Workplace design has changed dramatically over the last few years, with organisations shifting away from the traditional office layout.
With 77% of company leaders recognising creativity as a vital driver for business growth, experts at Savoy Stewart have provided their insight on how to transform an uninspiring office into a hub of creativity.
Five ways to increase creativity through workplace design
- Build a creative ecosystem
In a modern, flexible workplace, it’s very important to create a variety of spaces that can be adapted for different tasks, rather than adopting a one size fits all approach.
Whilst it’s important that your office contains collaborative spaces, it’s also a good idea to include quieter spaces for cognitive resting, evaluation and individual exploration. Large tables, whiteboards and movable chairs can be utilised for creative brainstorming sessions for example, whilst comfy furniture and writable surfaces are ideal for private meetings.
By building an ecosystem with varied options, your employees will be able to choose where and how they work, which not only inspires creativity, but also encourages experimentation amongst your workforce.
- Temperature, ventilation and lighting
Allowing plenty of natural light into your office is key to keeping employees alert, focused and in a more positive mindset. This can lead to better cognitive function and generate an ideal atmosphere for brainstorming and creative problem-solving.
Harnessing natural light can be achieved in a number of ways such as configuration and glazing, window design and strategically placing workstations.
It’s also important that your office maintains an optimum temperature and that ventilation ensures employees feel comfortable at work so that they can perform to their best. In addition to providing space for natural light in your office, it’s worth offering adjustable artificial lighting options to cater to individual preferences.
- Design for stimulation
The colour scheme of an office is capable of having a direct impact on employee creativity.
Warm colours such as orange and yellow appear visually energetic and stimulating, therefore naturally are ideal for areas of your office where creative brainstorming and idea generation takes place.
Incorporating upcoming interior trends such as accent walls can also help, adding a bold pop of colour on one wall, without overwhelming the space and those using it. Colour blocking can also help to combine complementary colours on different walls to create a dynamic and energising effect.
- Incorporate ‘break out’ spaces
Your employees will most likely need to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy office from time to time, therefore it’s important to provide breakout areas which can not only allow employees to relax and unwind, but encourage collaboration for creative tasks too.
As well as containing collaborative seating areas that stem away from the typical 9-5 set up, it’s worth incorporating phone booths or pods so that individuals or small groups can catch up privately.
- Incorporate nature
Not only can nature be a great source of inspiration, but it can also promote relaxation, wellbeing and creativity among your workforce.
Whilst plants promote air quality leading to clear thinking for creative tasks and inspire innovative ideas, additions such as flowers can make your office look more visually appealing, adding beauty, fragrance and colour.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
