Creating a cosy space in the office may seem like a counter-intuitive task, because it's easy to associate an office with being a place of productivity and focus. But who amongst us hasn't experienced how difficult it is to work 8 hours straight while sitting at a desk? Unless we've all turned into productivity robots, the idea of an office just being a space to squeeze out every last drop of work just isn't feasible when we're still just human beings.
The question is, how can we transform our offices to allow into a cozy oasis that promotes focus, creativity, and a positive work atmosphere? We just visited The Smart Local's new office space, where we helped put the finishing touches in a multipurpose town hall steps cum relaxation area. Let's explore how you can also create a cozy space in your office, where you and your company can thrive and enjoy your work.
1. Create Spaces for People to Gather
One of the highlights of The Smart Local's office is their steps area, which serves as a gathering space for employees. It's an open area for people to not just relax and chit chat, but also have quick brainstorming sessions and bounce ideas off one another, perfect for an office like The Smart Local. Consider designating a similar space in your office where colleagues can connect, collaborate, and foster a sense of community.
2. Having Comfortable Seats
Comfortable seating plays a vital role in creating a cosy office space. On top of ergonomic chairs at their office tables, add plush cushions, or even floor recliners like the Kaiteki Floor Recliner in The Smart Local's office. Providing comfortable seating options allows employees to take short breaks, recharge, and return to work with renewed focus and energy.
3. Introduce Natural Elements
Bringing nature indoors can significantly enhance the cosy ambiance of an office. Consider adding potted plants, a small indoor garden, or even a living green wall. If having indoor plants is inconvenient, then bringing in natural materials and textures like wood and stone, and even rattan, can help create a soothing and calming environment, reducing stress and boosting overall well-being.
4. Optimise Lighting and Having Natural Light
Proper lighting can greatly impact the mood and atmosphere of a workspace. Embrace natural light by positioning workstations near windows or using sheer curtains to allow sunlight to filter through. Additionally, incorporate warm, ambient lighting to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, especially during darker hours of the day.
5. Personalise Workstations
Encourage employees to personalise their workstations with items that bring them joy and inspiration. Whether it's photographs, artwork, or plants, allowing personal touches helps create a sense of ownership and comfort, fostering a positive emotional connection to the workspace.
6. Provide Relaxation Zones
Consider designating specific areas within the office as relaxation zones. These spaces can feature comfortable seating, soft lighting, and calming elements like essential oil diffusers or soothing background music or nature sounds if that's possible. Encouraging employees to take short breaks and unwind in these zones can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Get Ideas from The Smart Local
Watch The Smart Local's office tour and get a few ideas for your own office decor! There's a little 10% code for you as well in their description box, so don't miss that out.
We hope you've gleamed some ideas on how you can make your offices a vibrant and cosy space. By finding the right balance between productivity and comfort, you can allow everyone who works in the space to enjoy their work that much more and transform your office into a space where employees feel motivated, inspired, and supported.