“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.”
–Robert L. Peters

Today we live in a global corporate zoo, which transcends space and time. The cut-throat competition is an all-time high, we are experiencing global resistance as compared to previous local competition and facing new challenges every day. With growing competition to stay relevant, today, companies are racing against time. To win against such great odds, companies must offer the highest level of services and products. To achieve the same level of brilliance each day every day one needs to keep his greatest asset,  employees, happy and satisfied. 

An employee spends more than one-third of his life at his place of work, it is necessary that this place inspires him to put his best foot forward without burning out easily. The companies are realizing this hard fact, and are accommodating design changes that positively impact his employees’ behavior. Designing is basically setting the stage for your crew, where they can bring in their props and magic. It is about creating a space that facilitates productive and purposeful work while leaving room for creativity, customization, and personalization. At the end of the day, design is taking care of your people. With the right design, you choose to tend to your team’s needs and help them flourish daily. 

Since the early 200s, office designs have undergone significant changes. From the death of cubicles to open floor plans to the rise of the active culture, where one can see a foosball or table tennis table at every workplace, to the recent introduction of bold and statement-making furniture, office trends are ever-changing. However, the sole aim and purpose of these trends are the well-being and health of the employees. According to researchers, workplace design positively influences health, wellbeing, employee satisfaction, and performance. There is huge potential for improving and making a positive impact on employee wellbeing through human-centered design. 

Why is corporate interior design important?

Before jumping right into the deep end of the pool, let’s read the instruction manual carefully. One must consider the cause and effect of this activity and ask the very basic question to themselves, Why corporate interior design is important? Let’s focus on the Productivity and Purpose aspect in-depth for better understanding. According to a study, a shocking 46% of professionals have admitted that their existing workspace ‘heavily impacted’ their productivity. Stress, low morale, and problems concentrating were all reported as outcomes of poor workspace design. This clearly shows that productivity and the need for efficient office design go hand in hand. The purpose is the fuel which keeps humans afloat even in dire situations. You, as an employer, can use this to your advantage for better functioning of your business. Through positive office designs, you can encourage a sense of purpose among your employees. This little action shows your employees that they are cared for, their hard work is valued, and they are affecting the lives of others. Therefore, one can confidently say that office designs or physical environments have a powerful impact on people. The aim is to fabricate a healthy and blossoming environment for maximum holistic growth and office designs are one such way to reach the goal a little more conveniently. 

How?

• Let the Light enter

We need sunlight to survive on the face of Earth; plants need it for photosynthesis, mankind needs it for vitamin D, oxygen, and basically for sustaining their lives in general. This necessity can be used to one’s advantage in the workplace interior too. According to a study conducted by the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell showed that employees seated within 10 feet of a window reported an 84% decrease in eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision symptoms. Apart from natural light, artificial lighting of varied types can be depending on the effect you want to create; warm light (like lamps) can be used to create a calming and inviting effect whereas cooler lights tend to reduce fatigue and encourage collaboration. You can further amplify the effect of light by using mirrors, curtains, and light/dark walls.

• Play with Paint

Colors have a tremendous psychological effect on human beings, it can boost your mood and make you fly high or calm your nerves at the end of the day and put you to sleep. It can play a big role in the office environment too. Hence, one must choose wisely before making this decision. Natural colors like green and blue can improve efficiency and focus, while warmer colors can spur innovative thinking and intensity. 

A color must be chosen to align with the nature of work, the energy you want to inculcate into your space, and brand image of your company. 

• Go Green

A study conducted by the Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace showed that people who work in spaces with natural features reported 15% higher levels of overall well being. Furthermore, the respondents expressed feeling 6% more productive, and 15% more creative. This can be achieved by simply adding some low-maintenance potted plants around the office. Plants reduce stress, clean the air, and even help to reduce noise levels. You can step up your game by adding a live wall or flower garden depending on your space. 

• Vincent Van Gough 

Art not only brings in an aesthetically pleasing view into your office but it has shown to increase creativity and productivity among employees. According to a survey conducted by the Business Committee for the Arts (BCA), a nonprofit organization that encourages businesses to support the arts in the workplace, 82% of employees said art was important in the work environment, and 73% percent said their view of the company would change if the art were removed. It evokes positive emotions, stimulates ideas, and gives employees something visually pleasing to see while at work. It can make a huge difference in employee satisfaction and well-being. The key mantra for choosing a piece of art is it should be likable but not generic.

• You’re what you eat

Coffee is a necessity these days for a quick energy boost for your batteries and to stay focused at work. Therefore, all corporates own a pantry to save employees from the hassle of going out each time they need one. Apart from coffee, pantries these days also offer snacks and other options. What your employees eat powers their days at the office. Apart from this it also improves energy, focus, and leads to fewer sick days calls. Hence, one must be cautious about the same. You can encourage this by installing water coolers at regular intervals for proper hydration and providing healthy office snacks and fruits. You can also foster kinship among employees by building dedicated eating spaces where they can bond over lunch.

• Movement and Seating 

The office should be a place of comfort which fits with your company’s culture. Depending on your needs you can design an open seating arrangement or private offices system, or maybe a mix of both. You can offer your employees different areas to work during their day; for example nooks and crannies can be dedicated and deep focused workspaces where employees can work without any external hindrance whereas creative spaces can be designed for group brainstorming. Your workspace must provide an opportunity for people to walk around, to run and bump into each other and breathe fresh air. This can be achieved by strategically placing essential places like bathrooms, staircases, and kitchen. This helps in more meaningful interactions among employees and better work performance. 

• Show me what you got baby

While selecting the furniture for your office you must consciously consider the material of the same. Apart from the visual appeal of the furniture, you should also consider its durability and its feel. Glass can be used to make the small area look more spacious, functional, and light. However, it can also bring an added coldness and fragility to your space. Metal is a great option for durability and can be handy for spaces you need to keep sterile. It’s a great way to go when you’re trying to keep your space modern, though it can also come across as cool or uninviting. Natural material like wood can be used to bring in a sense of warmth and stability to space. One should even pay attention to the fabrics used around the office. A material that has a bit of texture to help hide stains easily is a good option.