How To Make The Most of an Office Space Assessment and Consultancy

In the competitive business environment of today, the design and functionality of your office space play a critical role in the success of your company.

Well-designed workspaces that pay attention to the smallest details can enhance productivity, comfort, and even employee satisfaction.

This is where an office space assessment comes in. But, how do you make the most of office design consultants so that you end up with an office space that exceeds your expectations?

What Are Workplace Consultants?

Workplace consultants are experts in designing and planning office spaces to optimise their use. Their goal is to create environments that support the needs of the business and its employees. From assessing the current workspace to proposing and implementing improvements, these professionals ensure that your office space works as efficiently and effectively as possible.

office workplace consultant evaluation

Workplace Consultancy Goals

When engaging in workplace consultancy, the primary goals are to:

  • Increase productivity
  • Enhance comfort and well-being
  • Maximise functionality

These objectives drive the recommendations and changes proposed by workspace consultants, ultimately leading to a more efficient and effective work environment.

2U wanted their headquarters to reflect one of their main values: Collaboration. Breakout spaces were created to ensure that collaborative work could be done with ease. Also, the quintessential Mother City views had to come to the forefront, so panoramic views of the nearby mountains, ocean, and cityscape add to the vibrancy of the office space.

Consider conducting a survey among employees to gain information about what would improve their time in the office.

 

efficient and effective work environment collaboration spaces

Four Key Benefits of Working with a Workplace Consultant

Partnering with a workplace consultant, begins with an evaluation of the current office space, identifying areas for improvement, and suggesting ways to optimise the workspace. This ensures that the office not only boosts productivity and optimises space usage, but also reflects the company culture.

1. Boosting Employee Productivity

By designing spaces that support different work modes and reducing distractions, consultants can help increase employee productivity.
Since the pandemic of 2020 and 2021, an increased amount of businesses have seen their needs shift to incorporate more of a hybrid environment to support employees going between in-office days and working from home. This was the case for a management consulting firm in Rosebank. For their office redesign, flexibility was a main focus. The hybrid work model was supported through inviting public and collaborative spaces with open-plan elements, as well as private spaces for more in-depth meetings and work.

2.Optimising Spaces

Efficient use of space means you can often fit more functions or people into the same area, which can delay the need for expansion.
An efficient use of space was a primary concern for the Oracle office design. The client wanted to ensure that a variety of activities could be accommodated. The office was designed to be contemporary, timeless, and sophisticated. A close match between ‘activity’ and ‘space’ ensures maximum support for delegates and teams in meeting business objectives. This included individual, shared, and support spaces, creating a functional open-plan area adjacent to collaborative spaces, focus rooms, and meeting rooms.

workspace consultancy process

 

3.Reflecting Brand and Values

A well-designed office can embody your brand and values, fostering a sense of belonging among employees and creating a more professional and put-together brand image for clients.
Dell wanted their Midrand office to retain the brand’s clean corporate aesthetic while introducing elements of their surrounding area. Trend Group juxtaposed warm timber elements and Dell’s brand blue shade with modern African vibrancy.

4. Enhancing Employee Well-being

Comfortable and aesthetically pleasing workspaces that take well-being and health into account contribute to higher employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.
Employee well-being was a key consideration in South 32’s Melrose Arch office design, despite consolidating from three levels to a single floor plate. Biophilic elements and natural lighting were focused on, both enhancing health and productivity. A wellness room and parents’ room were also incorporated into the space to support employees.

The impact of an intentional and thoughtful office redesign on your business is significant, including increased profitability, enhanced branding, and better employee engagement.

breakaway area with colourful furniture

The Consultancy Process

Workplace consultants follow a structured process to ensure a business’ needs are met effectively:

  1. Analyse Business Needs and Goals: It’s important to deeply understand your company’s objectives in order to figure out how best an office space can support you.
  2. Assess Current Office Space: Evaluating the existing layout, lighting, furniture, and aesthetics is essential in order to make the best use of the space and stay within the budget.
  3. Provide Recommendations: These are suggested improvements for office layout, lighting, furniture, and overall aesthetics.
  4. Implement Changes: Overseeing the implementation of recommended changes to ensure they are executed properly.

This process ensures that your office space is tailored to your unique needs, enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction. It’s also a collaborative process through video calls or meetings as well as in-depth progress reports.

Trend Group offers an initial consultation to discuss office design visions and needs.

soft seating breakaway area

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Investing in workplace space planning solutions can result in significant long-term cost savings and increased profitability.

While there may be an upfront cost, the return on investment is realised through improved efficiency, reduced employee turnover, and better space utilisation. These improvements can lead to substantial cost savings over time.

workspace planning solutions cost benefit

Post-Occupancy Evaluation

The work of a workplace consultant doesn’t end once the changes are implemented.

Conducting post-occupancy evaluations – a key component of the Trend Group experience – is crucial to ensure that the new office space meets its intended goals. This ongoing evaluation and optimisation help maintain the benefits of the consultancy project and adapt to any evolving needs of the business.

Maximising the potential of your office space through assessment and consultancy is a strategic investment in your business’s future.

Trend Group’s Workplace Analysis services can help you create an office that boosts productivity, enhances employee satisfaction, and drives business success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can transform your office space into a hub of efficiency and innovation.

 

canteen area with natural elements