How Coworking Space Design Impacts Productivity

Coworking spaces have emerged as the most popular form of flexible working this decade, gaining notoriety for increasing worker productivity levels.

A coworking space are rentable offices catering to businesses and freelancers across many industries. Due to their flexibility, they can accommodate diverse working styles, making them a great alternative to a traditional office environment. 

But what’s the secret behind the success of coworking spaces making companies turn their back on the traditional office? Innovative interior design.

The unique, cutting-edge office design harnessed by coworking spaces makes them more than just a place to get your job done. 

In this piece, you’ll learn:

• The design elements that make coworking spaces more productive
• The role coworking design has on productivity

Elements of Coworking Space Design that Impact Productivity

Layout and Space Planning

The layout and spatial planning of a coworking space are crucial components to creating the right space for productive work.

A coworking space good layout serves multiple functions; it promotes efficient workflow, minimises distractions, allows easy travel to and from the desk to the meeting room and supports the wellbeing of all occupants.

Open vs. Private Spaces

The open plan space vs private space debate is one of the most well-discussed discourses in modern office design.

Whilst both layouts come with their advantages and disadvantages, the UK boasts the highest number of businesses with open plan office space in the world. As of 2023, 49% of UK employees worked in open spaces.

Proponents of the open workspace cite increased opportunity for collaboration and greater floor space flexibility as crucial benefits to the work environment.

In contrast, private office spaces lower the amount of distractions, promote concentration and maintain employee personal space.

Ultimately, the ideal coworking space design should offer both open spaces and private office areas, balancing the diverse needs of businesses and individuals to create the right space for everyone.   

Workflow Optimisation

Workflow optimisation is essential for maximising productivity in flexible workspaces.

Well-designed coworking spaces can significantly enhance the work experience by streamlining processes, reducing distractions, and fostering collaboration.

Traffic Flow

Traffic flow considers how people move within the office environment, from their desk to meeting rooms to the kitchen and other amenities.

A lively coworking space ensures that all in-office movements are efficient and don’t create distractions for others at their desks, avoiding congestion at all costs.

Features found in coworking spaces with great traffic flow include wide, clear pathways, visual cues such as signage and floor markings, and strategically placed amenities.

Zoning

Zoning divides the overall workspace into distinct areas that are designated for a specific purpose.

In a coworking space, this means assigned collaborative zones, quiet pods, phone booths, dining spaces, and recreation areas, which create a comfortable and enjoyable work environment.

Lighting

Access to proper lighting is essential to fostering a positive and productive office environment, benefitting workers in every aspect of work life.

One study found that working in a space with ample natural light was ranked as the number one attribute of an optimal office space.

The advantages of light-soaked coworking spaces are vast, with adequate lighting linked to improved mood levels, stress reduction, enhanced wellbeing and creativity, increased safety and decreased eye strain.

Natural light is the most beneficial source of lighting for productivity, as it acts as an energy booster, increases vitamin D levels and encourages better quality sleep.

However, task and ambient lighting are also important for focused work. Task lighting offers additional light for individual workstations whilst ambient or general lighting creates a comfortable and inviting office atmosphere, which is also critical for productivity and wellbeing.

Breakout: Tips to increase light in office spaces:

• Harness the interior design technique of daylighting by placing furniture, skylights and reflective surfaces strategically to maximise window light
• Add desk lamps and personal lights
• Use cooler toned LED lights such as ‘true white’ that mimic outdoor light levels

Acoustics

The right acoustics play a pivotal role in the overall functionality and productivity of office spaces.

While it’s an obvious fact that quieter spaces are more productive than loud ones, many underestimate the consequences of working among too much sound. 

Environments with poor acoustics, which are spaces with loud noise or a lot of chatter, can result in broken concentration and focus, which can lead to lower job satisfaction and retention for businesses.

A great coworking space incorporates sound absorption materials like panels, carpets and curtains to reduce reverberation and echo, which are key to maintaining quiet areas.

Additionally, they also utilise sound masking technologies to make conversations and informal meetings hard to hear, emitting an ambient noise that is proven to increase focus.

Many coworking spaces also have dedicated private offices and spaces for intimate meetings and phone calls, further ensuring optimal acoustics at all times.

Colour Psychology

The colour of our offices greatly influences our behaviours and emotions, making it one of the most important decisions designers need to make in the design process.

