Liqui Group, Author at Liqui Design

Flexible workspace design: A Guide to wellness & productivity.

Posted on 30/11/202410/12/2024 by Liqui Group

The flexible workspace.

In today’s evolving work environment, flexible workspace design has become more than just a trend—it’s a fundamental strategy for improving employee well-being, productivity, and collaboration. With hybrid work models reshaping office culture, businesses are turning to flexible office designs to create dynamic environments that meet the needs of modern employees.

What is Flexible Workspace Design?

Flexible workspace design is about creating adaptable environments that support a variety of work styles and tasks. From modular furniture to multi-functional spaces and integrated technology, flexible offices are designed to facilitate both individual focus and collaborative work.
One key principle in this approach is Activity-Based Working (ABW). ABW encourages employees to move freely between different zones, such as quiet areas, collaborative hubs, and breakout spaces, depending on the task at hand. This mobility fosters autonomy and boosts well-being by offering employees choice in how and where they work.

“The outcome is an exceptional refurbishment. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the Airbus Business Centre has optimised for functionality, productivity and brand representation.”
Ian Middleton – Airbus UK & EU Operations

Key features of flexible workspace design include:

Modular, reconfigurable furniture
Zones for hybrid and in-person work
Activity-based environments for greater movement
Technology integration for seamless collaboration

As UK companies continue to adapt, 59% of organisations plan to invest in new technology that supports flexible office designs. (Codex)

Measurable Impact of Flexible Workspace Design.

One of the key advantages of flexible workspace design is that its success can be measured across several critical business outcomes, including employee productivity, wellness, and reductions in absenteeism and staff illness. Below are some of the key benefits of adopting this approach.

1. Improved Productivity
Flexible workspaces are known to increase productivity by providing employees with environments that suit different working styles. According to a 2023 report by Gensler, companies with flexible workspaces saw a 15-20% increase in productivity, as employees have greater control over their work environments, enabling better focus and collaboration. The availability of Activity-Based Working (ABW) allows employees to move between quiet zones for focused work and collaborative spaces, creating the ideal conditions for different tasks.

2. Enhanced Employee Wellness
Employee wellness is at the heart of flexible office design, and it has a direct link to productivity and overall workplace satisfaction. A survey conducted by the World Green Building Council (WGBC) found that incorporating natural elements like biophilic design can boost employee well-being by as much as 15%, thanks to reduced stress and mental fatigue.

Additionally, businesses that integrate wellness features such as ergonomic furniture and meditation rooms have reported a 30% increase in employee satisfaction, according to research from Knight Frank.

3. Reduced Absenteeism and Sick Days
Flexible workspace designs, especially those that focus on well-being and sustainability, help to reduce staff illness and absenteeism. The International WELL Building Institute states that organisations focusing on wellness design have experienced a 12% reduction in sick days. This is attributed to the healthier environments created by improved air quality, ergonomic workstations, and spaces for relaxation, which help reduce physical and mental health issues.

4. Promoting Sustainability
Flexible offices are not only efficient but can also be environmentally responsible. By incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, businesses can create eco-friendly workspaces that meet both company and employee expectations for environmental stewardship.

Flexible workspaces increase employee satisfaction by 30% and improve productivity by up to 15% in biophilic environments.
(Knight Frank) (Ampersand Studios).

These workspace designs are not only about efficiency but also about creating environmentally responsible environments. Liqui Group leads the way in this regard by integrating sustainable materials into every aspect of our designs. For example, by using waterborne lacquers and paints, Liqui significantly reduces the amount of off-gassing, resulting in cleaner, healthier air in the office. This attention to detail ensures that the spaces not only align with BREEAM and WELL standards but also contribute to the overall well-being of employees by minimising harmful air pollutants.

How to Implement Flexible Workspace Design.

1. Understand Employee Needs
Start by assessing how your employees work. Different teams have different needs, and flexible workspace design should reflect that.

