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Renovating your office space can both be exciting and stressful. In order to avoid having too much stress and keep everything organized, you should have a detailed strategy in place. Before you even start renovating, you should have a list of things to do, a list of materials needed, and all the ideas and people around you to help you realize the goal. Here is a short guide on how you can manage an office renovation with success. 

Create the Right Team

It is a fact that you cannot do this alone, and that is why you should hire project specialists and contractors. Also, look for individuals and companies that have a good reputation and consult with them. This way, you will manage to stay on top of building codes and regulations and get the right assessment of things that need to be done, materials to be purchased, and what you are allowed to change and what you’re not. 

Additionally, you should have your own team with you that will help you. You can appoint internal members of your staff to be involved in the project. Make sure to appoint people with the right skills for this and let them communicate with the contractor and be present for any updates regarding renovation, so the rest of the teams can work without distractions. 

Set a Budget

Of course, you’re going to need a budget for this remodel. However, include at least a 5% contingency cost line in the budget in case you encounter any unforeseen costs. Also, you don’t have to remodel everything at once. It is perfectly okay and maybe even less messy and expensive if you do it in phases. You can appoint a flexible timeframe for the remodel and you may even save some money in the long run. 

Also, make sure that the budget you set is realistic. You don’t have to spend a fortune especially if you don’t have it. If that’s the case, you should focus only on the things that are urgent to fix, remove, replace and remodel, and you can deal with the details later. 

Sustainability and Health

When planning to remodel, you should have sustainability and the health of your employees in mind, too. Think about keeping a holistic approach to this, and encourage physical, mental, and emotional health. For sustainability, you can look into natural materials, less plastic, more plants in the office, and so on. For example, you can consider replacing flooring if it’s old and not sustainable. You can easily find hardwood floor installation in Greensboro, NC, for example, and provide your office with some sustainable and durable materials. 

Also, you can encourage physical health through adjustable sit-to-stand desks, water bottle refill stations, ergonomic equipment, etc. Additionally, you can provide nice and soothing scents, designate a zen area in the office where people can relax, and overall provide a relaxing and stress-free environment.

Limit Distractions

Remodeling projects take time and can be noisy. That is why you should focus on limiting distractions to the rest of your employees. You can appoint them to work from home or another building while you’re remodeling. Also, you can set up additional temporary networks to keep things running smoothly. 

Make sure to be intentional when communicating timelines, and make sure to minimize any interruptions for your teams. Your business still has to continue running while you’re remodeling, so limiting distractions and stress is a must for your employees. 

Contain the Mess

Sounds easier than it is, but you have to do your best to contain all the dust and mess that will occur. Especially if you still have employees in other rooms working. To limit the dust from going everywhere, you should include barriers like heavy plastic sheeting or temporary walls. As for the rest of the mess, make sure to organize the proper disposal of waste and instruct the contractors on how to handle it. Lastly, don’t forget to hire someone to thoroughly clean up after

Any kind of remodel can be stressful and messy. That is why you have to make a plan on how you will manage and handle your office remodeling. You have to set a realistic budget, even pick a proper date to do it, and make sure your business can still run smoothly. No distractions or messes should disturb your employees, so make sure to have everything covered and allow people to simply work from home, if possible. And if you get all of that organized, there is no doubt that your office renovation will be successful and stress-free.

The office environment has a powerful effect on employee productivity and creativity. It enhances company culture, affects how customers and clients perceive the business, and can be a great recruiting tool. Dated office space can make employees feel uninspired, unmotivated, and unproductive. It takes a few simple updates to freshen up outdated office space and make it feel new again.

If you’re like most business owners, you’re always looking for ways to improve your office space. However, finding the best place to start may be difficult at times. Maybe your office is starting to feel a little outdated, or it doesn’t have that ‘fresh’ feeling anymore. It is normal – every office space starts to show its age over time and it can just increase the general things that make employees unhappy. But there’s no need to fret! With a few simple updates, you can freshen up your office space and make it feel new again.

Add a fresh coat of paint

Whether you go for a bright, bold color or something more subdued, a fresh coat of paint is always good to refresh your space. It’s an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make a significant impact. Offices are typically pretty neutral spaces, so adding a pop of color can liven things up. Not to mention, it can help boost employee morale and creativity. It can also be an excellent way to freshen up your branding if you’re looking to make a change.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/business-people-sitting-on-the-office-table-while-working-8276132/

Clean windows and mirrors

Another simple way to make your office feel new again is to clean the windows and mirrors. It will let in more natural light and make your office look brighter. It can also make your office feel more spacious. Many companies provide commercial cleaning services that can help you with this. They have the right equipment and the experience to get your windows and mirrors to look sparkling clean. Once you’ve cleaned the windows and mirrors, you’ll be amazed at how brighter your office looks.

