Office Refurbishments – Four Key Things to Consider

An office refurbishment is a great opportunity to breathe life back into your workspace. It allows you to change up your office without having to move to a new building, therefore saving significant amounts of time and money. Lincolnshire-based office design and fit out company, APSS believes there are four key things to consider to help you kit out your office with a new design:

Health and Safety

The first and arguably most important thing you need to think about when refurbishing your office is health and safety. As well as general health and safety checks like trip hazards and ambient working temperatures, the recent pandemic has seen many more people looking for added health and safety measures. These could be elements such as PPE, sanitising stations and privacy screens.

Alongside these there are also more minor alterations which, although low in cost and effort, can make a big impact on productivity. Using screen filters to reduce eye strain, offering more natural light sources, daylight bulbs or tubes will lower levels of eye strain. This can also reduce fatigue and will be beneficial to your employees health and well-being.

For many people, most of their day will be spent in this space, so another factor to consider is the seating and workspace. If this is planned carefully, it will allow you and your staff to feel comfortable during their working hours. A well thought out ergonomic workstation will include a comfortable chair with lumbar support that allows feet to be flat on the floor. Ideally it would also include a desk with adjustable height, tilts displays and shelving within easy reach.

Reducing the risk of employee discomfort could also reduce employee absences and potential workplace claims.
It is a nice touch, where possible, to include a comfortable break out space. This could be in the same area sectioned off and with cosy, alternative seating, or in a different room that offers a change of scenery and setting. You may also want to consider an outdoor space when planning this area.

Company Culture

It is important to factor in the ever-changing office eco system, with more people working from home than ever before. Part time office work needs to be considered when refurbishing your office space as people may not always be using the space provided at the same time.

This may make your office refurbishment cheaper, as less people using the space at once calls for less desks and work equipment. Smaller shared kitchen areas and bathroom facilities will also reduce costs.

As a result of this, hot desking may be an approach your company would like to take to maximise space efficiency. This means working spaces need to be designed to cater for all working needs rather than just being tailored to a specific individual.

Considering modular furniture which can be altered to suit individual requirements will allow greater flexibility, as will furniture on lockable castors and furniture that can be adjusted in height. You may find that, despite hot desking, offering some form of storage space for personal effects will allow staff to still feel a sense of belonging and permanency when working in the office.

Sustainability

As there is an increasing global focus on sustainability, this should be one of the main things you consider in your office refurbishment. Try looking at eco-friendly materials, recycled furniture or fittings and more sustainable construction. This could be things such as lowering your carbon emissions, or installing environmentally friendly heating systems.

Incorporating solar panels into your build or refit will demonstrate your commitment to a healthier, more sustainable planet. Although pricey in the interim period due to the initial purchase and installation costs, they will not only help the planet but ultimately your energy bill at the end of each month too!

As there is an increasing global focus on sustainability, this should be one of the main things you consider in your office refurbishment. Try looking at eco-friendly materials, recycled furniture or fittings and more sustainable construction. This could be things such as lowering your carbon emissions, or installing environmentally friendly heating systems.

Incorporating solar panels into your build or refit will demonstrate your commitment to a healthier, more sustainable planet. Although pricey in the interim period due to the initial purchase and installation costs, they will not only help the planet but ultimately your energy bill at the end of each month too!

It’s not just about being eco-friendly. Making your office socially and economically sustainable as well is also hugely important. This includes making a cost-effective space, whilst still having those little extras that make your office an enjoyable place to work.

Budget

There’s no skirting around it – most office refurbishments are expensive. With all the different things to consider, this is probably the factor you will think about first and foremost. Your typical refurbishment will cost between £40-£70 per square foot.

The cheapest option is of course to just repaint the walls and purchase new furniture, such as desks and chairs. The most expensive parts of your office refurbishment would be new kitchen areas, or anything more technical, such as lighting, electrical wiring and room partitioning.

Office refurbishment can be a big decision for your company to make, so making sure it is done to the best standard is incredibly important. Ensure that the company refurbishing your space is 100% dedicated to creating your perfect work environment.

Ask to see prior refurbishments so you can get a feel for their standard of workmanship and ask for recommendations or previous client reviews. A good refurbishment company will have these to hand and will be proud to share them with you.

Get some inspiration for your office design on the APSS website.