2. Incorporate Space Planning in Company Strategy
Strategic space planning is key to maximising efficiency. By analysing how teams use the office, companies can plan for optimal desk usage (e.g., a 0.6:1 desk-to-employee ratio), ensuring that communal areas, rather than individual desks, take centre stage. This allows more open, collaborative spaces without reducing overall real estate.

3. Leverage Smart Technology
Technology plays a critical role in flexible workspaces. From IoT devices to video conferencing tools, smart technologies enable seamless transitions between in-office and remote work.

4. Design for Sustainability and Well-Being
Wellness and sustainability should go hand in hand in modern office design. Natural light, air quality, and eco-friendly materials all contribute to a healthy work environment.

5. Engage Stakeholders for Buy-In
Successful flexible workspace design requires buy-in from all stakeholders—employees, employers, landlords, and suppliers. Each has a role in supporting a culture of flexibility and well-being. Landlords can provide appealing, amenity-rich environments, while employers must support ABW through the provision of facilities that promote employee movement and well-being.

Creating a Welcoming Office Environment

Incorporating flexibility also means designing an office that feels comfortable and inviting. Here are some suggestions for creating a welcoming space:

Residential-style interiors with homely materials and finishes.
Varied seating options for a variety of work styles
Softer lighting to create a calming atmosphere
Mother’s rooms and meditation rooms for privacy and relaxation
Curtains and partitions to provide adaptable privacy
Durable materials that are sustainable and align with WELL and BREEAM standards

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your office with Flexible Workspace Design.

Flexible workspace design is about more than just office layouts—it’s about creating spaces that enhance employee well-being, promote productivity, and foster sustainability. By adopting flexible, activity-based working models, businesses can future-proof their workspaces while improving employee satisfaction.

References

Gensler Report (2023) – Flexible workspace design has been shown to increase productivity by 15-20%.
Reference: Gensler U.S. Workplace Survey 2023

World Green Building Council (WGBC) – Natural elements such as biophilic design improve employee well-being by 15%.
Reference: World Green Building Council – Health, Wellbeing & Productivity in Offices

Knight Frank Research – Businesses incorporating wellness features reported a 30% increase in employee satisfaction.
Reference: Knight Frank – Workplace Trends for 2024

International WELL Building Institute – Organisations focusing on wellness have experienced a 12% reduction in sick days.
Reference: International WELL Building Institute

BREEAM and WELL Accreditations – Sustainability and wellness certifications that Liqui Group integrates into their workspace designs.
Reference: BREEAM Sustainability Certification and WELL Building Standard

A Guide to Office Refurbishments

Posted on 24/09/202425/09/2024 by Liqui Group

Office Refurbishments - Why it's important.

Office refurbishment is about more than just giving your workspace a new look—it’s about creating an environment that aligns with how your team works today and in the future. Whether you’re updating your office to reflect modern work practices or simply refreshing a tired space, a well-planned refurbishment can make a significant impact on your business. In this guide, we’ll explore why refurbishing your office is a smart investment, the steps involved, and the key benefits it can bring. In the background you’ll notice photos from the Office Refurbishment we completed for Airbus recently at their London HQ.

Why Refurbish Your Office?

There are several good reasons to refurbish your office. One major reason is to support evolving work habits. As hybrid and flexible working become more common, companies are rethinking how their spaces are used, incorporating more open layouts, breakout areas, and flexible workstations . Additionally, your office should reflect your brand and company culture. A thoughtful refurbishment can create an inspiring environment focused on well-being that helps employees feel more connected to your business and therefore improves productivity. There’s also a financial upside—refurbishing your office can increase its value and improve energy efficiency, leading to cost savings in the long term .

The Refurbishment Process

The process of refurbishing an office typically starts with evaluating your current space to identify what works and what doesn’t. From there, you’ll develop a design that addresses your business’s needs and budget. Hiring experienced project managers and designers can help ensure everything runs smoothly and that your vision is executed correctly . Once the planning phase is complete, the actual refurbishment work begins, which can range from minor updates to a complete overhaul. The key is to minimize disruption to your business while ensuring the project stays on time and within budget .

