Multipurpose space – why is it essential in modern offices?

In an era of a rapidly changing labour market and increasing competition, modern offices are becoming a key element in the success of companies. The popularity of working in a hybrid model has led to the growing importance of multipurpose office spaces, which offer the flexibility to adapt interiors to a variety of needs. Modern offices are increasingly offering multipurpose areas to bear the weight of all the tasks that employees perform during an eight-hour working day. In this article, we take a look at what solutions are worth considering when designing and arranging a space to create the optimum conditions for work, meetings and relaxation.

What distinguishes a multipurpose space in modern offices?

Multipurpose space in flexible hybrid offices is a concept that is gaining popularity in the world of interior design and layout. It is distinguished by: flexibility, innovation and versatility. It guarantees efficient use of space and better adaptation to the dynamically changing needs of the staff and the company.

Adaptable to different needs and applications, it enables employees to switch freely between different working modes, such as meetings, presentations or individual tasks. In addition, these types of spaces are usually equipped with modern technology to facilitate communication and collaboration, both on-site and remotely. Ergonomic furniture and areas for relaxation and integration are included in the design. This fosters a healthy and sustainable working environment that attracts and retains talent.

Advantages of a multipurpose office space

Until a few years ago, companies were aiming to locate offices in modern office buildings to attract the best people in the job market. Nowadays, employees are more likely to choose organisations whose multipurpose space allows them to comfortably perform a variety of professional duties. Multipurpose offices are gaining increasing recognition from employers and employees. These types of solutions offer many benefits for businesses seeking flexible and modern spaces in which to run their operations, and also for staff who can work more efficiently.

Flexibility and adaptation to needs

Multipurpose spaces are extremely versatile – they have been designed to be easily transformed to adapt to the current task, e.g. a team meeting, presentation or joint work on a problem. Flexible office furniture, cabinets or modern conference tables make it possible to change the layout and character of zones in a room in a non-invasive way. Modular furniture makes it quick and easy to build solutions (like with Lego bricks) exactly as you need them. A meeting in a larger group, followed by a one-to-one chat with the boss and then an informal meeting with the client – modular solutions will cope with this frenetic pace of work.

Support for creativity and innovation

Multipurpose office spaces promote creativity and innovation because their open and thoughtful designs encourage the exchange of ideas and collaboration between employees. Access to different work zones, such as quiet rooms for concentration, team brainstorming spaces or relaxation areas, allows you to choose the best environment and be inspired to continue working.

Cost optimisation and increased productivity

The use of multipurpose office space optimises rental costs. In the hybrid working model, offices have not lost their importance, but the approach to them has changed. Management of the space should be more flexible, so that it meets the needs of the people who choose to carry out their duties within the company.

Improving communication and team integration

Open, multipurpose office spaces promote better communication and socialisation. With no walls separating the various departments, employees are able to exchange ideas and information freely, leading to better coordination of activities and effective problem solving. Shared social and recreational spaces provide opportunities for informal conversations and strengthen bonds between colleagues. This doesn’t just translate into a better working atmosphere. Combining different ways of thinking allows for more creative solutions to problems that arise.

Want to transform your traditional office into a modern, multipurpose space?

Find out how our modular furniture can revolutionise the way you work

Open space – open plan or zoned office space?

Traditional open space was an American idea to improve work efficiency while maximising the use of available office space. However, the open space had quite a few disadvantages, causing, among other things, a decrease in productivity and employee well-being through noise and a lack of privacy. The modern open space combines open space with zoning. In this way, it allows for better communication and collaboration between employees, while ensuring their comfort and need for privacy.

According to the expert

Depending on the specific task, staff have spaces to accommodate large project teams or small intimate areas (with tables and soft seating) for focused work, video conferencing or discussing a problem with other team members. Relaxation zones in the form of a chillout room or separate chillout areas play an important role in modern open spaces. They enable you to take a momentary break from your responsibilities, calm down and approach tasks with a rested mind

– says Eliza Donek, Product Manager at Mikomax.

Homely and natural

As part of the new open-plan concept, it is worth ensuring that the interior (and especially the relaxation areas) are reminiscent of a home atmosphere. The rigid conventions of austere and minimalist office interiors should be broken by natural materials, warm colours and plants. Home design creates a welcoming atmosphere at work and contributes to employee well-being and efficiency.

Relaxation area in the office

An important element of the open-plan office is the chillout area, which allows employees to take a break during the day and keep productivity high. Such an area can be used to set up sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and other elements that promote relaxation, stress relief and interaction with colleagues. Chillout zones can also include plants that introduce naturalness and help to purify the air. Nature-inspired offices are a trend that is gaining popularity, especially in terms of concern for employee well-being and the impact of the working environment on productivity.

How to turn a traditional office into a multifunctional space

In modern offices, there is also a strong emphasis on the comfort and well-being of employees. In order to adapt the traditional open space to the new requirements, first and foremost, flexibility must be introduced in the arrangement of the space. Free-standing partition walls that resemble trees are great for this purpose as they not only improve acoustic comfort, but also become interesting decorative pieces.

Mobile acoustic walls

Multifunctional office spaces need to be able to quickly transform according to the type of work. Soniq mobile acoustic walls are innovative solutions that, thanks to their castor feet, can be quickly moved to any location. Four wall sizes and angled and parallel connectors make it easy to create temporary rooms and improve acoustic comfort and privacy for meetings or individual work.

Find out more about creating separate zones in open space with office walls in our article: Divide and conquer with the SONIQ modular partition system

Modular furniture – Ligo multipurpose cube system

Modern offices require flexible and practical solutions, such as modular furniture. With the Ligo cube system you will create a complete office without effort or great expense. The cubes are versatile and easily configurable pieces that can be combined in various arrangements to create furniture with different functions – from desks and shelves to seating and storage spaces. The cubes are easy to rearrange and adapt to changing needs. In small offices, for example, they can be stowed away in a corner at the end of a team meeting, so that they are out of the way and waiting for the next use.

Furniture on wheels – able to cope with the frenetic pace of work

Furniture on wheels is another solution that allows you to transform your office quickly and easily. With the use of chairs, conference tables or cabinets, the layout of the room can be changed in the blink of an eye and can be adapted for client meetings, presentations or teamwork. This flexibility allows the creation of different work zones, aiding efficiency and promoting better office space management.

Working at any level thanks to adjustable desks

Adjustable desks in open spaces are another solution that can contribute to the functionality of the office. By changing the height of the tabletop, employees are able to work in both sitting and standing positions. Desks that are electronically (Balance) or manually (Stand Up and Stand Up R) adjustable contribute to improved ergonomics, and the health and well-being of staff. Changing position over the course of a few hours during the working day can also be beneficial in increasing productivity.

To find out more about the advantages of working at an adjustable desk, take a look at our article: STAND UP R, the best sit stand bench desk for hybrid offices

Space to meet online and work in larger groups

Today’s offices need to accommodate remote working and online meetings, as well as collaboration in larger groups. In order to create such spaces, it is important to invest in the right equipment, such as cameras, microphones or screens that enable video conferencing. In addition, it is a good idea to create a meeting area, e.g. with acoustic cubicles, where employees can work together on projects, exchange ideas and support each other.

Seeking to transform your office into a place that encourages creativity and efficiency?

Check out our range of modern multipurpose office furniture