Start-ups hunt for novel workspaces

Studies have shown that offices designed with more natural light positively affects employees. They sleep longer and better, have more physical activity and a better quality of life compared to office workers with less light exposure in the workplace.

But it’s not just about worker happiness or health. Office spaces can also influence an employee’s creativity and innovation, which are critical for a company’s overall success. The best ideas don’t come from an employee answering emails in a cubicle. They come from a space in which employees have room to explore, collaborate, and connect. 

Companies of all types increasingly recognise this. It’s one thing to know you need an innovative workspace — it’s another to create one. As per Man

ish Marlecha, Director, Marlecha Interiors (P) Ltd, there are many ways to design for innovation and few basic principles if followed ensure the creation of a holistic environment that the employees will adapt and thrive. 

Today’s most innovative workspaces embrace mobility. Laptops, smartphones, and reliable Wi-Fi connections mean workers can say goodbye to the desk. Anything can become a workspace: a beanbag, a cafe table, even a floor. Companies adopt a flexible attitude when it comes to workplace design. 

Open office 

By incorporating open spaces with non-permanent walls or desks, companies can allow the office to evolve with technology over time. Manish believes that designing different types of workspaces, such as sitting desk areas, standing desks, and open lounge areas throughout 

the office will promote productivity and inspiration. Flexible project rooms are designed for ever-changing team structures and fully demountable sustainable moveable walls are used for partitions. 

“The result is an office that can be reconfigured to meet the changing needs of the team or technology at a moment’s notice. People in innovative workplaces work from conference rooms more than they work from open areas, and more individuals rely on amenities near their office space more often,” he says. 

Even though the future of work places is moving towards a more open-plan, low-hierarchy solutions, there are a few negative aspects that need to be addressed whilst designing futuristic work places.  

Manish explains, “Generally people are positive about advanced ICT (Integrated Computer Tables), the attractive layout complete with ergonomic furniture, the greater amount of freedom to choose a workplace, and enhanced communication. On the other hand, there are numerous 

complaints about the lack of privacy and countless stimuli that often distract personnel and decrease concentration levels. It offers fewer opportunities to express one’s status, identity or even personalise a workplace.” Manish remarks that sound technology, favourable conditions for both social interaction and the opportunity to concentrate while working, and a proper ratio between the number of employees and workplaces are crucial. A careful implementation process with sufficient managerial commitment, an enthusiastic initiator, clear lines of communication and decision-making processes, and a sound balance between topdown and bottom-up appear to be just as important. 

He sums up, “Before fully embracing a final design concept, management may well want to validate the design with testing of individual directions. The building of a Pilot Space that mirrors the final office space enables staff to experience short-listed design options firsthand.”