Creating a Joyful Office
How one business transformed their workplace
The spark of inspiration for this design brief came from a TED talk by Ingrid Fetell Lee, the author of “Joyful”. Ingrid talks about how small changes to your surroundings can create happiness, and how spaces can be changed to deliver a positive impact.
Our client was keen to use these ideas in the redevelopment of their head office. It was the perfect opportunity to see how the concept of Joy could work in practice.
“What if the natural vibrance of our surroundings
is our most easily accessible source of Joy?” Ingrid Fetell Lee
Choosing colours that complement each space
The brief covered an open-plan office, meeting rooms, corridors, a kitchen, and leisure space. The design sheet specified bright colours, bold shapes, and a sense of fun; all key elements for creating a joyful environment.
Creating a common design language was important because glass doors and windows meant that each space was open and visible. Using a spectrum of complementary colours meant the office spaces would work in harmony with each other.
“Choosing bright colours that worked well together was key. ”
An office designed for work, rest and play.
The re-design had to work for a diverse range of employees from the warehouse team to the office staff and lorry drivers. Each area had a different look according to whether it was used primarily for work or leisure.
The office space and meeting rooms
The main office space was open-plan with glass-fronted meeting rooms. A white background kept the space bright and helped the colourful design elements stand out. The tones were kept subtle until you looked up. The rainbow ceiling was the perfect opportunity to include some fun pops of colour, without being too distracting.
The meeting rooms were decorated with a subtle colour gradient that featured a geometric design. The triangular shapes were echoed by the glass vinyl, to tie the design together across the workspace.
“When you walk in it feels amazing!”
The growth mindset corridor and kitchen
As much design thought went into the transition spaces as the rest of the building. The corridor graphics were designed to set the right tone for visitors and employees as they entered the office.
Cultivating a growth mindset is a keystone of the company culture and the client had requested inspirational quotes be used in the design. The growth mindset corridor evolved from that idea.
The background graphics represented the neurons and electrical pathways within the brain. Mounting the quotes on boards helped them stand out and it was a fun way to help people start their day with a growth mindset.
“It’s a great place to work.”
The engagement room
The engagement room is a place for relaxing, eating and socialising. The space includes a pool table, darts board and plenty of eating areas.
The bright geometric pattern and slogan give the room a modern, fun feel. The perfect place for employees to relax and enjoy their downtime.
“I love it, it’s the perfect place to chill out.”
What's next for office design?
Office design has come a long way since Frank Lloyd Wright designed the first open-plan office for the Johnson Wax Company in 1939.
Remote working is revolutionising office space. Connected IT systems and the accessibility of the digital workspace have seen a rise in flexible working. The way employees work has evolved, which means their workspace needs have too. Offices can be more flexible in their layout and often include communal areas, shared desks and social spaces.
The rise of the home office is likely to continue and so is the range of products tailored for that market. From fold-out desks to bespoke garden rooms, the lines are increasingly getting blurred between work and home.
100 years ago shared desks, bare lightbulbs and piles of paperwork dominated the office.
Today the connection between the workplace, well-being and productivity is undisputed. So, whether you work in a traditional office or are a nomadic worker your surroundings matter.
Why not get in touch with us today and see what’s possible for your office space?
If you’d like to view Ingrid Fetell Lee’s TED talk please click the button below.
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