Want to Increase Productivity? Think About Indoor Air Quality

A healthy employee is a happy employee. Many companies now recognise employees as their most important asset. They have also realised that by focusing on employee wellness they not only improve their market reputation but also levels of employee engagement and productivity, which positively impacts their bottom lines.

There are various workplace initiatives taking place across the UAE to promote and support a healthier lifestyle, from offering guidance on healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise to free health check-ups. As a fit out contractor in Dubai specialised in green interiors, Summertown Interiors is encouraged to see more companies rethink the way they carry out their office fit out in Dubai in order to promote and support a healthier lifestyle for their employees.

There is, however, an issue which is often overlooked: indoor air quality. Although a survey by the Environment Agency Abu-Dhabi shows that people are significantly more aware of the importance of air quality, with awareness rising from seven per cent in 2013 to 90 per cent in 2014, the issue of indoor air quality goes largely unnoticed. This is most likely due to a misconception that while the air is polluted outside, we are safe once inside our homes or offices. The truth is indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, some alarming news considering we spend 90 per cent of our time indoors.

What exactly makes the indoor air so bad? Among the pollutants in an office are chemical emissions coming from conventional building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, paints or even office products such as printers, mould and poor ventilation. The latter is particularly relevant to the UAE, where access to fresh outdoor air is not possible most of the year, making us dependent on air conditioning systems.

Having the right ventilation system design at the time of construction and, an operation and maintenance policy that is adhered to will help to monitor the supply of fresh air. At Summertown’s LEED Gold certified showroom, sensors have been installed in closed meeting areas to ensure fresh air is pumped in when carbon dioxide levels are high. In this way, we have been able to provide 30% more fresh air in our offices than ASHRAE standards.

To improve air quality, the countless toxins found in our indoor environment—such as formaldehyde, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide and benzene, to name just a few—must be reduced as much as possible. Besides having a proper ventilation system, this can be done by using green certified fit out products and materials with low or no VOC levels, proper housekeeping, and by making sure the office occupancy quote does not exceed standards in workspace design.

Adding office plants has long been a solution for improving indoor air quality and recently we have seen an increasing interest in adding green walls, which are panels of plants grown vertically using hydroponics on structures that can be either free-standing or attached to walls. Not only does this improve air quality, it also provides a visual break, which studies suggest stimulates mental alertness for its occupants.

Article originally published by Summertown. See blog here: https://bit.ly/2UoPG8Z

The Evolution of Office Design

I am sure by now you would have heard the somewhat alarming statistic that over 30 per cent of our life will be spent at work. We all know that colleagues can become like family and equally the office can become a second home.  Employers are increasingly aware of the importance of providing employees with a workplace that they look forward to coming to everyday – this not only applies to the people they work with but the environment that they are in. It has been proven that the built environment can not only inspire but also relieve and heal as with the case of Maggie Cancer Care Centres, for example, in the United Kingdom. Office design also plays an important role in ensuring that you get the best from your employees, and its evolution over the years has developed to reflect this.

We have witnessed a marked shift in the way offices are designed; the market has moved away from fixed bespoke joinery items in favour of more flexible off-the-shelf furniture. In order to meet the demands of a mobile workforce, companies are choosing open plan, activity-based layouts to facilitate a more collaborative approach to work and personal accountability.

Workplaces today increasingly reflect this requirement for transparency where solid wooden doors and partitions have been replaced with glazing set in aluminium or steel frames. Also, long shared desks with mobile pedestals are increasingly replacing single workstations.  Efficient use of office furniture increases maximizes available floor space and provides opportunities to introduce breakout areas where staff can gather and collaborate, an important requirement among the millennial generation.

Along with an open plan office design, we are also seeing an increasing awareness of environmental concerns such as recycling stations and energy saving lighting. This is for several reasons including cost savings, enhancing the company’s image, and of course saving the earth!

