Connecticut companies are looking to reduce their overall office space footprint while making the best, most efficient use of that space, according to local design firms and office furniture suppliers.
More office interiors are being redesigned to increase the amount of communal space to improve communication, collaboration and productivity.
The slow economy continues to drive new office furniture and design projects. Mark Charette, CEO of Rocky Hill-based Solidus, a provider of design/build/furnish business space solutions, said since the economy began taking a dive in 2007-2008, clients’ budgets have completely defined the project.
“The majority of the work that’s been put out there is designing to the budget, rather than developing design space,” he said. “A client is giving us a number and we’re designing to that project number. In this market, it’s all about the budget.”
The budget is also dictating how much real estate a company occupies, and many firms are looking to do more with less. One impact is the size of both separate offices and workstations or cubicles is shrinking.
“Five years ago, private offices were averaging 10 feet by 12 feet in size, but they’re now dropping to eight by 10,” Charette said. “Workstations used to be eight by eight, and now they’re five-foot, six inches by five-foot, six inches. The big corner office with the credenza, conference table and large comfortable seating areas are all going away.”
Instead, corporations are providing a work surface and simple storage. Some are even trying to eliminate storage where possible, in favor of electronic storage.
With a growing trend toward hoteling — providing work space in an office on an as-needed basis — and telecommuting, companies need less space for employees who come into the office on a part-time basis.
Laura Bordeaux, principal at FX Design, Inc., of Glastonbury, said when the idea of hoteling was first introduced 15 or 20 years ago, many employees balked at the idea because they could not personalize their space.
“Now that they’re working from home and they don’t have the commute, they don’t seem to mind,” Bordeaux said. “They check in and have a few meetings. I think there’s a mental shift that it’s not their office; their office is at home.”
At Newington-based OFI, a dealer which sells Herman Miller office furniture products and offers design support, they’re seeing clients taking down their six-foot tall cubicle walls in favor of three-foot walls. While creating a more open work environment, companies are hoping to foster teamwork and improved communication among employees.
“When you lower the wall, the perception of privacy goes away because you see the person next to you,” said Marcia Fowler, territory manager for Herman Miller. “In exchange for that, we’re trying to provide other areas they can go to, whether it’s a small room for private conversations, or other collaborative areas that allow people to congregate and talk away from the workplace so you’re not bothering your neighbor.”
While workstations get smaller, there is a need to make them more functional. Michelle Horan of furniture retailer and design firm Salka Office Furniture in Meriden said workstations are being designed to be collaborative while remaining accessible for idea-sharing with others.
“This is done with a shared half-round table space between two employees, for instance, with a couple of side chairs tucked underneath,” Horan said. “Because workers have to get more done in less time and in a smaller space, furniture that keeps people organized and able to access information, keep it close at hand or put it away, is important.”
Horan said Salka Office is also seeing a need for colleagues to sit side-by-side to review work on screen. Dual monitor arms hardware, holding two monitors side by side, is meeting that need. In addition, Salka Office is outfitting workstations with power and data modules at work-surface level.
Because firms are looking to better utilize what space they have, Herman Miller offers clients a “space utilization service” to help them better understand how their employees work.
“One of the big complaints is that there are not enough conference rooms — they’re always booked,” Fowler said. “What we’ve found is that the idea that there are not enough conference rooms is not necessarily correct — they’re just the wrong type.”
Oftentimes, companies have a few large conference rooms, but lots of empty seats at each meeting. Designers are helping firms reconfigure their space to add more, smaller conference rooms for the more common meetings attended by just a few people.
Meanwhile, the conference table is taking on a new role with benching systems, which feature a large conference-type table where everyone works. The systems include overhead storage and other amenities, and are becoming more popular with younger workers used to working in a more communal environment.
While the walls are coming down in a lot of offices, there is sometimes a temporary need for privacy. Companies looking for the utmost in space flexibility are utilizing demountable wall solutions.
“They are floor to ceiling and modular, and they add instant flexibility for change if it is required,” Charette said. “Architecturally, it provides interesting space and it’s a wonderful way to contribute to the sustainability effort because it can be reused.”
When it comes to furnishings and other materials, there are a growing number of companies who are certified in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building system and are abiding by LEED’s guidelines. Others have not sought certification due to cost but are also following LEED guidelines.
In any case, many companies are hoping to get more mileage out of their furnishings and décor.
“What they’re asking for is specifically carpets, wall coverings or upholstery that will last 20 years,” Bordeaux said. “They are looking for maintenance-proof finishes, furniture and flooring. They don’t want to replace it in five to 10 years.”
Lighting is being upgraded to more efficient LED lighting and converting older style fluorescent lighting to a direct-indirect fixture. With the newer fixtures, the large bulb is no longer visible when the light is on, and glare is reduced on computer screens.
As companies look to stretch their dollars with their design and furnishings budgets, one of the easiest ways to spruce up their surroundings is by improving their image.
Debbie Laviero, vice president of marketing and business development at OFI, said more companies are incorporating their brand into their office space.
“There are so many different screens and panels that can have images, such as a company logo or an image to reflect what the company’s niche is,” Laviero said. “As far as the branding, I think a lot of companies are using branding not only on the outside, but for internal morale issues; they’re concerned about retaining employees.”
Charette said image goes a long way in attracting and retaining both employees and clients in this competitive marketplace.
“If you have holes in your carpet and paint that’s worn out, that doesn’t always indicate a firm that’s doing well, and people are sensitive to that,” he said. “If you’re looking to rehire or attract people and you have a good work environment, no question they’ll take that into consideration.”