11 Must-Have Amenities In A Modern Office Space

When choosing an office building and designing the space, numerous critical factors come into play. By carefully evaluating the eleven factors outlined below, you can create a contemporary and efficient office that truly enhances the working experience, making it a place in which people can be productive and genuinely enjoy: 

Natural Lighting

Great natural lighting needs to be at the top of every office wishlist. Adequate natural light boosts energy levels and contributes to better workplace satisfaction. Natural light also reduces eye strain and fatigue, making it easier for employees to concentrate. Maximising the use of natural light can also lead to energy savings due to the reduced need for artificial lighting.

Reliable Climate Control 

No matter the weather outside, the temperature in an office needs to be stable and reliable. Employees are way more productive in a comfortable office environment, so having a reliable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential. 

Flexible Workspaces

Flexibility is the name of the game for 2024 and beyond. Many employees got a taste of remote work during the lockdown and have been resistant to letting it go entirely. "...research from CareerBuilder revealed that jobs allowing employees to work remotely received seven times more applications than in-person roles the previous month," tells Forbes.

To encourage flexibility in the office for in-person days, hot desks, modular and agile furniture, and quality collaboration technology are all must-haves. 

Reliable And High-Speed Internet

Everything is done online. If employees have to struggle with slow download and upload speeds, annoyance and frustration surge while productivity wanes. 

Smart Technology

Offices need smart technology to run efficiently. Video conferencing systems, room booking systems, smart desks, and occupancy sensors can ensure an office is run simply and effectively. When looking for office space, ensure buildings have the capacity to facilitate this. 

Security Systems

To protect employees as well as equipment, security systems need to be in place. Surveillance monitoring, a visitor management system, access plans, as well as an emergency exit system should all be considered. 

When it comes to office space decisions, opting for a secure complex or business park can be a great choice as many of them have security systems in place already.

Breakout Working Areas 

While flexible workspaces where employees can come in and easily plug in their laptops and get to work without having a set office space is the way of the future, you need walled-in areas away from the general hub, too. 

These quiet (perhaps with noise-cancelling features) spaces can be used for meetings and brainstorming sessions, as well as silent work areas for people who need to concentrate with zero distractions. 

Flexible workspace solutions company, The Square, also suggests private phone call booths to make an office more comfortable. 

Greenery 

Plants are a must for a productive working environment. Not only does greenery help reduce stress and boost mental well-being, but, as the CEO Magazine points out, they can fight mental fatigue, "A 40-second micro-break spent looking out over a roof garden is shown to be far more restorative than looking at a concrete view."

Focus on plants that can thrive in more shady conditions and can help purify the air. To save space hanging plants can be incorporated as well as living walls. 

Health Measures 

Health and well-being have become essential aspects of working environments people want to be in. "...strategically changing workplace conditions to foster worker well-being not only improves worker health but can also bring about beneficial business outcomes such as improved job performance (including increased productivity) and lower levels of employee burnout," explains Harvard Business Review. 

Having separate eating and socialising areas, ensuring that the office is clean and sanitised, and choosing an office in an area with gyms and exercise classes can all help a company support the health and well-being of employees. 

Another way to support the well-being of staff is to have bathrooms with showers. This is a super beneficial amenity for people who work out during the day or cycle to the office.

Easy Accessibility

To make an office an attractive investment and choice for businesses, it needs to be easily accessed. This includes parking spaces in short walking distance, being in close proximity to public transport, and having bike racks. 

Electricity Backups 

When operating a business in South Africa, you need an electricity backup for when load shedding strikes. 

It is highly recommended to opt for an office space that has a generator or solar panels for less downtime. 

Are you looking for your business' next office space? OfficePlace specialises in leasing, selling, and purchasing commercial property throughout Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town. Contact one of our brokers today!