Gone are the days of dark, monotone offices – office design is now considered an essential part of an organisation’s image and brand. It is the ‘face’ of a company and is often a critical factor in recruiting and retaining talent. Given that the future of this trend is focused on making employees lives that much more enjoyable at work, this is good news for 30 per cent of all our lives!

Article originally published by Summertown. See blog here: https://www.summertown.ae/the-evolution-of-office-design/

Five Tasty Pop-Ups in North London this Spring

Spring is here and it brings with it a cheerful mood, more daylight and a bit more energy to try new things. We’ve gathered some information on amazing pop-ups worth visiting if you’re craving some delicious food or just want to experience the vibe of North London.

1. ANGLOTHAI, THE 

MOUNTGROVE BOTHY

When: 21-23 and 28-30 March

Where: 90 Mountgrove Rd, Finsbury Park, N5 2LT

If you’re around Highbury and Islington, Finsbury Park or Stoke Newington, you’ve probably passed 

by a small but unique neighbourhood bar. Mountgrove Bothy is an ideal escape from the outside 

world with wine and seasonal food. AngloThai, with John Chantarasak in the kitchen, 

will serve you authentic and highly-spiced Thai dishes. No reservations needed.

Website: themountgrovebothy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themountgrovebothy/

Credit – themountgrovebothy Instagram 

2. EASTER MARKET AT

CANOPY MARKET

When: 19-21 April

Where: West Handyside Canopy, King’s Cross, N1C 4LW

If you are in London during Easter you should have a look at the Canopy Market which is located 

between Waitrose and St Martin’s College. During the Easter break, you will find not only great food 

but also a wide variety of activities across the three days. Street-food stalls will be there with 

homemade pasta, grilled cheese toasties and plenty of hot cross buns and chocolate for you to get

 your hands on!

In addition, there is going to be a farm on site, a sheep show, face painting, art, Easter-egg hunt,

 a circus street performance and design workshop amongst other activities.

If you don’t make it during the Easter festivities; starting from April, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 

the market regularly showcases local craft, art and design, also lots of different street-food stalls

 as well as live music and DJ events.

Website: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/event/easter-at-canopy-market

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingscrossN1C/

Credit – www.kingscross.com 

3. THE PIADINA PROJECT

When: 19-24 and 26-31 March

Where: The Rose & Crown, 71-73 Torriano Ave, NW5 2SG

Moving over to the West, Kentish Town, you can stumble on some amazing fried chicken with Italian flatbreads.

“Finally I would get to try this magical Italian flatbread that my 

Italian Grandfather, Gianni, at length had always spoken to me 

about… I was totally blown away by the colours and the delights 

of the fillings available. When it arrived you could see that it was

 packed with lashings of Italian cream cheese, layers of cured 

meats and the bright green of the rocket protruding out from the

sides. I still remember taking it in my hand and thinking, why on 

earth do we not have this back home in the UK” – Jack Padoan

In February 2016 Jack decided to bring this Italian cuisine to London and you shouldn’t miss a 

chance to experience it!

Website: http://www.thepiadinaproject.co.uk/the-piadina-project.html

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepiadinaproject/

   

Credit – thepiadinaproject Instagram 

4. CHATSWORTH ROAD 

MARKET

When: Every Sunday (from 11am-4pm)

Where: 46-51 Chatsworth Rd, Clapton, London E5 0LH

If you want to experience a huge variety of food, Chatsworth Road market will have something for you. 

Organic, free-range butcher, handmade pies, bread, cheese, ethically sourced handmade products from 

India, organic skincare products, natural hand knitting yarns, accessories, vintage clothing, street food, 

toasties, coffee. The list goes on. Take your pick!

It closed down in 1900, but with the initiative of locals and traders, the market returned to London in 

2010 and now is a regular Sunday market definitely worth visiting!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatsworth.rd.e5/

   

Credit – chatsworth.rd.e5 Instagram 

5. ENFIELD GIN PALACE 

POP-UP BAR

When: 30 March and 27 April

Where: Old Bakery Gin, 4 Pymmes Mews N13 4PF

If you find yourself a bit North East and looking for a place to get unique drinks with a rich history – 

look no further than the Old Bakery Gin. It’s worth venturing to, even from far away! 

