How to Design a Collaborative Workplace

In our previous articles, we discussed flexibility and well-being. Now we focus on collaboration.

The essence of the office has forever changed. That means your workplace needs to change too. Rethinking workspaces is key to enabling agility in the office and accommodating your team’s changing needs.

One of the best ways to boost creativity, morale, and productivity is by designing offices for collaboration.

Whether your employees are in the office full-time or following a hybrid schedule, there is so much value in face-to-face discussions. But we also recognize the importance of focus space -- places for private conversations and heads-down work.?

So, how do you achieve this? By getting the design right.

Let’s begin with the layout. The office layout heavily influences how people interact in the office. Creating diverse spaces to meet your team’s needs is key.

Think about space in these three buckets. What ratio is right for your team?

●?????Community spaces - Places to meet and connect with one another

●?????Collaborative spaces – Meeting rooms with whiteboards, training areas, and tables where teams can gather

●?????Private spaces - Intentionally carved out space for focused work sessions and private conversations

Once you’ve defined the right mix, you can include functional additions that facilitate the room's purpose, whether soundproofing quiet places or creating interactive boards in meeting sessions. This will ensure that work gets done in the most conducive environment.

More than just where you place furniture, the actual furniture also plays an important role. For instance, the tables, desks, chairs…everything can contribute towards the overall goal.

Top tip: When you’re shopping for furniture for the office, find pieces that are ergonomic, adaptable, and durable.

Design can also foster – or hinder – collaboration between departments. Connections between departments are also important for seamless internal operations. Think about the walking path that team members take. How can you encourage more inter-departmental connection? Having an office that makes sense and allows departments to work together can transform your business from within without the disadvantages that crop up from working in silos.

?If your office space mix isn’t ticking all the boxes of collaborative spaces, visit the virtual Vari showroom for some workplace inspiration. Creating an environment that helps your team perform is easier than ever.

To read more about design trends and offices of the future, read our guide on Workplace Design Trends .?