Making a Work Environment Functional

Sept. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- Creating the perfect working environment, which is conducive to productivity and efficiency, is a task which requires extensive planning and research. There are many briefs which need to be fulfilled, depending on the type of environment; retail, educational, office or leisure environments will all need to excel in different areas to make them as practical as possible for those using it. But despite the fact that each of these working environments requires varying design ideals to make them functional, there are a few key rules which can be followed in all cases:
Plan the layout carefully – Before attempting to furnish or move in any staff or customers, it’s important to make sure that the layout of the area flows. It may not be viable to choose where the bathrooms and the kitchens are placed, as plumbing is not something easily shifted, but ensuring easy access to the most important areas is paramount. In an office environment, placing one large printing room or storage supply room at the end of a corridor will not make for good working processes; instead, ensuring that all offices and desks have access to simple storage solutions and a printer nearby will create a streamlined and efficient way of working.
Buy surplus storage – Having too much storage is better than having too little. It’s important to firstly ensure that there are enough storage or shelving solutions for existing documents, equipment, files and tools, but then equally important to purchase more. Many shelving units which aren’t in use can be easily dismantled and stored flat against a wall or in a cupboard, and they can be put together whenever they are needed, or in the case of an emergency. Storage also includes basic features of a workplace, such as lockers for employees’ bags and coats, which can create fire hazards when left lying around, or even simply plastic tubs in which to place paperclips, staples and other office supplies.
Be economical – The term ‘economical’ doesn’t just have to apply to budgets. Being economical with space can also help to create a flowing and efficient workplace. Reducing clutter can help create an extra sense of space, whilst using crafty storage solutions within stockrooms or supply cupboards can make the most of the space that has been allocated. In areas of limited size, it’s important to utilise the space to its maximum potential; boxes which create stacking systems, wire storage, mobile containers and drawers on castors can all help to de-clutter and create an organisational system which will contribute to practicality in a working environment.
To browse the full range of budget shelving, racking and storage available from Rapid Racking and to order online, visit http://www.rapidracking.com