Throughout the past two years, workers across the globe have participated in the “work from home vs. return to the office” conversation. We hear you. As office design professionals, we understand that there are potential advantages and disadvantages for both options. One major advantage to in-person work, however, is that you can collaborate with your team on a more meaningful level. We are not saying Zoom calls or Slack messages are inefficient. In fact, we recognize the impact of online tools and understand their role in the modern workforce. There is something special about collaborating in the office, though, that drives innovation and creativity in ways that video calls simply cannot.

If your team has returned to the office – or is discussing plans to make the transition soon – we want to share some tangible ways to promote team collaboration through office design.

Gather around large tables

Create an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere by utilizing a large gathering table. Not only will it serve as a focal point of your office design, but it will also serve as a place for team members to get together for conversations ranging from the most important decisions to casual discussions.

Use soft seating options

Soft seating creates a homey, comfortable environment while still providing dedicated spaces to get work done. From the stools to the ottoman, this office is a dream for collaborative assignments. We can envision a lot of brainstorming activities and check-ins happening in this set up.

Utilize whiteboards for brainstorming and planning

Some projects require outside-of-the-box brainstorming, which can be assisted with whiteboards or pinboards. This way, your team can showcase and present their great ideas much easier than they can virtually.

Consider access to technology

While designing your space, make sure to consider accessibility to technology – including wall outlets, projectors, and mounted screens. Your team will likely need these features to efficiently collaborate with each other, meaning thinking ahead is crucial during the planning and designing process. OfficeWorks always recommends that businesses of all sizes consult a highly competent office planning professional before making any decisions.

The OfficeWorks team has been curating beautiful office spaces since 1998, so we have both the skillset and background necessary to design the space of your dreams. We’ll even make the process stress free and fun! Get in touch to learn more about our services and how we can design a space that promotes collaboration and increases morale for your team.

Promoting Team Collaboration