The amazing reviews reinforce that it is something to experience (especially if you’re someone partial to a gin).

 A tiny part of their story behind the Old Bakery Gin:

“We discovered that 100+ years ago the old bakery had a secret- 

they made illegal Gin!! … There was talk that the original Illcit Gin 

recipe included Stinging Nettle leaves, however we have tried to 

make it 100’s of different ways including Stinging nettles 

(including freezing the leaves & leaving them to soak in trays of 

sugar) but each time the taste has been awful.

The original recipe may have been lost in time, but we think this is 

as close as it gets” – Ian Puddick

Website: https://www.oldbakerygin.com/pop-up-bar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldbakerygin/

Credit – oldbakerygin Instagram  

We hope you get to enjoy London to the fullest. If you want to have a healthy work-life balance and 

maybe check out all the great stuff happening in your neighbourhood this spring, we offer coworking 

spaces in North London – Hoxton, Manor House or Colindale. 

Article originally published by Areaworks. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2CDonxJ

[Updated 2019] Latest Office Interior Design Trends

People spend a great deal of their time in the work environment. This is why those who own or manage commercial premises in the UAE, and across the globe, are becoming more and more concerned with providing an interesting and well-designed working space. If you have a property, you need to consider creative and cost effective ideas that can help make your commercial space a great place to visit or to work in. A working space is more than an office, it’s a marketplace, and one must sell it to customers who will make their choice based on previous experiences.

One of the best ways to do this is to take a look at interior design trends, and see how you can make them work for you. We are going to take a look at some of the latest office interior design trends, including using plant walls in Dubai to bring the garden inside, and creating work zones in your office space. We are also going to consider how smart technology is great for interior design and for business overall, and how a good optimisation of the working environment can boost the human potential. All of these trends are worth considering for commercial premises, not only in the UAE, but also internationally.

A breath of fresh air

How can one turn a boring, grey scaled office into a fresh living environment? The answer is easier than you may expect – bring the garden inside! 

Biophilia is a natural tendency to bond with other forms of life and it’s the reason why some people feel relaxed and happy while taking a walk in the park or hiking in the mountains. And now you can grow that feeling in the work environment and offer the people the same raw feeling by creating a more natural business and working environment. Medical research suggests that green spaces, and the presence of plants, can help to improve a person's psychological well-being. This is why the trend for biophilic designs makes so much sense. 


But if you decide to invest in creating such a work environment, the best thing to do is to hire an expert in interior landscaping to help you with everything from creating bark walls to maintaining the landscape in your office and providing trees to use in your businesses. And besides creating a wonderful inside experience, you can also add an outdoor landscape. This way you can provide an excellent environment inside and out and offer unique experiences to your clients.

Read more on the importance of biophilic environments here.

This trend for interior landscaping is something that any business can benefit from. No doubt this trend will stay not only in 2019 but in the years to come!

More than a working space – a full experience

Since 1924, Elton Mayo has conducted a series of experiments regarding the way an individual interacts with the working environment. The results of his research managed to prove that good working environment can make a radical change in productivity and the overall working experience. What an individual expects from the work space is more than just the fulfillment of basic needs, and the office hours are more than half of the awake time spent by an adult person on a daily basis. This is why it’s important to turn the work space into a full experience which will bring to the person the feeling of community, quality time and meaningful, pleasant experiences. 


One way to increase the quality of the working experience is by adding different features to the work space such as meditation areas, yoga studios or walking/jogging trails, massage therapy, game rooms, or even an espresso and cocktail bar. The working place must also be seen as a socialisation space which enables the people to build relationships, both professional and personal, among each other. Facilitating this process not only helps them feel like they are spending quality time, but also brings them a unique bond with the work space itself. 

