3 office design fails that stifle creativity

In 2016 a survey was carried out in order to ascertain whether the workplace can boost employee creativity and make an organisation more innovative. The survey drew responses from more than 4,000 people across a number of different industries, and approximately two-thirds of them felt that their workspaces restrict their creativity. It also found that there seemed to be a direct correlation between office design features and the level of innovation in a workplace. Here are three key ways a workplace can hinder creativity.

1. It doesn't match the company's mission statement

It's vital to elicit a sense of purpose to inspire creativity among employees. This helps them to feel engaged and impacts the quality of their work. With some tweaks to office design and furnishing, the workplace can set the right scene for employees. For example, a forward-thinking company in a modern industry, such as technology, could be furnished by a company providing contemporary office furniture solutions. A little design creativity can make an office space unique, and tie it intrinsically to the company mission.

2. There is a lack of diverse spaces

The more innovative companies are the ones that emphasise individual and group work by having spaces which encourage and accommodate collaboration. Having a diversity of spaces is a critical factor to keep minds active and encourage working in different ways. Think about having zones that promote chance encounters as well as collaborative 'breakout' areas, along with quality WiFi throughout to let people move around the office liberally while still being connected.

3. It doesn't allow employees to focus

When they aren't collaborating with one another, employees need to get things done alone. Ideally, every individual will have their own space in which to think things through and focus intensely. One important factor to achieve this is keeping noise levels down, so your office space planning could include the creation of quiet zones comprising individual workstations or 'concentration pods' placed far away from communal areas.

Office design fails - how to avoid them and where to find out more

Creativity and innovation are key drivers of business and getting ahead of the competition in the modern climate, and it's clear that office workstations and design features play a huge role in encouraging this. 

If you need support or advice on how to tweak your office design to inspire greater creativity, we are here to help from start to finish. Get in touch today and start optimising your office space for better innovation and creativity.

You can find out more about our office design and planning service here.

There seems to be a direct correlation between office design features and the level of innovation in a workplace