With the new fall and school season underway, a new sense of “getting back to work” attitude emerges with production, consumers and in general. I’ve noticed the seasonal swing since the summer laissez-fair leisure of travel, buying and sense of urgency in production that all tend to slow down but then picks up in the fall with gusto. The window between now and the holidays, however, always seems short to me but nothing like a looming date to keep your focus and push you to get things accomplished. While getting back to work, there is a new theory about the office work space and how to get better productivity with zones that are specifically designed for certain work oriented tasks.
Kevin Kuske writes in his column for VP (Venture Beat) Business, “Research shows that in many instances, productivity is being lost at the altar of the “open office.” Yet our well-being does benefit in this environment thanks to the relationships built over donuts in the break room.” He questions if both types of spaces can be achieved.” Here are some zones he suggests will benefit the office worker’s production and make them less of an office drone.
Collaboration Zones — for office workers to meet, brainstorm and share ideas, not unlike around a big kitchen table. Why is it too that most people flock to the kitchen at a party even when the space may be small? Comfort and intimacy perhaps?
Want to make the space “homey” consider Zebrawood peel and stick wallcovering or any of our Organics to give this effect above.
Fun Zones — help engage and make the work environment inviting, fun to come into work and help reduce stress, as Google uses for their employees.
Quiet Zones — where employees can go to think and get work done but still remain in an open space with vitality, preferably with natural lighting but not many distractions. I like the bright colors that also enliven this space. Green tends to provide a sensibility of safety and orange stimulates creativity.
Private Zones — sequestered spaces that provide the office worker(s), even teams, with serious focus without any outside bothering, where work can get done for deadlines. A “Think “closet with wi-fi and great lighting.”
It’s interesting to me that Mark Zuckerburg commissioned architect Frank Gehry in 2012 to design the largest “open space” work environment for Facebook’s headquarters, which is the exact type of space that this article suggests against.
Sayeh Pezeshki, the Office Stylist, may suggest otherwise. She’s got great suggestions for the home office that can be easily applied to other office settings. Here are some of her pins on Pinterest. Purple they say is the color of passion — passion for work maybe? Although not this deep of a hue, I have it in my office too.
— Ashley
Leave a Reply