A fine blend

Cohabitation spaces are a way of mixing people from different companies, and different departments under one roof. This is a method that has proven itself to be efficient and satisfying for both employers and employees. 

People are social animals. They get a specific feeling of satisfaction and happiness when they connect with others. By sharing the office space, they share a part of their lives, gaining new relationships and new experiences. 


A co-working environment must feature open-format offices which help maximising the collaboration between both companies or departments, increasing creativity and flexibility among workers. This opens the possibility of a constant interaction opening new horizons which help develop more innovative approaches towards what a work day should look like. The main features of a co-working space are:

• Transparency – Walls must come down, and the few ones left are replaced by glass;
• Unconventional spaces – More than just the regular desks, the co-working space enables workers to work from a couch, a bean bag or even a coffee table;
• Mobile furniture – Fixed appliances give the feeling of framed, non-flexible work space, which can drive away individuals from forming spontaneous working groups, for example. That is why mobile furniture is the best option, allowing self-grouping and easy, spontaneous organising of the space around.
• Creative spaces – Creative and out of the ordinary spaces are the ones that spark initiatives and good ideas within an office. So the best way to inspire pro-activity and innovation is by providing an interactive space which will animate the working space.
• Dynamic meeting areas – Another feature placed at the core of the co-working spaces is the opportunity to have spontaneous meetings that will help employees to brainstorm and work together at any given moment, without a pre-planned framework. These spaces will allow them to create an impromptu team meeting, with an improvised team, allowing them to find ingenious solutions to various situations.

Work zones – because not everybody works in the same way

Take a look at interior design trends for the commercial world, and you will see that creating work zones in an office space is up there amongst the most popular. In recent years, there has been a trend for completely open plan office designs. Even CEOs have often left their office, and relocated to the open plan environment. This trend has certainly helped to create a more collaborative environment, and a feeling of belonging. But it does have its faults. Though co-work spaces might be a great choice, it’s necessary to also think about the moments when some people need time alone. 

There are moments when workers need a quiet and private space, simply in order to perform effectively. This is why current office interior design trends are embracing the use of both collaborative open work zones, and more private areas, such as work pods. This trend is gaining more popularity because of its flexible approach to the working environment and the options it offers to all types of individual personalities. 


When creating a work space for various people, one must keep in mind that there are not only extroverts, team players, but also people who may work better as individuals, or people who would rather share the working time between teamwork and individual tasks, performed alone. By creating both solitary and open spaces, you offer flexible options which will make the workers feel comfortable and relaxed, no matter what tasks they might have. It's worth embracing this trend in your office if you want your workforce to be as productive as possible. 

A great way to combine these first approaches mentioned is by adopting the booming trend of moss walls in Dubai and using it to help create a more natural environment in an open collaborative area, with pods placed strategically around, for extra privacy when it's needed.

The smart office – a constantly developing office interior trend

As interior design trends go, this is probably not so much of a trend, but as a development that is here to stay, and which will continue to advance in 2019 and beyond. New technology can actually be integrated with the desks that are used in modern offices. Adopt this type of trend, and the people who work in your office can get all of the benefits that come from using a tech desk. 

Using smart technology enables people to use any kind of devices they want, including mobile devices, desktops and laptops. This allows them to work from what part of the office they want, sit either on a desk, on the couch, or even at home, and share their work with other colleagues. Of course, all of these devices need to be connected in order for this to work. This is where using smart technology comes in. 


The ability to adapt the way we work is especially useful when it comes to remote working. If you have employees who work from home, they can do so while still remaining connected to the work that is being done in the office. This helps to create a greater level of flexibility throughout the company.

It's important to recognise that the use of technology in this way is something that is expected by the millennial generation who often make up a large part of the workforce. They are used to being able to swap between the devices they use at home, so it makes sense to enable them to have the same level of choice when they are at work. 

