feelings of loneliness and isolation as a result of social distancing measures. It’s in these situations, maintaining a strong sense of community can really help.  

In addition to this, don’t forget to ask how staff feel about their work environments, after all, the happier they are the more productive they are likely to be. In fact, happy employees are 12% more productive. So, whether your staff choose to work remotely or return to the office, it’s important that they are comfortable in their work environment.

While the pandemic has shown us the importance of having a strong office culture to rely on, it doesn’t just end once it’s all over. 

Businesses need to be using this time to find out what support their employees have needed and then use that to grow an even stronger office culture for the years to come.  

If you’re looking to create an office with a culture that reflects your company values we can help.

We specialise in office fit-outs, refurbishments and design. Why not speak to one of our experts today to see how we can help you? Call us on 01275 464 220 or get in touch online. 

How To Improve Productivity With Office Design

Creating a happy and productive workforce isn’t just about the salaries and benefits you pay your staff, it’s about providing your employees with a happy and energising workspace where they can thrive. 

After all, studies show that the average British worker spends 34 hours of their week working, so an office needs more than just four walls and a few desks to motivate and inspire. 

In this blog, we take a look at how your workspace can be designed to increase productivity.  

Harness Natural Light

Have you considered how much exposure to natural light your workers have on a daily basis? Natural light is a key element in any office that wants to encourage their workers to be productive and is shown to have many benefits including decreasing eyestrain and headaches.  

Not only does natural light keep workers more active and alert than artificial bright lighting, but it also resembles the outside world. If employees feel like they are trapped indoors, their productivity is likely to drop. Increasing exposure to natural lighting will help boost morale and productivity as it mimics the outside world. 

If your office lacks natural light, look at moving big, bulky furniture from blocking windows and consider adding skylights if the building will allow. If this isn’t an option, you may want to look for lamps and light bulbs that utilise natural lighting effects instead.

Ergonomic Furniture

Ergonomics have always been key in the workplace and having office furniture that keeps employees comfortable and relaxed should be at the forefront of your office plan in order to improve office productivity. Your employees’ chairs and desks should be adjustable so they can be modified for individuals’ own needs. The right chair in the correct position with the perfect desk can reduce back and muscle pain, a common cause of lost work time and stress. 

Space For Collaboration 

A big part of your office should be a collaborative space where employees can go to work and converse with each other. Having a space that allows colleagues to discuss and generate ideas, means individuals are more likely to talk and learn from one another. Some people thrive off social interaction so giving employees the chance to bounce off ideas with other members of the team may be really useful for your business, and their own work ethic. 

A ‘Flexible’ Floor Plan

When it comes to your floor plan, it’s all about flexibility. Many business owners think they should stick to a traditional office design plan – cubicle or open. However, this isn’t the case anymore, and a mix of the two designs actually is far more beneficial to employees. The ‘flexible’ office plan incorporates elements of both the cubicle, more privatised plan and the open spaced office. This means that employees get the best of both worlds and can decide where they’d like to spend the day doing their work, this can help to improve the general productivity of your office.

You might wish to consider office partitions and glass cubicles – with the right design they are a great way to split up office space without cutting off communication and making employees feel isolated. Having private spaces for individuals to go if they prefer peace and quiet and time away from their colleagues means workers will be more productive in that environment. However, those who thrive in busy areas with lots going on will benefit from a more open space where they can talk to their friends while carrying out their day-to-day tasks.

The level of noise in an office is also key to productivity. A flexible office plan helps those who work better in silence, with no distractions, compared to those who can continue working with people talking and laughing around them.

Personality for inspiration

Try adding a bit of personality and warmth to your office decor – paint the walls of your office to tie in with your brand. You might even wish to put quotes or hang quirky paintings on the walls. Whatever you do, make sure the office isn’t dull and dreary. Colour has an important impact on peoples’ mood and therefore on their productivity levels. Keep it bright to keep your employees interested.

How we can help 

Above all, investing in your office design demonstrates your commitment to your team and staff members are much more likely to work hard for a business that tends to their wellbeing. 

If you’re relocating to new offices, or would like to refresh your current working space, please get in touch and organise a consultation with one of our experts to further explore the interior design and social distancing solutions available to you.

What Will Offices Look Like Post Covid-19?

Previously, we wrote about some of the things you might expect to see when you return to your office, post covid-19. This looked at things like screens, distancing and hygiene as ways of mitigating any ongoing risks.

In this article, we’re going to take it one step further, and explore how office design might transform as a result of the pandemic.

With many companies having moved over to remote working in the early part of 2020, now is a great opportunity to take a look at your workspace, and think about how it could change to facilitate your future needs through an office refurbishment. So let’s take a look at some options, as well as factors that will have an impact on your decision making.

Number Of People

When thinking about new office designs, you’ll need to keep in mind the new context we all find ourselves in. If your people have been successfully working remotely for over three months, do you really need everybody back in the office?

For some, remote working is ideal and they’re more productive than ever when working at home. Others thrive in an office environment, surrounded by colleagues.

For this reason, you might want to consider the amount of people who’ll be working in your office post Covid-19.

If more people are working at home, then you’ll potentially have more space to play with when redesigning your workspace — so well worth thinking about. It also means you could consider what we’re going to talk about next…

Will Hot Desking Be Possible?

Hot desking is where multiple employees share the same desk — although not at the same time obviously. It’s ideal when you have remote workers who want or need to come into the office occasionally.

The problem is that current official advice says that hot desking should be avoided, as it could lead to the spread of Covid-19. With that in mind, if you want to look into hot desking as a solution, you’ll have to wait until it’s deemed safe to do so.

With that out of the way, what other design options could you look at?

Open Plan

Open plan working spaces have been popular since the 1960s. It’s always been a great way to increase collaboration and communication in your team. What’s more, if you have fewer team members in the office thanks to remote working, you’ll free up space.

But with Covid-19 still around, it’s important that you design an open plan office with that in mind. You’ll want to create the feeling of open space, while ensuring that teams aren’t too densely grouped together. Things like transparent barriers could become essential in this setup.

The key is to keep an open feeling to the space, while using things like transparent barriers, furniture and plants to separate the office into different meeting, work and socialising spaces. Get it right and you can achieve all the benefits of open plan working, while mitigating the risks of Covid-19.

Meeting Space

Having a space for meetings is important for any office. Ideally, they need to be separate from the hustle and bustle of the workplace, offering a quiet place for a team to get together and talk.

In the short term, with Covid-19 in mind, there will be an issue with enclosed meeting spaces. But the good news is that you don’t have to completely enclose a meeting space for it to be private and quiet. Strategic use of barriers and sound proofing mean you can create effective meeting spaces that still have enough ventilation and space to remain safe during, and after, the pandemic.

Building Health and Wellbeing Into Your Office

What ties all these ideas together? Health and wellbeing. It’s important to keep productivity, communication and collaboration in mind when designing an office space. And it’s equally important to make sure your team is happy and healthy. In fact, the two ideas are not mutually exclusive. The happier and healthier your people are, the more productive they tend to be.

What does this mean for office design? It means taking into account all of the above, and more. If people have safe meeting spaces and working spaces, they’ll be more confident and happy in the workplace. But you can go further. You could build dedicated breakout spaces into your design — offering people a space to relax and recharge their batteries during the work day.

To achieve this safely now, and into the future, you could ensure that these spaces are not enclosed. Instead, you can make sure that they’re quiet and isolated from the rest of the office using barriers and soundproofing.

What next?

With most people still out of the office, it’s a good time to start thinking about a redesign.

If you’d like some help with your office design, contact us for a chat today.