How To ... Get your office design right

The design of our workspaces can affect our attitudes to work, making us more, or less, productive.

This is the view of Linda Trim, a director at workplace specialists Giant Leap.

"The way we work is changing, and the office needs to keep up. If offices remain stuck in the past, employee boredom will only increase.

"A different approach to design is needed."

She has the following advice:

The space does not need to be lavish, just creative, with access to natural light, collaborative spaces and private meeting rooms;

Poor lighting, cubicles that isolate workers from their colleagues and a lack of colour can combine to create an uninspiring office. Consider the overall effect of decor choices when designing a workspace;

The same old mottled grey carpets and beige desks are unlikely to increase productivity. Unexpected touches can help employees become more creative;

Create spaces that naturally encourage collaboration; and

Bring the outdoors indoors. Studies have shown that plants boost our health and mental wellbeing. - Margaret Harris