Invest in new furniture

One of the most rapid and straightforward ways to make your office feel new again is investing in new furniture. If your office chairs are starting to show their age or your desks are looking old, it might be time to replace them. New furniture will make your office look nicer, but it can also be more comfortable and functional for your employees. It can be a little bit of an investment, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Bring in some plants

Another great way to freshen up your office space is to bring in some plants. Plants not only add a touch of nature to your office, but they can also help improve air quality. They can help boost employee morale and productivity. If you don’t know where to start, succulents are always a good option. They’re easy to take care of, and they look great. They can also make a great addition to your office decor.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-pink-shirt-sitting-on-brown-wooden-armchair-4098151/

Add some artwork or photographs

Another simple way to make your office feel new again is to add some artwork or photographs. It is a great way to personalize your space and feel more at home. It can also be an excellent way to add color and personality to your office. If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for local artists or photographers whose work you like. You can also find artwork online or at art fairs.

Reorganize your space

If your workplace is beginning to feel crowded, it’s time to clean up and reorganize. It is a great way to declutter your space and make it more functional. It can also help you get rid of old furniture or decor that you don’t use anymore. Cluttered areas can be very distracting and can make it difficult to focus. It impacts employee productivity and affects the overall vibe of the office.

Get rid of old equipment

If you have old equipment taking up space in your office, it might be time to remove it. It can include old computers, printers, or fax machines. It will free up some much-needed space, but it will also make your office look more modern. You can donate old equipment to charity or recycle it.

Add lighting

Adding lighting to your workplace is a wonderful method to brighten it and make it feel more inviting. It can also help improve employee productivity. Natural lighting is ideal, but you may consider utilizing light fixtures or lamps if you don’t have a lot of it. Lighting can make a substantial difference in the feel of your office. It will give your employees the perfect workplace environment and make your office look more professional.

Sort wires and cables

Wires and cords can also be a huge eyesore. Not only do they look messy, but they can also be dangerous. If you have wires and cords running all over your office, it’s time to get them sorted. You can do this by labeling them, using zip ties or velcro to keep them together, or getting rid of them altogether. You can recycle the cords and wires if you have old equipment that you’re no longer using. It will declutter your space and make it look neater. You can update the electric sockets and install new ones to give your office a more polished look.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-black-wooden-table-with-4-chairs-245240/

Redecorate your space

One of the most effortless ways to make your office feel new again is to redecorate. It doesn’t mean you have to buy new furniture or paintings. Sometimes, all you need is a new wallpaper or some new curtains. If you’re unsure what you want, try looking online or in magazines for inspiration. You may also employ the services of an interior designer to assist you in designing your new workplace. Whatever you select, make sure it reflects your company’s brand and culture.

Conclusion

So, whether your office space is just feeling a little stale or you’re in the market for a full-blown overhaul, we hope these tips have given you some good ideas to freshen things up. A well-designed office can help inspire and motivate employees while also impressing clients and customers—not to mention boosting morale. Are you ready to get started?

By now, many of us have switched to remote work for the better. A survey conducted by Owl labs revealed that 59 percent of the working force would rather opt for an employer who supports work from home than on-site operation. Upwork estimates that 36.2 million Americans will switch to complete remote work by 2025, and freelance writers and digital nomads are just the pioneers.

With such a great inclination towards WFH, people are developing choices and preferences for their remote work environment. We’re at a point now where working from no more means working from bed. Instead, people are opting to create proper personalized and customized workspaces at home to facilitate themselves.

Here are some of the trending choices and preferences for home offices in 2022:

Functional, Space-Saving Furniture

Since home offices do not have massive covered spaces or multiple rooms, they ought to have lots of functionality within the limited space. And for that, we need compact but functional furniture.

Functional furniture refers to furniture that lets you do more with little space. For example, consider an L-shaped desk. It saves loads of space and helps you make the most out of the corner of your home office. The desk’s top is such that it combines the covered area of two desks at once without occupying much of your room space. So, you’ve plenty of space to place multiple monitors, printers, papers, stationery goods, etcetera atop this desk.

Ergonomic Office Furniture

Along with functional and practical home office furniture, ergonomic office chairs and tables are also becoming popular. Since the users will be spending their day and night at the same spot with minimal movement here and there, they ought to have a work environment that doesn’t damage their physical health.

For example, office chairs with lumbar support are becoming increasingly popular. Similarly, sit-and-stand desks that allow the user to both sit and stand (as desired) are also becoming popular.

Ergonomic keyboards and mouse pads are also some examples of trending ergonomic home office tools. Adding these to your workspace brings a balance between your health and work, and it amplifies your productivity levels.

Balanced & Soothing Environment

Since working all by yourself in a closed environment can build up stress, people are opting for soothing colors for their work environment at home. Colors like white, dusty pink, earthy brown, soft green, etcetera can have a calming effect.

Now, that doesn’t mean you should go for a monotonous workspace. It will become too boring! Choose complementing colors. For example, you can opt for a white office chair with an earthy brown desk.

