Can an office design make you more creative at work? Some research has shown that your office environment can help to boost creativity among other attributes disputing the notion that it's just a physical backdrop for you to carry out your job duties. The quality of your work environment has a bearing on your attitude towards work and can contribute to greater job satisfaction and better bottom lines for the organisation.
The focus on engendering an innovation culture in the work environment could arise because companies are finding it imperative to further differentiate themselves amid the challenging market conditions. Although the insight is welcomed by many, the extent of creativity in an office design still rests largely on your nature of business and corporate culture.
Still, every office design can be tweaked to spur creativity among staff, bearing in mind that other factors such as management's support and attitude also play a cohesive role in fostering an innovation culture. Some considerations include:
Appreciation for different work settings:
It's been said that creativity is generated when there's interaction and impromptu exchange of ideas. This is why many companies reserve communal areas such as lounge spaces for staff to gather for work discussions, or to have lunch. Some are more generous with their discussion areas, littering their office with bump spaces – casual spots for small group discussions – here and there, while others go a mile further by providing game rooms, gyms, and alfresco cafes.
Hot-desking, as required by some companies, also provides the stimulus to creativity: by not having a fixed work area, workers may feel their creative juices being sparked by a new environment each time. Though public areas for engaging one another are good, they should not be at the expense of private spaces when intense concentration for certain work is required. Through a balanced mixture of different work configurations, the needs of different individuals and their respective work demands can be considered and taken care of.
Open spaces encourage interaction and communication:
By removing your cubicle partitions and by banishing walls to rooms and replacing them with glass panels for example, a sense of openness is created, facilitating collaboration and communication. Staff can interact more easily and freely, breaking down barriers to communication and enhancing relationships and morale as a result. And naturally when interaction and communication improves, creativity can follow.
Sensory palette:
Inspiration can be derived from all senses. From elements ranging from visual to tactile and even smell, the possibilities are, in fact, endless. Some companies leverage on this by painting their office in bold, vibrant colours or by displaying thought-provoking artwork or graphics as a form of visual stimulant, and others incorporate fragrance diffusers and music into their office surroundings. It's good to change the elements randomly for instance by updating the music genre or artwork displays, to prevent the atmosphere being staid and monotonous. New environments can be created each time, encouraging new ways of thinking and looking at problems for example.
A sense of fun:
Depending on the company's culture, there're some offices that have opted for playful and fun features in their interior design. You're at your most relaxed when you're having fun and when you see work as fun, your creativity might very well spiral. Designing the meeting rooms as play rooms or incorporating playful, fun elements within such as toys and drawing boards, a carefree and relaxed atmosphere is hence induced, spurring your creative thinking.
Working with nature:
No one can dispute being refreshed and rejuvenated after a walk in the park. The benefits from being surrounded by nature are immense. We feel more relaxed and at ease; and when relaxation kicks in, creativity is free to follow. This is perhaps one of the reasons greenery is advocated in offices; other than perking up the indoor air quality and environment, having some forms of greenery whether potted plants or more elaborate landscape, can help to stimulate the creative mind.
Let there be light:
Today's workspaces, if you've noticed, have some degree of exposure to natural light. Even hospitals or medical centres welcome natural light for their therapeutic effects on patients. Seeing and bathing in natural light helps patients connect to nature and the external surroundings, and enable them to feel optimistic and happier. Just like nature, sunlight can help to foster relaxation and thus creativity. |
