Designing for Collaboration: Best Furniture for Open Office Spaces

Designing a collaborative space can be tougher than it looks, especially if you jump in without a clear plan. There are lots of moving pieces that you have to consider before making any decisions, ranging from a team’s structure to how individuals communicate. While these details may seem tiny, they can be the difference between a collaborative space that boosts productivity and morale and one that makes everyone feel isolated.

So, if you have been struggling with these problems while designing a shared workspace, you aren’t alone. To make things easier for you, we have highlighted some top furniture pieces that can help improve collaboration in team spaces. By including these pieces in your design, you should find it easier to create a shared workspace where all individuals feel like a crucial part of the team.

Multi-Person Cubicle

Only a handful of open office furniture pieces have demonstrated the same level of longevity as the cubicle. Its simple layout offers a flawless balance between privacy and collaboration, allowing individuals to work on personal tasks while keeping team members close enough to communicate when there is a need. This design language creates room for spontaneous interaction, which is vital to maintaining team spirit and building stronger bonds between team members.

What makes multi-person cubicles truly stand out is that you can always customize them to fit your needs. For instance, a small team can start with a 4-person cubicle and expand by connecting additional units when the headcount grows. This flexibility allows you to create an office that evolves with the team, leading to a stronger sense of bond and unity.

Open Shelving Units

From staplers and paper clips to reference materials and knowledge bases, team members share countless items throughout the workday. Open shelving units help simplify this experience by creating an accessible location where a team can store essentials. So, instead of meeting the team lead each time you need a file clip, you can easily walk over to the shelving unit and grab whatever you need.

Using open shelving units instead of relying on opaque file cabinets also creates a stronger sense of shared responsibility among team members. There is an expectation you will return any item you grab from the shelf, making it easier for the next person to locate it. Beyond building trust among a team, most open shelving units also feature a striking design that can help enhance the look of a workspace, making it the perfect furniture piece for open office spaces.

Furniture Units With Privacy Panels

While open office layouts help encourage collaboration by keeping everyone visible and connected, this often comes at the cost of personal privacy. This lack of seclusion can usually create a “big brother” effect, where people may feel someone else is constantly observing them. To avoid this, you should always try to ensure that your collaborative spaces always include furniture that supports a sense of personal space.

One of the most effective solutions designers use today is desks with privacy walls. These tables use built-in screens or slabs as a visual barrier between employees, blocking them from view. This visual barrier acts as a safety net that allows them to work on tasks without distractions while remaining connected to their team.