We hope this finds you safe and well. As lockdown is slowly easing, we are all wondering what the new normal is when it comes to how and where we work. Is it continuing to work from home with its perks and downsides, or is it getting back into the office whilst using screens for protection and creating new layouts and using all the space available to accommodate a safe return? There is no right and wrong here and it's acceptable to work in the kitchen or the canteen and in the boardroom or the spare bedroom, as long as you are of course within the Government guidelines. 

We would like to recap for you what we can offer and how we can help you, your workspace and your teams find a new normal that works best for YOU all! 

Mention collaboration in the workplace and many people think that means open plan spaces filled with ‘funky’, expensive furniture and pool tables! The reality is that companies can achieve a truly versatile working environment which seeks to nurture employees as well as supporting different working practices without spending a fortune. 

 

Drew Barker, Marketing Officer at Lee & Plumpton, examines how to create a modern, interactive workplace without blowing the budget! 

You and your business have 7 seconds to make a first impression, according to Forbes! Tie this in with the phrase of "You never get a second chance to make a first impression!" and it highlights the need for an on point Reception area. 

There is no accounting for taste as the saying goes as well as having the freedom of choice when it comes to personal preference on colour, design, materials and style. With this in mind, Sygnus is here to create the office space and to design your optimum workplace and this blog will give you some food for thought in terms of design tips and things to consider and think about for your own office design ... 

There are many pieces in the news showcasing fun, funky and child like office spaces. Features range from bars, video games, putting greens, fresh food, slides and running tracks! Is your office like this? That said, a lot of these offices also look favourably on and focus on wellbeing aspects too, including quiet rooms, snugs, collaborative areas and so on. 

Is this style of office design and office space planning realistic for all industries and employees or only for certain business/people types? 

With an increased awareness of how our surroundings can impact health and productivity, companies are focusing on how designing for wellbeing can also cut healthcare costs and help businesses grow. 

What is wellbeing? 

HR News along with the AMSA says there are 7 dimensions in wellbeing and suggest it is more than just physical health. It can include emotional, social and occupational. Occupational wellness recognises the importance of satisfaction and enrichment in one's work. The consensus is that companies are doing something to support wellbeing, but maybe not enough, yet. Read more 

Colour in the office or the business can range from the company logo and brand to the office decoration (walls, carpets, blinds) to the fabric on the office chairs and in the reception area. Not only is it important for the company colours to be consistent and matching throughout for branding purposes, it is also worth considering the psychology of colour. Deciding what colour scheme to incorporate into your workspace design needs careful consideration ... 

Agile working is all about creating a flexible and productive environment. By creating different working areas within the office, you can ensure your staff have the complete freedom and flexibility to work where they want, when they want. 

Sit stand desks, standing desks and height adjustable desks, they all mean and refer to the same item of office furniture, but what do you need to review and check before investing in this desking for your office or workplace? ... 

The work area has a major effect on employees, as it's where they spend most of their time in the week. It's crucial that they are comfortable and are provided with the environment to get the job done. Chairs with the right support, desks that are thoughtfully spaced out and near correctly positioned storage can make a real difference. Breakout areas are a big hit as well.