You might find that you’re in need of more space several times throughout the year with a continuously growing team or a demand for a restructure to accommodate the latest products and machinery, but whatever your needs, Cubex Contracts are on hand to provide an end-to-end solution for all of your commercial workspace needs.

Here are our tips on how you can create more space within your existing office premises, avoiding the need to relocate (…just think of the money you’ll save!).

Assess your needs
Let’s start by taking a long look at your workspace overall and assess what works and what doesn’t – what would you like to change, have more of, or get rid of?  And this doesn’t need to be a one sided task – take a quick snapshot and ask your colleagues what they think (it’s important to remember that in order to implement the very best changes that work for everyone, and benefit the business overall, it’s worthwhile checking in with the people that support your business to ensure they have the tools they need to get the job done).

Our surroundings can affect productivity so take this into account when assessing your office space needs and, if you’re not sure where to even begin, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the workspace cluttered and dark?
• Are desks and storage spaces cramped?
• What does the space feel like in terms of its atmosphere?
• What do we need that we do not currently have access to?

Consider noise control and sound privacy
There are many ways in which you can divide a space for privacy, meetings, hot desking, communal areas… pretty much anything and everything!  And by doing this you can create additional spaces that work – including ‘neighbourhoods’ for specific focus groups.

If noise control is a concern, have a think about installing sound absorbing panels (these work particularly well within open plan offices).  They can decrease echo and create a calmer atmosphere (especially in larger spaces where noise can travel), ultimately allowing for a better workplace experience.

Solve visual and personal security concerns
With collaboration being a key element of the future of office design, we need to ask, ‘‘how open is too open?’’ The traditional and ‘‘ideal’’ office space may be a large, open plan area, but this doesn’t work for every business all of the time, so where do we draw the line?

Sometimes employees need to work independently, have private 1:1 conversations or work with sensitive company information where visual security can soon become an issue.  Thankfully however there are alternatives and Cubex has a few solutions for you to try:

• Use stylish and colourful partitions to implement additional spaces for independent working, privacy and creativity.
  Partitions can also help with noise reduction and productivity as teams operate from a multi-functional workspace.
• Consider the office layout and plan for specific areas which will see less foot traffic; this can be a dedicated area for taking a call or for having some downtime over a lunchbreak.
• Throughout the office, look at furniture positioning and re-orient as necessary to optimise both space and privacy; believe it or not, but just by moving an existing space around can resolve a number of workplace woes including security concerns (so you don’t have to spend money unnecessarily… result!)
• Strategically position plants, soft furnishings and even hanging partitions – creating a multi-functional workspace that also looks good will ensure your office space is somewhere that your colleagues want to spend time in.

Plan for seamless, agile, connectivity and collaboration
In office design, there will always be a need for a culture of collaboration. This means incorporating designs that can support and transform your business to increase productivity, innovation and performance. To help in shaping this type of workplace, think about using tables and desks that facilitate innovation and connection.  But how?  Great question!  Think about decluttering as much as possible and get rid of anything that’s not required… if you don’t need something, why keep it? Simple enough, right?

It can be a challenge to find the delicate balance between privacy and team working, but agile spaces can help you with this especially if square footage is at a premium. Think about introducing moveable partitions and furniture on castors – you’ll have an adaptable, agile office space in no time!

Consider storage requirements
Invest in furniture with built-in space to help with storage; even though we now live in a paperless office environment (or at least we try to), we still need storage space.  So office furniture with built in storage facilities can help to utilise even more of our workspace.

Luckily, wi-fi means less wires and so too do laptops and tablets – what would have been used for bulkier computers can now be used as additional space as and when you need it most.

Warehouse and industrial space
If re-designing a warehouse or a large industrial space, then Cubex recommends evaluating the use of all of the space, not just a particular area or two.

As a suggestion, think vertically – adding mezzanine flooring can help to create more space within your existing warehouse for storage, breakout rooms, offices, meeting rooms, kitchen space, manufacturing zones… the list goes on!

When it comes to creating additional space within your office premises, even if you don’t have a lot of physical space to play around with, it is possible to create a workspace that works for you, your employees and your business.  What’s more, space planning within your existing space can be a positive alternative to the expense and disruption of relocating altogether.  So if you’re considering how to re-work your space for 2021 and beyond, we have loads of experience and advice to offer. You know where we are so just reach out. Email us on sales@cubexcontracts.com or call 01933 460422.

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With the pandemic affecting the entire world over the past year, we have seen the requirement of change and the future is no different in terms of planning and designing for office spaces.

What makes a good office design?

The modern workplace is more than a space to work from, it’s the environment which forms the basis of how your business operates – it’s not just about aesthetics anymore, you know?  Soundproofing, use of space, building regulations, storage, security and access are just a few factors business owners need to consider when re-designing their workspace, be it a small-scale office project or complete warehouse refurbishment.

From the nuts and bolts to the magic, and the grand finale too, with comprehensive CAD drawings and 3D design rendering walk-through videos, we envisage an office environment that inspires employees – and we deliver on that vision.

Why move if you don’t have to?