The Benefits of Refurbishment

A well-executed refurbishment can do wonders for both the look and function of your office. For employees, it can mean a more comfortable, productive workspace with better lighting, ergonomic furniture, and spaces designed for collaboration . The result is often increased morale and productivity, which can have a direct impact on your bottom line. Refurbishing your office also sends a strong message to clients and prospective hires that your company is forward-thinking and committed to providing a top-notch work environment . Plus, by incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, your business can reduce its environmental impact and operating costs.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Like any major project, office refurbishments come with their share of challenges. These might include sticking to the budget, avoiding delays, or managing disruptions to your daily operations. Careful planning is crucial to overcoming these issues. It’s also important to involve employees in the process to ensure the new space meets their needs . Another consideration is designing for flexibility. As business needs and work trends evolve, it’s smart to include adaptable features like modular furniture or multi-purpose areas that can evolve alongside your company .

If you are considering an office refurbishment, we would be happy to disscuss your project with you.
Please contact us here.

References

Trevor Blake – Office Refurbishment Guide 2024 Fit Out Specialist

Office Insight – Essentials office refurbishment, essentials guide. 2024

Iconic Project Management – The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Project Refurbishment! 2024

Office Insight – Top 10 tips for planning and executing an office refurbishment in 2024

Liqui two time LIV hospitality award winner for Brew92 Kings Road.

Posted on 26/09/202330/11/2024 by Liqui Group

Liqui have won two LIV awards.

Another great achievement for the Liqui team.

We’re really happy to announce that we have won two LIV Design Hospitality awards! Brew92 King’s Road has been chosen as a winner for the ‘Interior Design – Restaurant Casual’ category and the ‘Destination – Middle East’ category.

This is another great achievement for team this year. We’re really looking forward to getting stuck in to new projects and seeing what more can be achieved in 2022.

Awarded Top 100 architects and designers for a second year.

Posted on 02/06/202330/11/2024 by Liqui Group

Liqui are named top 100 architects and designers.

What a great start to 2023!

We’re so excited to announce that we’ve been named Top 100 Architects and Designers of the year – 2022. We worked on some fantastic projects last year, the highlight being our latest coffee shop flagship store in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

We worked incredibly hard last year and we’re super proud of everything the team achieved. We’re really excited to get stuck in with the projects we have this year and hopefully have another award winning project.

A guide to hybrid office design.

Posted on 02/06/202310/12/2024 by Liqui Group

Office design of the future: the Liqui view on the hybrid office.

Introduction

In this article, we discuss the rise of hybrid office design: what it is, why it’s important, and how flexible workplace design can benefit employees, companies and organisations.

In May 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Liqui made a speculative forecast, attempting to predict the future of the office and office design. We said: “the biggest change that will be adopted, with even greater momentum, is design for flexibility and well-being.” More than two years later and with a widespread adoption of the ‘hybrid office’ or ‘hybrid model’, it seems we may have been right. Hybrid office design is a response to the need for better flexibility and well-being.

The hybrid office

One major impact of the pandemic was how it changed the way in which people work—today’s workforce have, on the whole, a different view of working practices compared with pre-pandemic ways of working. With hybrid working post covid there is a much greater emphasis on the importance of a work-life balance. Employees want to keep the flexibility that comes with home working, but at the same time have a desire to avoid the loneliness and isolation experienced when home working during the pandemic was obligatory. A study conducted in March 2021 by intelligent learning platform HowNow, showed that more than two-thirds (67%) of UK-based remote workers felt disconnected from their colleagues. Moreover, half (49%) admitted this sense of disconnection was having a negative impact on how they viewed their job. From this, we can infer that a majority of workers would like to have the best of both worlds. A post-Covid shift in perspective has tilted the balance in favour of family, personal life, health, and well-being over work. This means that hybrid workplace design has an important role to play in addressing this fundamental change in employees’ priorities.

