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How To Create A Great Workspace For Collaborating

Posted by OfficeAnything on Sep 7th 2018

collaborative office interior
Are you looking for ways to encourage employee interaction and boost productivity? You're in the right place! Today on the OfficeAnything.com blog we'll highlight tips, tricks, and product suggestions designed to help you create collaborative interiors that are up to date with the latest trends.

First things first, you have to do a little space planning. Start by measuring your space and taking note of all entry ways, power outlets, and room obstructions that will affect the way your furniture is situated. Rest assured, there's nothing worse than purchasing new office furniture and seating only to find that it doesn't fit properly.

Once you've measured your space, it's time to select your tables. We highly recommend going with flip top nesting tables as they make it easy to adapt on the fly. With nesting tables you can create group layouts of any size and think outside the realm of fixed configurations with limited versatility.
Nesting Tables for Training and Collaboration

Tables with surface level power inputs are also a great way to take your space to the next level. Eliminating the need to hunt down wall outlets will streamline functionality and improve collaboration. If you choose to purchase table without power, aftermarket modules like the FlexCharge9 from ESI are available.

The Best Tables For Collaboration Feature:

  • Nesting Tops
  • Mobile Bases
  • Power Modules 
  • Locking Casters

Now it's time to focus on seating. To collaborate effectively, your employees have to be comfortable. As traditional task chairs are a bit large for group workspaces, you'll want to search for well padded chairs that are sleek and efficient. Training style chairs with flip up seats and nesting capabilities are the way to go. You may consider selecting tablet arm chairs as they'll further improve operational versatility without the need for more tables.

flip seat nesting chair for training and collaborationPopular Chairs For Collaborating:

  • Model 1899 Roma Chair by Global
  • Tagalong Chair by SitWell
  • Model NT1000 Flip Chair by Eurotech
  • Model TSM2 Valore Chair by Mayline

Accessories play a major role when it comes to creating collaborative office interiors. While not all are must haves, there's definitely a few you'll want to have around when good ideas are being discussed. The most important is a mobile presentation board or white board cabinet with a dry erase surface. Wall mounted boards are available, but they're nowhere near as versatile as mobile units. The ability to take notes and jot down ideas anywhere is a key part of effective collaboration.

group workspace for meetings and collaborationIt's also important to create a well organized space. Investing in a small wall cabinet or a buffet to match your tables will help create a professional vibe while simultaneously keeping important documents, literature, and reading materials where they belong. You don't need to devote a ton of your available square footage to storage space, but you will definitely want at least one cabinet to ensure your space stays looking great and performs at a high level.

collaborative group workspace for testing and trainingWhen the time comes to configure your space, strive for an open concept feel. The more open your interior feels, the more effective it will be. While this is partly based on your available square footage, ff you've got too many tables in use at one time your interior will feel cramped and collaborative efforts will be restricted. In most cases, small group configurations are best. Before hosting your first meeting, play around with a few different layouts to determine what will work best based on the number of individuals you're hosting.

In the long run, creating collaborative interiors is fun. Do you remember back in grade school when you got to work in groups? Weren't you always excited and energized? The same holds true in business. If you strive to make your collaborative interior interactive while remaining professional, you'll be well on your way to an effective space that's ready, willing, and able to perform at a high level day-in and day-out.
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