The dot-com boom of the late nineties and early noughties created a number of new young dynamic entrepreneurs who rightly questioned the accepted vision of a workplace.

Initially, entrepreneurs started their businesses in small spaces such as garages, industrial units, or even their kitchen tables. They had a different perspective on work environments and brought a fresh vision.

As these new businesses gained attention, established companies began to notice the impact they were having and started adopting elements of their workspace. This coincided with a trend among mainstream businesses to embrace open-plan offices, maximising space and capacity.

However, the blind adoption of open-plan spaces proved to have drawbacks. The noisy and crowded environment posed distractions and hindered productivity. It became evident that these spaces didn't adequately cater to the need for concentration, collaboration and functionality. Nevertheless, when areas were designated as informal meeting spaces or breakout facilities, it was observed that people's productivity and work quality improved.

Corporate theme parks

The dot-com entrepreneurs were already aware of the benefits of playful office environments and began incorporating fun elements into their workspace. These successful individuals, who seemed to have just stepped out of nursery school, started recreating their playgrounds in their offices. Companies like Google took it to the next level, transforming their workspaces into corporate theme parks.

Today, the presence of bean bags, space hoppers, and slides has become increasingly common in the offices of the new generation of companies. This trend has inspired more traditional blue-chip organisations to consider enhancing their own offices. They recognise that creating an enjoyable workplace not only benefits their employees but also gives them an edge in the competitive staff recruitment market.

How do I pimp my office?

To successfully enhance their office, organisations should focus on creating practical and functional environments rather than flashy extravagances. While sliding out of an office might seem exciting initially, the novelty wears off quickly, especially when it comes to dealing with the aftermath of scattered belongings and documents.

Instead, the emphasis should be on designing spaces that promote relaxation, collaboration, and effective communication across the business.

Many clients now opt for a combination of flexible areas, including both partitioned spaces and freestanding furniture solutions. For example, rather than constructing an additional traditional meeting room with seating for eight, which often remains underutilised and mainly occupied by a few people, an alternative is to set up two high-backed sofas in an adjacent area to the general work environment.

This arrangement not only offers sufficient sound insulation but also caters to quick, informal, and ad hoc meetings. It eliminates the need for constructing another meeting room, saving associated costs. Moreover, it introduces a visual break and adds a touch of softness to the overall workspace. The choice of fabric alone can create a focal point amidst a sea of monotonous desks.

Additionally, there are various furniture solutions available that enable staff to work at elevated surfaces, with screens or writable surfaces conveniently positioned at one end to facilitate interaction.

In summary, in 2023, organisations are advised to prioritise functional and adaptable office spaces that encourage collaboration and communication. This approach involves creating relaxed environments, utilising flexible furniture solutions, and making efficient use of existing resources while adding visual interest to the workspace.

Do it write

The rise of rooms with writable and projectable surfaces has brought a wave of fun and creativity to office spaces. These dynamic environments not only serve a practical purpose but also allow for exciting transformations that inject life and character into alternative work areas. Their inherent flexibility gives them a license to be "pimped," creating vibrant and visually captivating accents in the office landscape.

Thanks to advances in digital printing, the possibilities for turning dull surfaces into colourful masterpieces are endless. From glass walls to raw brick surfaces and everything in between, these surfaces can now be transformed into Technicolor splendours. Imagine a once-boring whiteboard transformed into a whimsical wonderland or a plain brick wall exploding with a burst of vibrant hues. The fun and playfulness of these creatively enhanced surfaces bring joy and inspiration to the workplace, fostering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.