Smart technology is more than a trend; it’s a necessity in a modern work space. More than an interior design option, it's an integrated part of the office, no matter the interior design or type of work space. Creating a smart office is one of the most basic needs that have to be taken into account when building a modern business. Without incorporating new technology, the working environment might become obsolete, leaving all the advantages to the competition. 

Old fashioned in a new world

Photo Credit: Ambius

Though old technologies may not be welcomed in modern working environments, this doesn’t mean that everything that is old must be dismissed as useless or outdated. One of the main trends in interior landscaping involves features of the old world which are brought to life again, following a cyclical path of rebirth. This gives the feeling of belonging and bonding with the past which is not forgotten, but is honored by becoming a part of the present. Some of the elements encountered might be dilapidated steel and old brick structures integrated in modern, smart offices. 




Old buildings such as warehouses are the most suitable to host great co-working environments. Their huge open spaces provide the perfect space and ambiance for enjoyable and comfortable offices and offer a great mix by blending the charm of the old building with the efficacy of the new age technologies. The worn-out aesthetics seem to balance out the impersonal and dehumanising feeling that cutting-edge technology might give. Also, the innovative and unconventional use of space is a creativity booster for the workforce performing in such an environment, sparking the imagination and initiative of the employees. Some of the most common features you might find in such a space are smooth and old textures, mixed with modern furniture and modern equipment; modern design accents. The sturdiness and coldness of materials such as glass and metal, is softened out by the brick structures, wood beams, and carpets or wall coverings. 

Micro-trends for a macro perspective

There are a series of micro-trends that can help you transform an office into a productive, efficient and comfortable working space. These little details can help us have a holistic implementation of the approached trend and follow it in every little detail.

If you choose a biophilic design, then plant walls can be your chosen element. Though they might seem like high maintenance and complicated add-ons, they are actually easy to manage and has artificial alternative which can save you time and money. They also give versatility to the design, giving the possibility to be arranged in an infinite number of patterns. 

Another micro-trend that can easily be incorporated in various types of interior design is the geometric patterning. Single coloured walls are too monotonous and unfit for an active, creative work space. Some abstract geometric patterns can help build a personality of the office, being, in the same time, a way to break the routine and help workers come up with innovative ideas. 

Hand-crafted items are highly appreciated when 
it comes to interior design and accessorising. Though hand-crafted furniture might be quite pricy and difficult to handle, the small objects are a good asset which can give a more personal feeling to 
an office. Bespoke plant containers and office accessories from local artists and manufacturers can create a feeling of warmth and add personality to your interior.

All of these interior design trends have an important part to play in the commercial environment this 2019 and even in the next years to come. From the must-have smart offices to the biophilic designs and use of old warehouses, the way the working space is adjusted leaves its mark not only to clients and visitors, but also to the employees working in it. The best way to ensure it is used in the most efficient way is to get help from an expert in interior landscaping and bring out the full potential of your space. No matter the trend you choose for your office revamp this year, whether it be vertical gardens or moss walls, work zones or smart technology, all these choices have an important part to play in the future of your business in the UAE or abroad. Originally published on https://www.planters.ae.

Workplace Technology

Creating activity based spaces that encourage employee engagement and collaboration via seamless technological integration continues to shape the workplace

However, in the 2016 Dell and Intel Future Workforce Study, 44% of employees are of the view that their workplace is not “smart” enough. Additionally, more than 50% of employees expect to be engaged in “smart” workplaces within the next five years. Businesses that have not considered upgrading their offices may have to realign their priorities when it comes to meeting the expectations of new talent.

By cleverly integrating the latest technologies into an office fit-out, employees can feel more creative, productive and engaged. A study by Steelcase and Microsoft has shown that the creativity process requires diverse work modes as well as different types of technology. Whether working alone or in groups, activity based working demands a need for a range of devices that are mobile and integrated into the physical workplace.

