Commercial Offices: 1/10 - How to create a flexible workspace
Hello and welcome to my Healthy Interior Design series of blogs for Commercial Offices.
Helping clients create a more productive work space is a real privilege. I enjoy getting to understand a business’s work ethos and productivity strategy as this helps to understand the needs for their working environment. I like to focus on key Biophilic design principles to ensure we put health and human requirements at the heart of the entire design process. This creates an environment that not only works for the business but also the employee, increasing wellness, productivity and retention rates. A win-win all round.
For the next few months I will be blogging on a different aspect of design that enhances both aesthetics and well-being for the workspace. This week, we're diving into flexible workspaces—how to create an office environment that adapts to your needs, supports productivity, and makes your workday more enjoyable.
FUNCTIONALITY
Do you need an open-plan collaborative space, or is quiet focus more your thing? Perhaps a mix of both? Consider the number of people using the space, the type of work being done, and how often the layout might need to change.
Modular furniture, moveable partitions, and hybrid work areas allow for adaptability, ensuring your office can evolve as your business or working style does. Hot-desking setups or co-working spaces might work well for some, while others may benefit from dedicated workstations with ergonomic seating.
Think about technology—integrated charging points, smart lighting, and video conferencing tools will help create a seamless and efficient work environment.
It’s also vital to consider neurodiversity as this can lead to different experiences of a space - lighting, furniture, colours and acoustics - all can have a significant impact upon an individuals’ happiness, feelings of comfort and productivity level.
PRACTICAL, HEALTHY & SUSTAINABLE CHOICES
Design only truly works if it’s practical. I always start by mapping out a space: looking for the best natural light and identifying the jobs & people within that organisation that need that type of light. Consider the power outlet positioning and if anything needs changing/raising/duplicating. Does your current furniture serve you well, or does it need a rethink?
If you're investing in new pieces, look for sustainable and high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. Reclaimed wood desks, ergonomic chairs and no/low-VOC paints contribute to a healthier workspace.
Acoustics matter, too—if your space gets noisy, consider adding sound-absorbing panels, soft furnishings, or even a quiet corner with bookshelves that double up as a noise buffer. There are also a great number of acoustic pods now available for group meetings, 1-1 chats or singular booths for phone calls or laptop work where silence and privacy is vital.
STORAGE & DECLUTTERING
‘A clear space promotes a clear mind’: maximise storage by using shelves and under-desk cabinets. If budget is tight, consider multi-purpose furniture—desks with built-in drawers, painting filing cabinets, or even a fold-down wall desk for a compact but functional setup and better yet, consider refurbished second hand furniture. There is a lot of pre-loved office furniture available that is worth considering if you are increasing your staff number or looking to move to a new space.
Even small changes can elevate your space. Decant office essentials like stationery into storage boxes or opt for open shelving with neatly arranged items. Keep cables organised with smart cable management solutions—no more tangled messes under the desk and this improves the Health and Safety of the office environment too.
THE FUTURE OF THE FLEXIBLE WORKSPACE
The way we work is evolving, and so should our workspaces. A flexible setup isn't just about looking good—it’s about creating an environment that works for you, boosts productivity, and makes the workday more enjoyable. Whether you're setting up a home office, redesigning a corporate space, or just looking for ways to make your current workspace more adaptable, thinking flexibly is the way forward.
If you’re looking to create a workspace that enhances focus, reduces stress, and connects you to a better designed layout, give me a call and let me design the perfect workspace for you.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where I’ll dive into Biophilic design in the commercial workspace.