Creating a flexible office space is essential for any modern workplace. As the nature of work evolves, people require adaptable and comfortable spaces to perform their tasks. With the amount of recent change to the workforce and our attitudes to hybrid and remote working becoming more favourable since the pandemic - organisations need to reflect the psychological and cultural shifts in their physical space. 

Whether it's brainstorming sessions, team meetings, or individual work, the office space should facilitate all these activities seamlessly. As well as this, it needs to take into consideration that not everyone may be physically present in the room for meetings - so technology and spaces for online communication needs to be provided and up to the task.

Here’s our top tips for ensuring your workspace is flexible enough to handle the demands of the modern workforce.

Meeting pods for flexible working

One way to create a flexible office space is by incorporating meeting pods. These pods are small, self-contained spaces that offer privacy and comfort for employees who need to work alone or hold private meetings. Meeting pods are the perfect space to log into an online meeting.

When planning to incorporate meeting pods, there are a few things to consider:

• First, the size and number of pods should be determined based on the number of employees and the frequency of their use. 
• The pods should also be strategically placed in areas that are easily accessible and not disruptive to other employees. 
• They can be designed in different sizes, shapes, and materials to match the overall office design. 

Get rid of noise pollution

Another important consideration when designing a flexible office space is soundproofing. Noise pollution can be a major issue in open office spaces, causing distractions, heightening stress levels and reducing productivity. Therefore, incorporating soundproofing materials is crucial for a comfortable and productive workplace.

There are various soundproofing solutions available, including acoustic panels, wall coverings, and ceiling tiles. These materials absorb and reduce sound levels, creating a quieter environment. It's important to work with a professional to determine the best soundproofing solutions for your office space.

For those that don’t want to break the bank on acoustic solutions - furniture and décor can play a role in soundproofing. For example, using materials like fabric, rugs, and curtains can absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels. Placing bookshelves and plants can also help deflect sound waves and create a more comfortable environment.

Flexible furniture for multipurpose spaces

The type of furniture in an office space can have a big impact on its flexibility. Investing in adjustable or movable desks and chairs, for example, can allow employees to customize their workstations to their needs. Modular furniture can also be easily reconfigured to adapt to different types of work or collaboration.

Thinking about how you use the space is key to planning this. An example would be investing a lot of money into a dining space that’s only used for 2 hours of the day and isn’t full to capacity. Simple switches like having half of the space as soft seating areas means this space could now be used for winding down, informal meetings or a space to take calls so you’re not tied to the desk or a noisy office. 

For more information on how to create a flexible office space, email our team at customerservice@fenns.co.uk