[Podcast] Wayfinding as a Workplace Experience Tool

Driving when the weather is foggy makes it annoying at best and risky at worst.

Similarly, if you can't find your way through an office, you may end up getting lost -- or just wasting time you could've easily used differently. Imagine putting new employees or office guests in the position of being late for a meeting, unable to find your desk, or missing their flight. Even worse, imagine your employees not being able to find the emergency exit when needed.

Cosmin Patlageanu , CMO at Yarooms and Michael Pasket , VP of Sales at Mappedin had a chat about navigation in the office and its importance.

Watch the full discussion or read a quick recap of their conversation:

The Impact of Poor Office Planning

A less-than-ideal office plan might sound like a "task for the future", but the impact of poor office planning can be felt every day. From lost productivity to employee frustration, a poorly planned office can lead to serious consequences for your business.

For example, if you're in school and you're running late for class, the last thing you want is to get lost trying to find your way. This can be especially frustrating if the class is in a different building and you end up draining all your energy in an attempt to find the room.

Good office planning shows visitors and employees that you care about how they use their energy when they're at work. Whether you're on a hybrid model or a full in-office one, new and old employees alike will appreciate the ease of finding their way around. No one likes getting lost or wasting time trying to navigate through a poorly designed-office.

Moreover, poor office plans can leave a negative lasting impression on visitors too. For instance, if someone needs to come over and make a presentation or sit in on a meeting with you, they're already nervous enough as it is -- they don't need the extra stress of spending too much time on finding the right office.

How to Make a Good Floor Plan for Your Office

Cosmin asked Michael about his best tips for making a good floor plan for your office. Here are some of the main ones he suggested:

The Overall Naming & Structure

Building a sound, logical naming structure is a key component in creating a good floor plan. A well-thought-out naming structure can help reduce confusion and make it easier for employees to find their way around the office. Additionally, having an easy-to-follow numbering system can also aid visitors in finding their destination without any hassle.

The Use of Visual Cues & Signage

Visual cues such as color-coded walls or different flooring patterns can be extremely helpful because humans are more inclined to process visual information faster than written words. Using color-coded signs or different flooring designs can help guide employees and visitors to their desired location with ease.

Avoid Over-Embellishment & Over-Stimulation

A space that is too visually stimulating with excessive patterns, loud colors, or an abundance of décor can distract and overwhelm employees and visitors alike, making it challenging to focus and move around efficiently. The key is to strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional simplicity, ensuring the workplace is conducive to both well-being and productivity.

Make Sure You Cover Accessibility Needs

A good office plan is not about just aesthetics, but also about inclusivity and accessibility. It's crucial to consider the needs of all employees when creating a floor plan, including those with physical disabilities or impairments. This may involve incorporating features such as ramps, elevators, and wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

Understand Humans Are Creatures of Habit

It's essential to keep consistency in mind when creating an office floor plan. Grouping similar departments and functions together and keeping frequently used spaces in close proximity can help employees develop a sense of familiarity and comfort within the space.

Digitize Your Office

Traditional maps used to do the trick in more traditional office spaces -- but they can very easily become outdated and difficult to maintain in a constantly evolving modern office environment. That's why digitizing your floor plan can be incredibly helpful.

Digital maps are much easier and quicker to update, allowing for changes to be made seamlessly. This is especially useful when it comes to making structural or organizational changes, such as moving departments around or adding new workspaces.

Offering visual guidance doesn't have to be limited to traditional signage or maps. There are various technological solutions available that can enhance navigation and provide a more seamless experience for employees. These include interactive floor plans, digital kiosks, and wayfinding systems.

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This is an excerpt from an article originally published on www.yarooms.com. Continue reading the story here.

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