There are a few basic principles to keep in mind when designing a successful loft. Whether you want a foosball table, PlayStation, lounge, team room, think tanks, hubs, coworking space, or terraces, all creative ideas must be implemented in the form of a well-thought-out concept to avoid overload.
A loft office thrives on open office concepts, as teams and project groups can quickly come together or reorganize themselves here. Of course, a closed office design would detract from the charm of the property in most cases.
When designing loft offices in the form of an open-plan office, it is important to bear in mind that noise levels will be higher. Studies show that half of all employees feel disturbed by their colleagues' conversations and phone calls. But equipment also causes noise. In addition, ventilation of the office space in open-plan or loft-style offices is just as important to ensure that creativity is not lost.
Modular furnishings
Especially in the start-up phase of a company, every entrepreneur strives to be economical with money, because start-up costs are expensive. In a loft, the furnishings should be as neutral as possible and, above all, combinable. This allows the workplace to be adapted to changing requirements and new furnishings to be added. We recommend contacting a professional interior design consultant such as Bene GmbH. This will help you create a workplace that can be used flexibly.
Plan quiet zones and places to retreat
The babble of voices, ringing phones, and noise from printers all make it difficult to concentrate in a loft or open-plan office. Therefore, quiet areas should be planned into the loft space. These can be used for phone calls, concentrated work, small meetings, or as quiet zones for breaks. Effective relaxation in these quiet areas increases concentration. Such an area can be visually designed, for example, by setting up partition walls with a pictogram that promotes calm. Designated chill-out rooms, visualized for example by a hammock, also ensure relaxation and allow employees' minds to wander. A foosball room provides variety and strengthens the sense of community through friendly competition.
Meeting zones can be used specifically for spontaneous discussions and planned conferences or for brainstorming sessions. This turns the loft office into a place where colleagues can work together freely, but where everyone can still be undisturbed.
Creating a feel-good atmosphere
Most employees find it important that their working environment is open yet comfortable. This promotes creativity as well as communication and interaction between employees. When employees feel "at home," they are less stressed, can think more freely, and come up with the best ideas.
Campus solution
Many large companies, but also start-ups, are increasingly turning to campus solutions that are designed to make it easier for employees to achieve a work-life balance and thus retain skilled workers in the long term. As a result, large companies are setting up company kindergartens, cafés, and fitness studios. Start-ups and small companies can also achieve this, for example by joining forces and setting up a kindergarten in an industrial park.
