For the longest time, office renovations were seen as a necessary but mundane task. The focus was solely on functionality and efficiency, with little consideration given to the overall design of the workspace. As such, the process involved simple changes like replacing worn-out furniture or repainting walls in neutral tones. However, times have changed, and so has the approach to office refurbishment.
Today, office renovations are viewed as an opportunity to create a stimulating and inspiring work environment. With businesses becoming more aware of this connection between office design and employee productivity, workplace refurbishment has taken on a new meaning. It’s no longer just about upgrading the physical space, but also about unleashing workspace design creativity and maximising productivity potential.
From innovative design concepts to strategic layout optimisation, here’s a closer look at the art of office renovations and how to make the most of your next project.
The Case to Renovate
Making the decision to renovate your office space is, understandably, not one that’s taken lightly. However, when you’re intentional about why you’re doing it, the decision becomes much easier.
Here are the main reasons why businesses choose to renovate their office spaces:
Optimise Your Existing Floor Plan
Did you know that you can engineer better collaboration and efficiency in your workplace by rearranging the layout of your office?
For instance, placing departments that regularly interact with each other in closer proximity can facilitate communication and teamwork.
Similarly, reconfiguring workstations to create more open spaces allows for increased circulation of ideas and better workflow – rather than just being cramped in cubicles.
Better Reflect Your Brand
Your office space is an extension of your brand, so how well it’s maintained reflects on your company. This involves everything from the colours used to the quality of furniture and fixtures.
So, let’s say you’re a tech company looking to attract top talent, having a modern and up-to-date office space can help with that, accompanied by using colours and designs that feel open and inviting (this is what colour psychology is all about).
Similarly, innovative design concepts like using glass walls and exposed brick can impress potential clients, vividly demonstrating your company’s innovative and modern culture.
Present a Professional Face to Visitors and Clients
If your business tends to entertain clients frequently, having a well-designed office space can make all the difference. Imagine walking into a modern and sleek office that exudes professionalism – compared to one with outdated furnishings and poor lighting. Which one would you rather do business with?
It’s also not only about impressing potential clients but instilling confidence in existing ones.
Renovation vs. Moving to a New Space
That was the case for renovation, but what about moving to a new space? Let’s look at the determining factors.
Scale of the Project
The primary reason that leads companies to move is that their business has outgrown the existing space or they need to downsize. In both these cases, renovation isn’t a viable option. For instance, if you’ve hired more employees and your office can no longer accommodate them, the only way out is to find a bigger space.
But let’s say you’re simply looking for a fresh look or redesigning the existing layout – renovation is definitely the better choice. It’s a cost-effective way to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your office without having to uproot your entire business.
Cost Implications
Speaking of cost, renovations are typically more affordable than moving to a new space. While both involve expenses, renovations often prove to be more cost-effective. Moving to a new space comes with additional costs like moving fees, potential real estate agent commissions, and higher rent or mortgage payments. That’s not to mention the costs associated with setting up and customising a new space.
While renovations aren’t without their own costs, they’re usually more manageable and can be spread out over time. For instance, if you opt for a phased renovation, you can break down the costs into smaller chunks that are easier to manage.
Maintaining Roots In Your Current Area
If your business has deep roots within a specific community, moving to a new location can mean losing that connection. This is especially true if the move is to a different neighbourhood or town altogether. This is important to factor in not only based on your own personal ties to the area and its potential impact on your client base but also on how your employees may feel about the move.
With commercial office refurbishments and renovations, this isn’t a concern as you’re able to maintain your physical presence in the same location, keeping your roots and connections intact. This can also have a positive impact on employee morale as they may feel more connected to their community and workplace while also getting a “new” space through renovation.
Sustainability Implications
When it comes to sustainability, renovation is usually the more environmentally friendly option. Renovations allow you to reuse and repurpose materials from your existing office, minimising waste and promoting sustainability. Moreover, many commercial office fitout services and interior designers now offer eco-friendly alternatives for materials and methods, making it easier to make environmentally responsible choices.
The Benefits of Office Renovation
If office renovation sounds like the right choice for your business, here are the benefits you can expect to reap from the process:
Create an Environment That Better Suits Hybrid Work
If you had your commercial office fit out done long ago, chances are its interior design followed a traditional working style with everyone in the office from 9 to 5. That usually involves office partitions, individual desks, conference rooms, and other “standard” features.
However, with the rise of hybrid work, where employees have the flexibility to work both remotely and in the office, it’s essential to create a new office space that better suits this new way of working. Renovations allow you to reconfigure your space and introduce features like hotdesking areas, collaboration zones and shared spaces, and more open-plan layouts that are better suited for hybrid teams.
This will not only make your employees more comfortable and productive but also give you the flexibility to adapt to different working styles as they continue to evolve.
Increase Employee Productivity
Studies have shown that 65% of employees believe that their productivity would be boosted if their office design reflected their ideal workplace. You’d be surprised how seemingly small details like lighting, ventilation, colours, and overall aesthetics can have a significant impact on employee well-being and motivation.
In a research study by the World Green Building Council, the simple act of increasing the amount of fresh air in office spaces resulted in an 11% boost in productivity levels. Now, imagine what would happen if you take a more holistic approach and consider the overall office design.
Office renovations allow you to upgrade these features and create a commercial space that inspires and energises your employees. This will result in increased focus, creativity, and efficiency, ultimately leading to higher productivity levels for your business.
Use Your Office as a Way to Attract New Staff
Have you ever seen those posts on social media where people share pictures of amazing office spaces with beanbags, game rooms, and colourful designs? These posts usually end up going viral because people are drawn to the idea of working in such a unique and fun environment. Potential employees don’t just look at salary and job responsibilities when considering a new job; they also consider the work environment, which includes the office interiors.
Investing in a well-designed office shows that your company values employee satisfaction and is willing to invest resources into creating a positive work environment. This can be a major selling point for potential employees, especially for younger generations who prioritize work-life balance and a stimulating workplace. By the same token, when your office space is outdated and dull, it can turn off potential employees.
Your office renovation is your chance to lure in top talent and, after they’re hired, keep them engaged and motivated.
A Cost-Effective Way to Improve Your Office Space
If you’re still on the fence about investing in an office renovation, consider this: it’s actually a cost-effective option, even if it doesn’t look like it from the offset.
Firstly, by upgrading your office space and creating a more efficient layout, you can make better use of your existing floor space. This means you may not need to lease or buy additional space for your growing business.
Secondly, with advancements in technology and energy efficiency, upgrading your office equipment can actually save you money on utility bills in the long run. This is not only a win for your company’s budget, but also for the environment.
Lastly, a well-designed office can improve employee productivity and satisfaction, leading to reduced turnover and recruitment costs. Happy employees are more likely to stay with a company and perform at their best, which ultimately benefits the company’s bottom line.
And when you compare the cost of an office renovation to the potential expenses of moving to a new space, including relocation fees and downtime during the move, renovating your current space becomes an even more attractive option.
Choosing the Right Partner for Your Office Renovations Melbourne
While you may have a vision for your office renovation, executing it requires having the right partner by your side. Otherwise, your project either won’t be completed to your satisfaction or may end up costing you more time and money in the long run.
That’s where we, at Bowen Interiors, come in.
From commercial workspace design and office fitouts to commercial interior design, project management, and even furniture supply, a 360-degree, end-to-end service is what we’ve been offering clients for over 30 years. Our office refurbishment Melbourne services have been trusted by hundreds
We’d love to be your go-to partner in your office renovation journey. Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation and let’s discuss how we can bring your dream office to life, while also keeping costs under control.