Recently, in partnership with Design Worldwide Partnership, Summertown completed the fit-out of the Smart Dubai office – the headquarters of Dubai’s tech-led Smart City initiative. Smart Dubai wanted innovative technology in their workplace that embraced their core values and mission to establish Dubai as the most efficient, seamless, safe and impactful experience for residents and visitors.

The office was designed to encourage collaboration via cleverly integrated sharable ‘digital spaces’. Meeting rooms featured seamless connectivity with multiple devices and writable walls to help foster creativity and productivity. Additional technology installed included a virtual unmanned reception, a café with a curved LED screen to broadcast live feeds of social media and events, an auditorium with flexible seating and quiet zones where employees can choose to work thanks to 24/7 wireless connectivity.

The technology integrated in the Smart Dubai office is a prime example of the UAE leadership’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s best-connected cities. As new technologies and working habits continue to transform traditional workplaces, designers, architects and workspace solution providers will have to work together to introduce these principles into projects to increase user satisfaction and productivity.

Originally published on: https://www.summertown.ae

Workplace Happiness: Basic Design and Fit Out Solutions

Workplace Happiness is a Priority in the Emirates

Happiness Equals Progress

In 2011, the UN recognised happiness as “a fundamental human goal”. The following year, the first UN Conference on Happiness took place and the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring an annual International Day of Happiness every 20th March. To mark 2019’s International Day of Happiness, we are focussing on ideas of enhancing workplace happiness and improving health and well-being in an office environment. “People are now recognising that ‘progress’ should be about increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just growing the economy”. [2]

As a global leader in promoting the “Happiness Agenda”, the UAE has been observing this global event regularly since its introduction. The UAE National Agenda (Cohesive Society and Preserved Identity Pillar) prioritises becoming one of the top happiest countries in the world by 2021. To achieve this goal, not only has a Happiness Minister been appointed but there is National Programme for Happiness and Positivity that stresses the need for including happiness as a criterion in the policies, programmes and services of both public and private sector entities. [3]

Why the Happy Office Works Better!

In traditional work environments, the happiness of employees was not included in business strategies. But in recent years, more scientific and sociological research has demonstrated the tangible benefits of creating happier workplaces. A much-cited study by the University of Warwick indicated that when leaders invest in promoting happiness in the office, productivity levels increase by 12%. Happiness makes people more productive at work. Concentration focus and creativity increase, while absenteeism and dis-engagement fall. Turnover falls and recruitment costs fall with it. Happy employees boost the bottom line. For example, the stock prices of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work for” increased 14% per year from 1998-2005, compared to only 6% of companies not on the list. [4]

Design & Fit Out for Workplace Happiness

In previous insight posts, we focused on the importance of creating working environments that promote health, wellness and wellbeing and about using sustainable fit out to increase employee engagement and facilitate organisational change. Looking at workplace happiness is a good way to synthesise the overlapping environmentally sustainable workplaces, employee productivity, and wellness and well-being. Steelcase, a prominent office furniture and design solutions company recently completed a two-year study of workplace well-being that revealed that: “…to foster a workforce of employees who are productive, collaborative and creative, organisations need to consider much more than just the physical health of their employees. Rather, they need to take a holistic approach to well-being, understanding the emotional and cognitive, as well as physical needs of employees”. [5]

In a recent piece in Forbes, Ingrid Fetell Lee, an industrial designer and author of the book, Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, argues that office design, and fit out can be an extremely effective tool for communicating an organisation’s values.

“When a company like Google or Tom’s puts a slide in their office, it tells employees and visitors that they value play. When Amazon builds a pair of bubble-like structures that house 40,000 plants, it suggests they value nature and our connection to it. Nike’s running trails, swimming pool, and fitness facilities show that they value physical movement.” [6]

What does your office say about your company? Every organisation should have a clear vision and strategy that can be expressed in office design, layout and fit out. Many different elements go into creating a particular mood and tone for office space including colours, textures, spatial layout, facilities and work areas. Formal offices communicate a formal culture; informal offices communicate a more casual, playful atmosphere. This is important for reinforcing brand identity and for attracting clients and the right talent. But it is also important for grounding employees and providing them with a sense of belonging.