Office and industrial Mezzanines can virtually double your floorspace, adding value to your workplace without incurring the costs of moving premises.  An office Mezzanine floor design will include appropriate methods to access the floor, linking to your existing infrastructure and can include partitions, suspended ceilings, floor coverings, heating, lighting and mechanical systems – even office furniture.  What’s more, mezzanines also reduce current rent per square metre… a win-win when it comes to saving your hard-earned cash!

If you’re running out of floor space, just look up!  Many commercial buildings are designed with headroom of 6m or more and it’s this un-productive space that could be your opportunity to create storage areas, meeting rooms, a new boardroom or a communal area for your employees perhaps… What could you do if your workspace was doubled?

Making the most of your ‘four walls’

Sliding, Glazed, Stud or Composite – there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Office Partitioning.

Contrary to popular belief, office partitions don’t have to be dull, grey office cubicles – partitions can actually enhance the overall aesthetic of the office with a distinct visual impact, as well as implementing privacy and, in turn, reducing sound.

We often hear how meeting rooms are like gold dust within the workplace, so wouldn’t it be good to add a couple more in… and out again if you need to later down the line (partitions can be changed relatively easily and inexpensively without impacting on the overall structure of a building).

From top to bottom

Choosing your style of ceiling is more important than you might think, not just because it protects and conceals any electrical and plumbing systems above, but it can be fire resistant rated too.  From an aesthetics perspective, a high ceiling can make a room feel more spacious, while low ceilings can make an office feel far more snug.

Suspended ceilings are a cost-effective way of giving your premises a clean, smooth finish to the internal ceiling of a room whilst hiding cables and pipework, enhancing acoustics and providing thermal installation too.

On the other hand, MF Plasterboard ceilings offer a high level of design flexibility and give a smoother, more contemporary finish to your office, working well with spot lighting particularly within reception areas.

Flooring can transform a space too and a once-considered ‘small room’ can soon ooze big potential.  Wood, vinyl, laminate, carpet and tile are all suitable flooring options with their own practicalities, but their suitability will differ depending on your specific needs, design and style preferences – it’s important to understand how the space will be used and the durability required.

The finishing touches

Once the big stuff is out of the way, choosing new furniture for your new workspace can be really exciting – it’s how you put your stamp on your business whilst ensuring your staff can work efficiently and comfortably.  There’s lots to consider and the possibilities are endless depending on your taste, style and budget.  Don’t forget you can use your commercial space to incorporate your company branding as another way of marketing your organisation to customers.

Whether your team is based in an office, industrial warehouse, or both, a negative working environment may lead to poor retention so investing in your space and optimising it to its full potential can make a huge difference to your team and ultimately provide an excellent return of investment.

If you need some help utilising your workspace to its full potential then please give us a call on 01933 460422 today.

The post Are You Using All of Your Commercial Space to Its Full Potential? appeared first on Cubex Contracts.

A recent survey reported that 72%* of people working from home said that the sofa was their seating of choice during lockdown. You might be thinking how cosy that sounds, and yes it probably is – but if you are sitting “working” for many hours during the day, what you really need is something supportive and that’s where the humble office chair comes in.

Advice for employers

Due to the current situation, employers need to consider whether their employees will be required to continue working from home for a much longer period than initially thought. If that is the case they should carry out a remote ‘working from home’ assessment to determine if their employees have a set up which is suitable for the amount of hours they are carrying out their day-to-day work. This would include a risk assessment looking at where they are planning to work and if that space has everything they will need to do so safely, and by safely we also mean from a physical health perspective too.

It is the employer’s responsibility as a result of this assessment to:

1. suggest improvements (if any) to their current set up
2. discuss with them how you can help provide the necessary equipment/furniture they need to carry out their work safely (especially if they have nothing suitable they can use already)
3. provide a quick and easy method they can request what they need from you (ie. email them a request form document)

When you have agreed to their requirements you can supply what they need to do their work safely and without further risk to their health. In the absence of proper furniture, especially an adjustable office chair, your employees are more likely to put added strain on their bodies which will lead to aches, pains and possible injury in the long term.

If an employer does not believe their employee(s) will need to work from home for too much longer they should, if they have not done so already, provide their workers with advice on completing their own basic assessment at home. As an employer it is also up to you to stay in touch with your employee(s) and have regular discussions to assess if additional steps or support is needed.

The HSE website has some very useful information and links to a workstation checklist you can send to your employees.

Advice for employees

Although it might be tempting to work from the sofa or stay snuggled in bed – neither of those options are good for your physical health.

If they haven’t been in touch with you already, contact your employer (probably a department head or HR person) and ask for a remote “working from home “ assessment to be carried out because you are concerned your home working set up is not adequate for the hours you will be sitting. They will help you get set up at home in the space you have available, and in many cases all you may need is an adjustable office chair.

An adjustable office chair, as its name suggests, can be adjusted in many ways to fit your needs – including height control and back position, and some even offer extra lumbar support, head rest options and adjustable arms.

How can Cubex help?

We can advise and supply you with a range of options when it comes to kitting out a home working space. From different size and shaped desks to a fantastic choice of adjustable office chairs – we have options to suit every budget.

Please get in touch with us on 01933 460422 or email us to discuss your needs.

PS If you are an employee send this blog post to your employer!

* Survey carried out by Physiotherapy provider Ascenti, 2,000 people took part in the survey.

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