The Modern Office Desk Is Key To Office Space Planning
If you are in the process of planning an office space, it seems likely you will know that the task can require due diligence. Not only must you consider comfort and convenience for the workforce which inhabits the space, but you can also be asked to perform something of a ‘juggling act’ with the furniture, technology and storage places which might need to be accommodated.
Central to prudent office space planning is the modern office desk. We look at the reasons why executive desks are important to planning, and then examine some different layout ideas.
Planning makes perfect
Because desks will make up a significant part of the typical office layout, their location becomes imperative to the overall efficiency of the plan. Where desks are placed can be crucial to the dynamics of teams and departments, either being conducive to or prohibiting effective communication. Desk layouts can facilitate the easy movement of employees between different areas of the office. There are also considerations to be made when it comes to privacy – tightly packed communal desks can offer less personal space, and there is more chance that conversations can be overheard.
Desk layout choices
Here are some of the most popular layouts for the office desk in the context of a modern office space:
Team clusters
If you would like to group your office desks according to different teams, the cluster layout can work well for small to mid-size groups. You will have a designated space for teams of four to six, allowing them to communicate well and hold internal discussions without having to book meeting pods or go elsewhere in the office. For corporates and other medium to large organisations with various teams, team clusters can offer the perfect solution.
Private rooms
If your personnel typically hold one on one meetings which are best conducted in private, then having your desks situated in separate rooms can be essential. From healthcare to legal – there are many industries that can benefit from this setup, which offers privacy and a low level of background noise. However, planners should be careful to offer those working in private rooms plenty of opportunities for interaction outside their personal space, to avoid them becoming isolated.
Open plan
These types of desk plans are characterised by large clusters and rows of desks, with no partitions or cubicles. For the modern day, fast paced company, which wants to foster collaboration and communication, this can be the best way to go. These types of layouts can often turn out to be the most affordable, as use of the space is maximised, with very little of the office floor being wasted. It should be noted that this type of desk plan can be vibrant and noisy, and so having meeting rooms available can be key to enjoying privacy when needed.
We hope you enjoyed this quick-fire guide to office desk planning. Remember, buying flexible and relatively lightweight executive furniture allows you to modify your plans should your team grow, or if you just fancy a change.
