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For a business to succeed, it needs collaboration. Retaining a free-flowing idea exchange is easier said than done; it needs the proper workplace. It is imperative that office collaboration space keeps teamwork in mind while it develops. Collaboration centers on getting people to participate, collaborative space ideas need to be incorporated. No matter the problem or task they are facing, employees should feel inspiration and support in a collaborative office space.

When creating a layout that promotes employee collaboration, traditional cubicles are not ideal if you want this particular outcome. Come to think of it, neither are open offices. The former cuts employees off from one another and the latter reduces a sense of privacy. The perfect layout must be able to balance solitude and impromptu engagement. So, how can businesses achieve this?

Emphasizing comfort in your collaborative space ideas

Ever notice how some of your best ideas come to you before you fall asleep? This sort of thing isn’t unusual. The cause of this boils down to people thinking up their best ideas when they are in a comfortable state. It is difficult to conceive something of value when you are constantly readjusting yourself in an uncomfortable chair.

Keep comfort at the forefront when designing the layout of your collaborative office. Like choosing furniture for a restaurant, you need to incorporate the right chairs, couches, etc. for your space to make it more collaborative. Comfy couches and chairs allow people to relax and focus on current discussions. Some of the top tech firms in the world are going further with this idea by including bean bag chairs and oversized pillows. Alternatively, for companies that prioritize mobility, standing desks are beneficial pieces of furniture.

Acknowledge different-sized groups

Collaborative space ideas regarding the layout of the floor should consider the different ways people work together. A team meeting taking place in a conference room might give a few employees the opportunity to discuss a project. Meanwhile, the quieter employees might be overlooked. Furthermore, spaces that only have enough room for one or two people may limit the number of people engaging in a brainstorming session.

In contrast, there are office floor plans that include assorted multifunctional spaces. This way, employees have various options for when and how to work together. It could be small groups or a large team meeting. It could even be a private area where one employee can have a remote collaboration session with an associate via Skype. This variety of layouts and spaces simplifies the sharing of knowledge between employees.

Refrain from any constraint inclusions

The one thing that office collaborative space must not have is constraints. The informal nature of free-flowing collaborative spaces is the key element in making them successful. Enforcing strict guidelines such as a structured agenda or assigned seating does not typically encourage creativity. If anything, it crushes it.

If you are unsure if your collaborative space is constraining, ask yourself, “Does it feel like work?” The less brainstorming and collaborating feels like work, the more conducive your space will be. Keeping the mood high is crucial, as is maintaining positive energy and encouraging open idea exchanges.

What to consider when thinking about collaborative space ideas

  • Approximately 80% of all work is performed in smaller groups.
  • A majority of creative ideas come to fruition within groups of experts that derive from various departments.
  • Workspaces are one of the key tools for boosting office worker and administrative interactions.
  • Sufficient teamwork does not usually occur in standard meeting rooms. Nowadays, cooperation is long-lasting and spontaneous. Additionally, it happens in different parts of the office space during the working day.

People would rather work in a space where certain components are easily accessible. These include collaborative sections in an office, communication with colleagues, and access to the necessary technology. Moreover, there needs to be a special space that supports the following forms of work:

  • Individually completed
  • Partnership/Teamwork
  • A team’s social relations
  • Training and exchanging insight and experience

Establishing the best form of collaboration for your office requires more than just moving furniture around. A lot of work needs to be put into ensuring that people will cooperate better with each other. Meticulous planning, modifying the company’s policy, and some luck are key to successful collaborative space ideas.

If you want a quote for your collaborative space project, don’t hesitate to contact our Calgary construction location. Additionally, if you are creating a collaborative space and are working from the ground up, check out our article The Cost of Office Space Construction to learn how much the process will cost you.