This guest blog was contributed and written by Natalie Akins, Interior Design Editor with Innovative Building Materials.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevailing trend in commercial office design was to open up spaces to create a more inviting work atmosphere. While creativity and collaboration are undoubtedly optimized in open floor plans, the pandemic reminded everyone that, in addition to the periodic need for privacy, some measures must be taken to provide social distance and ensure employee wellness.
As we enter the late stages of pandemic life, some major trends are beginning to emerge that attempt to balance each of these influences. The following office design ideas are some of the most effective ways to improve employee wellbeing, which will help ensure productivity in the long run.
Glass Office Partitions
While the open concept attempts to maximize the benefits of natural sunlight on mood and productivity, it can sometimes leave offices conspicuously void of partitions, should the need for privacy or social distance arise.
In answer to these concerns, there has been a major uptick in the use of glass office partitions. Glass office partitions provide a necessary barrier while still transmitting natural sunlight. For those concerned about the lack of sound insulation with some modular glass solutions, consider building commercial offices with innovative acoustic glass to absorb sound and reduce background noise.
Flooring Upgrade
Although it may not seem like the floor can negatively impact wellness, the heavy foot traffic in commercial offices causes the rapid deterioration of floors, which makes them susceptible to absorbing harmful bacteria. Moreover, as floors begin to degrade and break down, they may require vigorous cleaning and sealing efforts that require the use of toxic compounds.
To avoid the negative consequences of a floor in poor condition and ensure the wellbeing of employees, consider the upgrade to durable, low-maintenance solutions, such as epoxy terrazzo or polished concrete flooring.
Sound Insulation
One of the most significant impediments to commercial office productivity is the transfer of noise throughout the building. Not only can unwanted noise break the concentration of employees, but continual exposure can lead to serious negative health effects, such as headaches, stress, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
Therefore, consider the benefits of acoustic ceiling tiles in commercial offices. The best ceiling tiles can absorb up to 95% of noise, blocking an astonishing 45 decibels of sound that would be transferred in spaces unequipped with sound insulation.
Window Replacement
One of the many benefits of natural sunlight is a reduced dependence on fluorescent light, which has been linked to elevated stress response, and an increased ability to ward off depression in employees.
As a result, whether or not the open floor plan is part of the office’s interior layout, a window replacement can be a great place to start in getting more sunlight flowing through the office. Old windows become cracked, clouded, and stained in the face of years of weather exposure, so new windows are a quick and efficient way to boost the mood of your office interior.
Artistic Accent Walls
Gone are the days of the stiff office cubicle and drab, gray walls. Contemporary employees want to work in an environment that fosters their creativity, with interior decor such as recycled office furniture and patterned accent walls being favorite touches among modern workers.
When adding these artistic elements to the office’s interior, consider pairing them with decorative ceiling panels that will match the aesthetic design. Not only can ceiling ornamentation improve mood and foster creativity through its eye-catching appeal, but it can improve sound insulation, as well.
Industrial Fixtures and Handrails
Although restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to loosen, one trend that is likely here to stay is the heightened attention to cleaning and sanitation. As a result, it is important to take measures that promote quick and efficient cleaning efforts, such as nonporous floors and desk surfaces.
To this effect, one other popular trend that is emerging is the prevalence of industrial fixtures and interior handrails. As these are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in a commercial office building, they will be under the heaviest cleaning scrutiny, meaning that rugged, industrial materials that can withstand increased attention will be the best option for ensuring the wellbeing of the people inside a commercial building.
The Best Commercial Office Renovations to Improve Wellness
As society continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, new trends take shape on how commercial offices are balancing the productive benefits of open floor plans with the need to ensure some social distance. Fortunately, there are many innovative building materials on the market that allow for the best of both worlds, providing social distance while still maintaining an open feel with ample natural sunlight. By considering any of the trending renovations listed above, it is possible to guarantee employee productivity and wellness in any commercial office space.
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Natalie Akins is the Interior Design Editor at Innovative Building Materials.
With over 20 years of interior design experience, Natalie has worked on many projects including commercial office design and residential spaces.
