As the concept of hybrid working becomes more prevalent, it becomes essential to optimise commercial office spaces for flexibility and productivity. While nobody wants to work in a completely sterile environment, it’s important to support ways to keep things professional and focused.
Maintaining a clutter-free and organised workspace is a significant challenge, especially when employees share desks or work in adaptable areas.
By implementing bespoke storage solutions, you can overcome these challenges to keep your office space tidy and efficient.
Individual Storage Solutions for Shared Desks:
In offices where employees share desks, individual storage solutions are crucial. Provide each employee with a dedicated locker or personal drawer, where they can keep their belongings when not in use.
This way, each person can maintain their workspace clutter-free. It also enhances security, as they can safely store valuable items like laptops and personal belongings.
Mobile Storage Units:
In adaptable workspaces, where the arrangement of desks and furniture changes frequently, mobile storage units are a game-changer.
These units come with wheels, making them easy to move around, allowing employees to adjust their storage according to their current location. Mobile storage units can contain office supplies, personal items, and documents, reducing the risk of clutter building up around the workspace.
Utilise Vertical Space:
In modern office design, maximising vertical space has become essential. Custom shelving and wall-mounted storage solutions help keep office supplies, books, and files off desks and the floor.
By going vertical, you create a cleaner, more organised environment that fosters productivity and creativity.
Cloud-Based Storage Solutions:
In the age of digitalisation, cloud-based storage solutions are indispensable. Encourage employees to store their documents and files on secure cloud platforms instead of keeping physical copies on their desks. This reduces paper clutter and makes information accessible from any location, promoting a paperless and tidy office environment.
Multi-functional Furniture:
Investing in multi-functional furniture pieces that serve both as storage units and workstations can be beneficial to your workspace.
For example, consider desks with built-in drawers or cabinets, providing ample storage space while keeping the work area clear. By combining functionality and storage, you streamline the workspace and enhance efficiency.
Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions:
Organise regular decluttering sessions for employees to go through their belongings and decide what they need to keep, what can be stored, and what can be discarded.
Consider implementing a “one in, one out” policy, where employees exchange old or unused items with new ones. These sessions promote a culture of tidiness and minimalism in the workplace as well as ensuring staff really review what they have around them in the office and what they consider essential.
Encourage Employee Responsibility:
Create awareness among employees about the importance of maintaining a tidy workspace and how it contributes to a more productive and pleasant working environment. Encourage them to take ownership of their space, clean up after themselves, and use the provided storage solutions effectively.
Utilise Office Design to Your Advantage:
Consider investing in a thoughtful office design that incorporates ample storage solutions seamlessly into the workspace.
Choose desks with integrated cable management systems to keep cables and wires hidden and organised. Incorporate attractive storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, and bins that align with your office’s aesthetics while serving their functional purpose.
Implement A Clean Desk Policy:
Introduce a clean desk policy where employees are encouraged to clear their desks at the end of each day.
Any personal items or documents should be stored away in designated lockers or drawers. A clean desk policy not only maintains tidiness but also enhances data security and reduces the risk of misplaced or lost items. It may seem a tiny bit more effort to implement, but staff usually get used to it quickly.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance:
Last but not least, schedule regular cleaning and maintenance sessions for the entire office, including public areas.
A well-maintained office not only looks more professional but also contributes to employee well-being and productivity. Think about maybe hiring professional cleaners or creating a cleaning schedule to ensure all areas are kept clean and organised.
By utilising these tips, your office can remain as fresh as the day it was finished and minimal effort is really needed to maintain some semblance of order. A ruthless approach isn’t needed, rather more one that can support and nurture what should already be a relaxed and welcoming environment for your staff to work within.
For more information on all things bespoke storage solutions and office refits contact the team at APSS on 01522 688 771.
