Creating a Collaborative Workspace

Emphasis on collaboration is an essential part of positive workplace culture. More and more companies are following the examples of Google and other trendsetting giants and creating more collaborative workspaces. Collaborative workspaces encourage employees to relax and have fun while they work, a far cry from the confining cubicles that many office workers are bound to.

Collaborative workspaces have also been shown to increase creativity, spur innovation, and enhance productivity. If you’re looking to fully utilize your employees’ talents, creating a collaborative workspace is vital.

How to Design a Collaborative Workspace

Collaborative workspaces are all about encouraging employees to work together, move freely, and communicate easily. The floorplans call for more open spaces while still providing options for private meetings.

Before you start designing your new collaborative workspace, ask yourself these questions:

  • What do we want to achieve?
  • What do our employees need?
  • What can we do in this space within our budget?

Your collaborative workspace should reflect your company’s brand and vision.

Tear Down Those Walls!

Innovation is about breaking down walls and pushing your business to progress forward. Replacing stationary walls with movable walls allows your employees more freedom to move and communicate with each other while still offering the opportunity to create separate spaces for private meetings or focused workspaces for projects.

Inspirational Décor

When it comes to the furniture, textures, and colors in your collaborative workspace, the more comfortable and interesting, the better. Furniture should be flexible and allow employees to adapt easily to a range of seating arrangements. If possible, round tables should be used in common areas and meeting areas. Instead of promoting hierarchy, these flexible options encourage employees to share ideas and work together equally.

Different Spaces for Different Purposes

Employees collaborate in a variety of ways. Including a range of different spaces for different purposes will maximize collaboration.

Mixed-use areas include comfortable seating and clusters of furniture, encouraging employees to work together on aspects of the same project or as individuals in each other’s presence.

Huddle rooms include a variety of tools and flexible seating to ease communication. These areas are ideal for collaborative and individual work. They also work well for small meetings and group discussions.

Collision rooms are convenient, comfortable break areas designed to promote relaxation and connection. They may feature food and beverages, music, and even open-air space to allow employees to grab a coffee and a breath of fresh air.

Conclusion

Employees are eager for ways to collaborate more effectively and comfortably as a team. Creating a collaborative workspace that encourages team building and boosts creativity will help your employees and your business become more productive and successful.

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