For the employers’ part, to attract and retain staff they should be aware of this new way of thinking. Where home working was an essential requirement for tackling the pandemic, today it is anything but a blip or fad: after more than two years of working from home, people have proved they can be trusted, reliable employees and have a better work-life balance. As a consequence, flexibility and well-being are non-negotiable terms for many employees. The prospect of returning to the status quo—working 9–5 at a stationary, office-based desk—no longer appeals. To address this new normal, business leaders are seeking ways to accommodate employees through office layout, improved facilities, and technology. Good hybrid office design, enables employers to offer flexibility and improved well-being for their employees.

A hybrid office can be described as a place where people go in order to work with others (whereas the traditional office is where people go simply to do their work). The hybrid workplace is centred around group activities, such as collaborative working, meetings, and brainstorming sessions. Remote working is then reserved for individual work-related activities. Hybrid offices should also be viewed as social destinations, playing an important role in reconnecting people and businesses. A primary role of a hybrid office design must be to make any commute worth undertaking. It should create a flexible work environment of choice that serves to nudge human behaviour in a way that fosters teamwork, creativity, and innovation, while simultaneously encompassing a sense of community, shared culture, and well-being.

To achieve this, Liqui believes there are two key areas to focus on when designing a hybrid office: flexible working and wellness.

Flexible working

Flexible working is about providing the choice between remote and physical work environments, where collaboration happens seamlessly, and employees are free to work wherever they feel most comfortable and productive. The majority of employees want the choice to work remotely for part of the week, coming into the office when needed. It is important that employers do not impose a single style of working on employees—the best way to achieve this is by offering choice.

Offering choice means designing a hybrid office that accommodates different modes of working. This necessitates the consideration of the many ways in which a business and its employees operate, thereby designing spaces that cater to those working in the office and remotely. Any design should give thought to the following: social areas with comfortable seating, enclosed areas for more individual and small group tasks, quiet nooks for meetings, and conference rooms for video calls with colleagues and clients.

Desks are a key element of a flexible work space and a range of solutions should be taken into account (beyond that which is typical of the traditional office). It may be the case that some employees require or want a fixed location to work from—while recognising this, a good hybrid office design should seek to reduce the number of desks, opting instead for hot desks. With many employees working remotely, a hot desk environment allows every employee to book a desk, via a booking system, as and when required.

A reduction in desks increases the amount of office space available for a range of collaborative working and social environments; importantly, employees no longer feel tethered to their desks. Hybrid workplace design that embrace flexibility, choice, and collaboration will facilitate cooperation by people across departments, helping to solve complex problems and shape innovative ideas. The realisation of such collaborations is often fortuitous, however they can be made more likely by employing ‘nudge tactics’: the strategic placement of a printer station where a conversation is sparked by a passing colleague, or a centralised high table where a new member of staff overhears a stand-up meeting, stops to ask a question, and makes a contribution (what we call the ‘kitchen table’ effect). A well conceived hybrid office design should create a hub for these encounters, while striking a balance between openness and privacy: a coffee-shop-meets-library style environment.

Design and layout of the hybrid office are created with the understanding that work happens as much in the canteen and coffee nook as it does at the desk. However, design and layout can only do so much. If the hybrid workplace is to become a destination that employees will happily commute to and fully avail of, then a top-down approach is required. Senior management should take the lead by providing clear guidance to employees, while experimenting with and evolving what works best for their teams. Leaders must also be intentional about connecting hybrid and remote employees into the organisation’s working culture. To achieve this, it is crucial that the most up-to-date technology seamlessly bridges the gap between remote and office-based staff: a fully functioning hybrid workspace needs the tools to empower remote collaboration.

From Liqui’s perspective, we believe that if a hybrid office is to truly offer flexible working for all employees, then investment is required in four key areas: design, hardware, software, and culture. This will result in improved productivity because irrespective of where staff members are based, they can make the most of their day.

Workplace wellbeing

The idea of wellbeing in the workplace isn’t new and was in fact gaining much attention prior to the pandemic. In the aftermath of Covid-19, workplace wellbeing has come into sharp focus and is fundamental to the hybrid office model. According to Microsoft’s ‘2022 Work Trend Index’ (a study of 31,000 people in thirty-one countries), 53% of employees are now more likely to prioritise health and well-being over work than before the pandemic.