Eco-friendly Approach

The last two years have taught us a lot about our ignorance towards ourselves and the planet. So, this year, most people are choosing to go with eco-friendly home office furniture.

Eco-friendly furniture options include furniture crafted from materials that last long (preferably natural materials like wood and glass). You won’t be purchasing over and over again. Hence, contributing less to the overall carbon effect on the planet. Similarly, instead of using fancy lights that consume loads of energy, you can opt for natural light.

Set up your home office near a large window that brings lots of light. It will keep you refreshed too.

A Comfy Side Place

Remote work has its benefits, but it also has its downsides. When working from home, you are completely deprived of your social support. At times, you may miss the random conversations you used to have with your fellow employees at the coffee machine. You may miss the mini-break it used to give to your nerves.

So, to tackle that, there’s another ingenious trend we’re witnessing in 2022: the comfy side place! A lot of people are opting to buy a separate super comfortable chair or sofa for their work desk or workplace at home. They choose to place it at a distance from their actual office chair.

The idea is to switch to that seat when the circumstances become too stressful, or you’re too tired and need a break. Instead of calling it a day, quitting work, and going to bed, you can take a mini-break with this comfy side place. In this way, your focus would stay aligned as you return to work.

Final Thoughts

We hope this quick insight into home office trends 2022 helps you plan a trendy and comfy workspace for yourself. Remember, if something’s trending, it can help you. But it need not dictate you. Pour in your creativity and be yourself!

For all of you remote employees and freelancers out there, finding a nice working space can be harder than finding a job. Sure, you can work from home, but you will need a hell of a discipline for it. After all, who can resist the magic of TV, sofa and popcorn?

Your next option is a coffee shop. Yes, it sounds cute and classy, really gives that Carrie Bradshaw vibe, but you will spend a lot of money on drinks (one latte is approximately $6 or more), your seating is limited, it is noisy, and of course, Wi-Fi is just awful.

You now realize that the best option is definitely a co-working space. For the amount of money you would spend on that fancy latte, you can enjoy the comfort of an office every day like you are a regular employee. You will have people to talk to, you will get a daily routine and just when you think it can’t get better, you will realize that you don’t work in the same place as your boss.

With all this being said, here is a list of the coolest modern co-working places you should definitely check out.

Image source: travellingforbusiness.com

Bat Haus, New York

If you are a New Yorker who loves that laid-back atmosphere and a cool environment, Bat Haus is a perfect place for you. What makes this place beautiful is the fact that it doesn’t look like an office at all. It is a 2000 square foot open quirky space with various unusual ceiling decorations and a huge backyard. Some people even had their wedding here. They offer you a Monday through Friday access to the office, and the best part is that you will never be able to work overnight. Why? Well, at about 7 pm, a party starts (wink) – literally. For example, there’s a weekly theme party called Drink n’ Draw.

Image source: wework.com

WeWork, San Francisco

Oh my, where should I start? Should I start with happy hours? Parties? Friday brunches? Maybe cupcakes? Wait, I know, I’ll start with its simple and straightforward structure and pleasant minimalistic interior. There are huge portal windows that let sunlight in, and we all know that sunlight can increase our energy. The prices are more than affordable, and not just that – they also organize summer camps (with rock climbing and everything, just like the ones you went to while you were in primary school!).

Image source: amazonaws.com

Paramount, Sydney

It is probably the most beautiful co-working space in the entire Australia, for sure. It was once the home of the Paramount Studios and now, it keeps everything in place with its 22 private suites for up to 5 people. You can also find boardrooms for up to 8 people, meeting rooms for up to 5 people, a centralized kitchen area with a brass bar etc. The interior is classy and luxurious and fulfills all the requirements of an office space.

Image source: wsj.net

NeueHouse, New York

This is the place where a social club meets co-working space. It is a modernly designed place which is suitable for every taste. Why? Well, first of all, it is really spacious. Second, it is packed with books and the interior is really pleasant because of the countless shades of warm brown, which give you a homey feeling.

Image source: wecandoitnow.com

Aeona, Sydney

It is located at the top level of a beautiful part of Devonshire Street. Although the interior design isn’t as glamorous and flashy as other ones on the list, this place has something that other places don’t have – a rooftop terrace which gives you the best Sydney skyline view you will ever see. However, you could make the interior a little bit better by getting yourself a sturdy desk, like one of these fantastic office desks. It is perfect for corporate parties, barbecues, weekly gatherings and happy hours. Not to mention that it is a perfect place for at-work relaxation and thinking. Aeona also provides you with showers, boardrooms and private offices.

Knowing that 40 percent of US workforce consists of freelance workers, the need for co-working spaces has become much bigger over the last few years. If you want to know more about these workplaces, have in mind that many of them offer tours and free trials where you’ll be able to experience that environment first hand.