5 Keys For Improved Collaboration in 2018

These days collaborative remodeling terms are thrown around the workplace more than the word "ergonomics". The ability to create fashionable office interiors that encourage creativity and healthy employee interaction is too much for businesses to pass up. In 2018, it's important to emphasize the need for improved collaboration in the workplace. That's where we come in. Today on the blog we'll provide you with 5 keys for success.

1.) Ditch The Cubicles

First things first, you've got to ditch the cubicles. If you want to create collaborative office interiors in 2018, high wall cubicles will be a hinderance. Sure replacing your existing cubicles will be pricey, but the benefits gained will serve your business well for years to come. Traditional panel furniture systems are great for privacy and noise reduction. Unfortunately they close employees off from one another and that makes it hard to effectively collaborate.

2.) Invest In Collaborative Benching

Looking for cubicle alternatives? Collaborative benching systems are the way to go. Believe it or not, this popular form of modern office furniture is actually pretty affordable. Brands like Global, Mayline, and Cherryman Industries are all offering awesome group benching solutions that will encourage employee interaction and creativity. With collaborative benching you'll be able to create unique layouts and configurations that maximize your square footage without making your work floor and employees feel overwhelmed without too much furniture and not enough workspace.

3.) Focus On An Open Concept

If the goal of your work floor remodeling project is to see how many people you can fit into a single space, today's post probably isn't for you. Here the mindset is all about "how many people can we properly accommodate comfortably" to encourage healthy collaboration without making them feel overcrowded and cramped. For these reasons, working towards an open concept layout is preferred.

Cubicles are the perfect example. The high walls make it hard to create an open concept feel. For this reason, work floors outfitted with cubicles typically feel clustered. Alternatively, open concept furniture like group workstations and benching will help create clean site lines. While this may encourage long range conversations across the work floor, it's still better than forcing employees to walk through rows of crowded cubicles to collaborate with coworkers when good ideas are flowing.

4.) Power Up Your Interiors

Pave the way for improved collaboration with powered furniture. Top furniture and seating brands have made it their mission to streamline office activities and improve collaboration in 2018 with awesome products. These days universal power modules, charging stations, and powered furniture is becoming the standard.

When remodeling group spaces like the waiting room, break room, training room, and conference room, don't be your own worst enemy by investing in non-powered furniture. Strive to keep your interiors collaboration-ready and up to date with the latest trends. Rest assured, powered components are the way to go. They're really not that much more expensive. The benefits gained however, are incredibly valuable.

5.) Accessorize

Last but certainly not least, the right combination of office accessories will no doubt help you lay the groundwork for effective collaborating in 2018. In the long run, the little details always tend to make the biggest difference when it comes to corporate remodeling.

We touched on universal power modules briefly above, but it's definitely worth mentioning again. Units like the FlexCharge9 from ESI make it easy to power up conference rooms and group work environments in order to streamline collaborative meetings and presentations.

In addition, you'll also want to check out collaborative products like mobile dry erase boards that can be taken from space to space throughout the day. When the good ideas are flowing, marker boards make it easy to collaborate in large groups that make everyone feel includes. Popular options like the B5672FBP from Global will greatly improve operational versatility without restricting creativity.