Workspace Features that Make Employees Happier

How can you improve your workplace to promote happiness? The answer is not just free snacks, beanbags and ping pong tables, although sometimes these perks have a place. What makes then a happy office?

Haworth, an office workspace design firm, recently conducted a study that found that the most critical factors affecting employee happiness and job satisfaction are:

     • Employee’s ABILITY TO FOCUS

     • HOW VALUED Employees FEEL [7]

What are the key features in workspace design and fit out that can help workers increase their focus and that can make them feel more valued? Read on for some of our insights.

Power to the People: Empowering Employees with Workplace Options

What it Means?

Providing employees with choices is key to increasing office happiness. Increasing overall comfort levels can be accomplished in a variety of ways by recognising that individuals have different needs and ways of working.

How to Do It?

• Providing Comfort and Control
  • Temperature and lighting controls set by employees
  • Ergonomic furniture – Height adjustable desks and seating (sit/stand desks)
• Facilities & Amenities
  • Pantry / Kitchen facilities
  • Team & collaboration areas
  • Recreation & relaxation space
  • Adequate bathroom facilities taking into consideration gender distribution.
• Storage & Personalisation
  • Offering storage solutions to employees can give them a sense of more control over their environment as well as reducing clutter. This can include designated compartments, shelving, cabinets, drawers or even lockers. [8]
  • Setting standards or rules for acceptable personalisation in work areas can help to maintain a clean corporate identity while giving employees the ability to make their workspaces friendlier and homier by including small decorative items or personal photos.

Sound: Having the Right Acoustics

What it Means?

One of the most regularly voiced complaints about open-plan offices is the level of distracting noise. Reducing the overall ambient noise levels in the office as well as cutting down on distractions in open areas can help to reduce worker stress and fatigue.

How to Do It?

• Instilling a company culture that encourages people to move meetings, chatting and talking on the phone to closed areas
• Moving office machines like printers, faxes, scanners away from open work areas
• Using partitions and furniture to increase privacy and redirect noise
• Ensuring fit out uses top quality insulation for acoustics
• Creating quiet zones for concentrated work and areas where discussion and collaboration are allowed (see above)

Green is Clean

What it Means?

Interior fit out based on sustainable principles delivers the greatest positive impacts on the health of building and office occupants. Green materials, for example, emit-less VoC. Paints, floorings and wall treatments are non-toxic and less likely to cause allergies or discomfort (associated with “sick building syndrome”.) At the same time, maintaining general hygiene and cleanliness becomes easier when using sustainable materials.

How to Do It?

• During an office fit out use sustainable and non-toxic materials – that are easy to clean and maintain, and which help to improve indoor air quality.
• High fit out standards must be applied in installing or refitting HVAC systems, ducting, plumbing, and so on. This has the added benefits of cutting down on cooling costs, and the need for costly repairs from sub-par systems.
• Good ventilation prevents the spread of illness in closed environments.
• General office cleanliness is a must using scent-free and chemical-free cleaning products.
• Encouraging tidy office habits, such as clean desks, and eating and drinking only in designated areas.
• Establishing processes and incentives for reducing energy and water consumption, recycling and safe disposal of possibly toxic materials, like batteries.
• Use environmental cleaning products avoiding overuse of harsh chemicals

 

For Ahrend’s GCC “flagship” workspace the strictest sustainability standards were employed in office design and fit out. Green materials were used throughout, enhancing a bright, modern aesthetic highlighting signature pieces from Ahrend’s collection. The space was structured based on “Activity Based Working” including quiet areas, collaboration spaces, private call zones, video conferencing, “hot desks” and a coffee bar hub for informal meetings.

Desk Breaks and Collaboration Areas

What it Means?

Sitting down for long periods in front of a computer screen is one of the least healthy habits of 21st century employees. Encouraging workers to step away from their desks and to move is correspondingly one of the best things to do for both physical and emotional well-being.

