By Reno Macri
When researching great office refurbishment projects online, you are likely to encounter case studies centered on large corporations, who have the money to afford bold designs and an abundance of workplace luxuries. As a result, the idea of carrying out a fitout project may seem daunting for smaller companies.
Nevertheless, you do not need to be a large corporation to achieve a top quality refurbishment. In this article, we take a look at ways in which you can improve your workplace without breaking the bank.
Creating a Functional Workplace
For smaller organizations carrying out an office fitout on a budget, the most important thing is to create a functional workplace. This involves thinking about your priorities and the nature of your business before settling on a layout. Do you want to prioritize collaboration or concentration? Do certain staff members need private offices?
In many ways, this part of the planning process involves balancing the pros and cons.
“An open-plan layout can benefit the business economically by reducing costs tied to construction, utilities and office equipment,” says business writer Shari Parsons Miller in the Houston Chronicle. “On the downside, the high level of everyday interaction that takes place in an undivided work space may lead to noise and distractions.”
Focusing on Employee Well-Being
If you do not have the space or budget to include lots of luxuries within the workplace, you can still help to keep staff happy by focusing on their well-being. Many small and inexpensive adjustments to the workplace can have a significant impact on well-being and the overall performance of your company.
A Human Spaces report found that natural elements in the workplace, such as plants, can raise morale and increase creativity. Meanwhile, a Stanford University study showed that employees were 78 percent more likely to report a pain-free day when sit-stand desks are provided. This can then reduce absenteeism and boost productivity.
Improving Your Green Credentials
One final way smaller corporations can make sure they get a great refurbishment is by embracing both ‘green’ energy and the second-hand market. For instance, using LED lights can help to save as much as 80 percent on lighting bills, potentially increasing the budget available to businesses for the remainder of their project.
Similarly, turning to the second-hand market can be a great way to make savings, or get more for your money. Used furniture and refurbished computers or telephones are often in great condition, and you may even be able to gain valuable PR by advertising your commitment towards helping the environment.
