There are a lot of office spaces that are in dire need of updating. However, company owners are not sure how to make improvements and are reluctant to spend the money required for remodeling. At the same time, their employees are unhappy and leaving for what they feel are better jobs. What is the most cost-effective way to improve an office space and improve employee retention?

Start with Hiring a Commercial Interior Designer

The money spent on hiring a professional to design a new better office space will turn out to be a very good investment. For those considering adding cubicles, the best companies selling cubicles have design help available at no cost. They have the tools and design expertise to help business owners visualize and plan the best office space for their budget and employee needs.

There are good suppliers who offer both new and used cubicles to help save money. They may also be able to sell existing office furniture if it is in good condition. When the office redesign is complete and the cubicles and other office furniture are chosen, they will safely deliver them to the site.

Even if the commercial furniture and cubicle company does not offer design services, it is wise to employ a designer for the initial office design. The expense is reasonable and the results are much better than untrained people ordering and placing the office cubicles and furniture can achieve. Designers have considerable experience planning workable office spaces and know how to take the best advantage of available space while adding lighting and other amenities as needed.

Consider a Mix of New and Good-Condition Used Cubicles and Furniture 

Stretch the remodeling budget by combining new and used cubicles and furniture. No one will know the difference by looking. While the furniture is on order, take the time and effort to empty the office space and clean it, then paint the walls welcoming colors that will help employees feel comfortable and productive. Renew or replace old flooring. Add lighting and improve the existing lighting for better working conditions and less eye strain for employees. Make the best use of any existing windows to let in natural light. Update electrical service to accommodate all the new computers and other equipment.

It is the best practice to have the space ready for the new cubicles and furniture so it can be delivered, quickly installed, and everyone can get back to work.

Why Are Cubicles Coming Back?

The new cubicle designs are much better to start with. The design of offices using a combination of cubicles and open shared spaces is gaining popularity. An all-open office space does not ensure employee productivity and happiness. However, the old all-cubicle offices did not always work either.

Office design companies and furniture companies have learned from those experiences to deliver much better office environments. Oddly enough, studies showed that open office spaces could backfire and reduce productivity and collaboration.  Too open, office space reduces employee privacy, sound control, and workers' ability to complete their tasks. Open offices often see employees putting up their own impromptu barriers. Noise complaints increase, and employee morale drops.

Cubicles can be incorporated into offices to give employees who want them, private working spaces where they will have fewer interruptions and distractions. Companies that want to optimize employee collaboration need to find a balance between open areas and cubicles so employees have private workspaces and an area to talk to team members about shared goals and projects. Cubicles have new designs that are less heavy and still meet privacy goals.