How to Do It?

• Encouraging employees to take short breaks away from screens by discouraging eating at workstations
• Creating flexible working options setting out formal and informal work areas to suit different working styles, and different tasks (Activity Based Working solutions). This can include:
  • Privacy rooms/pods
  • Communal working areas/Break out spaces
  • Multi-functional meeting areas
  • Recreation zones
  • Kitchen/Pantry facilities adjustable for meetings, brainstorming and more
• Instituting Office Wellness programs featuring health checks, sports or fitness challenges, and even corporate gym membership plans.

For example, the fit out of food delivery start-up Deliveroo included a large dedicated portion of their working space for a flexible pantry, meeting and recreation area.

Bringing the Outside In – Biophilia

What it Means?

Biophilia is one of the most significant trends in contemporary office fit out. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to elements drawn from the natural environment, like sunlight, plants and natural materials all contribute to creating a better mood and increasing worker performance.

How to Do It?

• Integrating more natural materials into office design and fit out including wood, stone, hemp, rope etc.
• Introducing more greenery such as living plants, green walls or even moss walls
• Using decorative components that evoke or mimic nature, including art
• Providing as much access to natural light and outside views as possible

Technology: Hassle-free digital experience

What it Means?

Incorporating the latest technology into a new office fit out is key – the benefits include reducing unnecessary effort and to free workers from the constraints of repetitive and unrewarding routine. But hiccups and bugs associated with different technological innovations can also be one of the most frustrating aspects of office life. Finding the balance means providing a 21st century hassle-free digital experience that fosters connection rather than disconnection.

How to Do It?

• Ensuring office fit out provides seamless connectivity throughout the office environment allowing people to work anywhere
• Investing in superior IT facilities and competencies as well as procuring the best performing equipment or software that functions as required
• Ensuring proper maintenance of office equipment
• Encouraging the adoption of digital working solutions –including paperless office, digital meetings, telecommuting or remote working options
• Using effective collaborative tools – digital whiteboards, virtual office assistants

For our Smart Dubai Office fit out project the focus was not only on providing attractive and inviting working spaces, including pantries and recreation areas, most importantly was the installation of the latest technological innovations to facilitate a seamless workplace.

Colour Me Happy: Light & Bright

What it Means?

Colour psychology in office environments is being studied more carefully. It’s part of conventional wisdom that colours can impact mood, but now research is showing the linkages between office colour schemes and employee productivity. For example, Kalyan V. Meola at the University of Hawaii at Hilo showed how colours influence behaviours, performance and mood. Researchers at Creighton University also found that colours significantly influenced employees’ emotions and efficiency. [9]

How to Do It?

• Choosing colours that complement the organisation’s identity
  • Neutral colours seem to facilitate a more harmonious working environment
  • Greens and blues are thought to spur creativity and innovation
  • Warmers shades like red and orange can boost employee focus and concentration

Our Commitment to Promoting Happy & Healthy Office Culture

At Summertown, our vision of sustainable fit out involves everything that contributes to creating better workplaces and that includes the health, well-being and happiness of office occupants. We have extensive hands-on experience in implementing sustainable fit out solutions for a wide variety of leading companies. In our own LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified office, we have a comprehensive wellness and well-being program and we are committed to improving the health of our employees and their emotional and psychological well-being. We are proud to have been the first recipient of the inaugural 2017 Happiness @ Work Awards, which identifies organisations that create a positive atmosphere, happiness and a sense of belonging in the workplace. We are continuing our journey and are pursuing WELL certification for our office interiors – which is the premier building standard that focuses on enhancing people’s health and wellness through buildings.

As we celebrate 2019’s International Day of Happiness, there is no better time to reflect on how we can make the world a better place while helping our employees become happier and more productive. Reach out to us today to discuss what steps you can take to transform and improve your workspace.

Originally published on: https://www.summertown.ae