Depending on the desired effect, the correct use of colours can make a coworking environment either a stimulating space to brainstorm ideas or make it a relaxed and stress-free zone.

For dynamic, collaborative spaces such as conference rooms to spark action, opt for red, orange and yellow. If you’re looking to create a more focused atmosphere, then blue and green hues are right up your alley.

Picking the right colour palette for your office requires careful consideration and may zones within the same coworking office have different colours to match their purpose.

Luckily, coworking space providers tend to have their own in-house design team and play it safe when selecting office space colours.

Add some greenery through biophilic features

Biophilic features, such as plants, water fountains, and natural materials are becoming increasingly common in coworking and traditional office space alike.

With the aim of connecting humans with nature within built environments, biophilic design is proven to create healthier and visually appealing work environments.

Paired with colour psychology, biophilic design adds a sense of calm and tranquility to workspaces, promoting increased worker output.

Ergonomics and Furniture

Let’s face it, no amount of amenities or perks can make up for an uncomfortable chair.

The invention of ergonomic furniture has been a game changer for the health and wellbeing of workers, allowing people to focus for longer periods of time at their desks.

Whether it's standing desks, adjustable chairs, posture perch supports, or armrest mousepads, ergonomic furniture significantly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal problems. It also allows workers to customise their workspaces to their comfort, further enhancing their output and concentration.

Ergonomic furniture isn’t just limited to the individual desk. Functional, modern furniture in communal spaces also ensures teams can collaborate and relax in an environment that supports their physical and mental health.

Creating flexible spaces with modular furniture

Modular furniture has also become a staple of coworking and flexible workspaces offering different seating and workspace styles.

Not only is this beneficial for creating segmented areas (think quiet zones and pop-up meeting rooms), but it also allows businesses to scale their spaces as they add new employees to their coworking membership.

This adaptability ensures that the space remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of users.

The Psychological Impact of Coworking Space Design

Sense of Community

The ability to foster community and a sense of belonging in the workplace is one of coworking’s biggest strengths. And design plays a major role in facilitating this.

When members feel comfortable and valued in their workspace, (through the creation of functional space and inclusion of ergonomic chairs for example)  they are more likely to engage with others, collaborate on projects, and build lasting relationships.

Additionally, design elements that encourage interaction, such as dedicated social space can create opportunities for casual conversations and spontaneous collaborations within the office group.  v

Whether this is shared kitchen spaces, lounge areas, or recreational finishings like a pool table, these features significantly improve office morale and relationship building.

This is advantageous not only for day-to-day working but also for the networking events that coworking is prized for.

Conference rooms and event space design encourage members to actively participate in summits and meetings through the inclusion of collaborative tools.

Stress Reduction

Using design elements such as biophilic finishings, lighting and colours, coworking spaces can create a calming and restorative environment to combat stress.

The overall office layout also plays a role in stress reduction as the strategic placement of quiet zones and breakout rooms gives people the ability to escape the hustle and bustle of the main workspace and recharge.

When members have access to spaces that are designated and designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, they are better equipped to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall productivity.

Inspiration and Creativity

Anyone who’s ever been in a vibrant co working space knows how inspiring they can be. And they’re even more inspirational when soaked in natural light, have large windows overlooking the views of East London or New York, and are filled with colour and greenery.

When employees have access to spaces that promote creativity and innovation, they are more likely to generate fresh ideas, solve problems effectively, and finish their tasks.

This is particularly essential in creative industries but is also true for businesses in the legal, financial and IT sector.

In fact, one study found that 73% of UK workers would consider leaving their organisation if the workspaces didn’t inspire them to get their job done.

Coworking office design ensures that undesired features, such as messy desks, poor lighting, lack of quiet spaces and uncomfortable furnishings are avoided at all cost, guaranteeing that worker’s don’t lose their creative spark.

Find a Coworking Space

Ultimately, the design of a coworking space is a critical factor for workplace productivity and success.

By carefully considering factors such as layout, acoustics, lighting, furniture, and color psychology, coworking spaces can create environments that are not only functional but also inspiring and conducive to productivity.

Looking for a world-class coworking space boasting high-end design? Check out Servcorp’s Coworking spaces in London or our other 150+ locations around the globe.