Benefits Of Office Partitions

With more emphasis on wellbeing in the workplace, business owners are recognising the importance of environments that promote creativity, encourage collaboration and help employees feel happy and motivated at work. Interior designers and architects know how the shape and layout of a building can affect the mood and energy of those who use it. This is especially important in offices and other commercial spaces because we spend so much time there so naturally, the environment has a direct impact on productivity.

Types Of Office Layout

Cellular office layouts, where the space is divided into individual offices, are great for focus but not for collaboration. Whilst this ‘Mad Men’ office style offers employees their own space, it can make working together and idea-sharing difficult, thereby limiting creativity.

Open-plan offices are increasingly popular. They allow for the flow of light and air which can fuel wellbeing, particularly when softer lighting and plants are incorporated into the environment. A key appeal of open-plan offices is increased collaboration. When employees are able to communicate and interact with each other there are more opportunities for effective teamworking.

The energy of an open-plan office can also be motivating. Coworking is becoming an attractive option for the self-employed who often prefer it to working from home. Coworking spaces usually adopt an open-plan layout as members find the high activity inspiring. In addition, it encourages relationship-forming and innovation. So, if those who have the option of total privacy whilst they work are opting for open-plan environments, then it’s certainly worth considering if you’re contemplating the best layout for your workplace.

Of course, there are downsides to open-plan working. Acoustics can be challenging because, in spaces of high activity, noise can make focusing difficult. Often, ceiling baffles and other acoustic control solutions need to be considered when opting for open-plan working. Furthermore, there is no privacy with open-plan, making it very difficult if conversations need to be kept confidential. Open-plan can also be particularly challenging for neurotypical employees or those with hearing difficulties due to the heightened noise which can be stimulating for some and stress-inducing for others.

In between cellular office and open-plan office layouts, many more bespoke options make use of office partitions to create diverse spaces. These aim to bring together the benefits that come with open-plan, whilst maintaining some privacy.

Types Of Office Partitions

Office partitions can be used to create cubicles. This type of office layout is commonly used in companies where employees spend time communicating with customers on the phone. They don’t need individual offices, which use up a lot of floor space, but they do need some acoustic privacy to allow them to focus on their clients. Partitioning to create cubicles maximises floor space, usually allowing for a high number of desks. However, space within these areas is very limited and so communication and collaboration can be restricted. Furthermore, the cubical office layout has a reputation of being somewhat uninspiring.

Low partitioning achieves some of the same objectives as cubical partitioning, except it allows for increased flow of light and air. Therefore low partitioning can feel more modern. Aside from separating desk areas though, low partitions do little to manage acoustics or offer much privacy.

Glass partitioning is the office layout solution that offers the most balance. With clear partitioning, companies manage acoustics and offer spaces where employees can converse confidentially.

Benefits Of Glass Office Partitions

Glass office partitions allow for the flow of light and energy, whilst restricting the movement of sound. Productivity in offices with glass partitions is high as employees can see one another and benefit from being able to move between partitions to converse, share ideas and form plans. This has the effect of encouraging collaboration whilst providing spaces for employees to focus on their individual tasks when needed.

In addition, companies may choose to have their logo, slogans or the name of the meeting room or space incorporated onto the glass.

Glass partitions offer a modern solution to hybrid offices, boosting creativity through the use of partitioning to create designated workspaces that encourage collaboration and also provide more intimate work areas. Glazed glass can be used to offer increased privacy for meeting rooms or senior staff office spaces, whilst solid glass partitions can be used to separate but not create barriers between teams.

Komfort offers a range of office partitioning solutions including both framed and frameless glass partitioning. Our glass partition designs have achieved high acoustic performance and offer flexibility to suit a range of commercial spaces. We can create a layout to meet your requirements with meeting spaces, office spaces and break-out spaces that enhance hybrid working and adopt a modern and minimal approach to work environments, balancing wellbeing with productivity.