10 innovative refurbishment ideas to entice home workers back to the office
It wasn’t long ago that we would roll our eyes when a colleague said they were working from home. Nowadays, hybrid working is an expected perk, and for some new employees, it can be seen as a deal maker or breaker.
As a business owner, you want to remain flexible but a diluted on-site workforce can leave you with a dilemma about underutilised space.
Should you downsize or refurbish the space to entice employees back to the office?
Moving to a smaller facility has its risks: You may run out of space sooner, other local facilities may be limited or more costly, and relocating is also costly and you might lose valuable employees.
Refurbishment on the other hand gives you the opportunity to not only modernise the current facility but also to create an agile, experiential workplace. These changes, along with a powerful communications strategy that creates a desire for the whole team to be part of a new and exciting way of working, will be attractive to current and new employees.
Take a look at these 10 innovative office refurbishment ideas that will transform your space and inspire and invigorate your employees.
- Home from home
Turn your space into a home living room style working space. Introduce sofas, low-line tables, standard lamps, footstools, laptop tables and accessories. By creating a space filled with home comforts, employees will get the best of both worlds.
- Café
Nipping out to Costa could be a thing of the past if you integrate your own in-house café area. You could integrate some stylish cabinets and a long worktop with bar stools, or even a full island unit. Top them with modern coffee and tea makers – not forgetting the cake stand – and the bees will swarm around the honey!
- Recreation
You don’t need much space at all to create a zoned space where people can enjoy some games or just enjoy a chat with colleagues. Whether closed in or partitioned, the space can house a football table, pool table, dart board, TV, books and games consoles.
- Courtyard
Green spaces are important and always valued. They are havens for people who want to relax, unwind or simply have some thinking time. Small courtyards can be created in and around your building, on your rooftop and even in the middle of your office!
- Theatre
An in-house theatre is a fantastic way to present visual concepts or presentations to clients or your team, or have relaxed zoom calls. Unlike a lifeless boardroom, in-house theatres can be experiential and unforgettable.
- Brand experience
Embrace your brand by using colour, inspirational messaging, and reminders about foundations and heritage. Create a heritage centre – a multi-dimensional space that takes people on the brand journey.
- Product showcasing
If you create or make tangible products, why not showcase them in and around your office? Use glass cases, plinths, or hang them from the ceiling, or create a product gallery or wall. The ideas are endless!
- Wall art
Blank walls are spaces that are crying out to be filled. Fill them with an array of photographs, abstract images, patterns, tiles, mirrors, planters, textiles or even graffiti.
- Rest areas
We’re not talking about a chair and a sofa, we talking about a space where people can lie down, be calm, listen to music in low light or sit on a balcony – or do as the Japanese do and install sleep pods!
- Creative hub
Everyone is creative. Everyone has ideas. People just need a space where they can express themselves and feel valued. Creative hubs are spaces where teams can get together and share ideas. Interactive walls, visual aids and even new AI technology can take creativity to new heights.
Creating experiential spaces that people want to work in
Candour FM works with business owners and property managers, as well as creative teams, HR teams, brand consultants and refurbishment and fit-out specialists, helping them to reimagine their workspaces and provide innovative refurbishment ideas that transform the way that people work.
Please get in touch today to find out more.