Social interactions were mostly virtual during the pandemic—this continual online way of communicating served as a reminder of the importance of face-to-face conversation and connection. At the same time, the mental health concerns and anxiety levels of many people were exacerbated due to factors such as unemployment and the loss of income. Employers cannot overlook these issues and office designers must work to ensure wellness is at the core of any workspace design. In a hybrid workplace, meeting people’s needs is paramount and therefore human-centric design will play a pivotal role. The inclusion of well-designed furniture, acoustics, lighting, and greenery will help bolster employee wellness. If the hybrid office design is to be a success, then people need to make use of the space. It should feel like a home from home, a place where the person wants to be and is not compelled to be.

We believe the hybrid office should fully embrace the idea of the ‘coffice’, a portmanteau word combining coffee and office. Essentially, there are three types of spaces: home, work, and the third space. This third space is something like a coffee shop, a place in which to drink coffee, socialise, and work. In the years before Covid-19 we saw an increase in people choosing to work from coffee shops. We also saw workspaces begin to adopt the coffee shop aesthetic. As a consequence, the line between the office and third space was becoming increasingly blurred. We believe this trend should be embraced and the hybrid office, by its very nature, embodies this. It quashes the sterile, rigid idea of the office of old, and instead offers flexibility with more of a coffee shop feel. This approach places an emphasis on employee well-being, on collaborative working, creativity, productivity, and staff retention.

By developing spaces that allow colleagues to nurture better bonds, a well thought out hybrid office design will improve people’s well-being. As a result, employees can enjoy a greater work-life balance, the freedom to choose where and how they work, and a reinforced sense of community. This sense of community helps to boost employee engagement and happiness levels, which, in turn, boosts a business’s bottom line. Designed with the entire workforce in mind, the hybrid office can empower people to do their best work.

References

– HR News. 2021. Remote working results in majority of Brits feeling disconnected, yet four
fifths want to continue WFH in some capacity – HR News. [online] Available at:
<https://hrnews.co.uk/remote-working-results-in-majority-of-brits-feeling-disconnected-yet-
four-fifths-want-to-continue-wfh-in-some-capacity/> [Accessed 30 September 2022].

– Microsoft (CEE Multi-Country News Center). 2022. Work Trend Index: Hybrid work as a
new cultural norm. [online] Available at: <https://news.microsoft.com/en-
cee/2022/04/04/work-trend-index-hybrid-work-as-a-new-cultural-norm/> [Accessed 30
September 2022].

Cameron Fry Creative Director on award-winning coffee shop design in KSA.

Posted on 22/02/202330/11/2024 by Liqui Group

NEW YEAR, NEW MONTH, NEW FEATURE IN COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN

BREW92 IS A SUSTAINABLE HAVEN FOR COFFEE LOVERS

Back in January, we spoke with CID about our latest flagship coffee shop in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was great to speak with them in depth and cover some important topics about the project including design highlights/challenges we faced, brand values and how we felt the design aesthetics fitted into the coffee culture in Saudi. To read the full interview and find out more about the project, please click on the link below:

https://www.commercialinteriordesign.com/projects/brew92-by-liqui-group-in-ksa-is-a-sustainable-haven-for-coffee-lovers

Liqui awarded Top 100 architects and designers 2022.

Posted on 25/01/202325/09/2024 by Liqui Group

LIQUI ARE NAMED TOP 100 ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS

WHAT A GREAT START TO 2023

Mixology Awards 2022 winner for Brew92 Kings Road.

Posted on 29/06/202230/11/2024 by Liqui Group

LIQUI WIN PROJECT OF THE YEAR AT THE MIXOLOGY 2022 AWARDS

A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE LIQUI TEAM

We’re super pleased to announce that we’ve won the Project Of the Year (Bar & Leisure) Mixology Award with our latest King’s Road project for Brew92. The entire team have worked super hard this year and it’s great to see the recognition for it. We’re looking forward to working on more exciting projects this year and seeing what more we can achieve.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards winner 2022 for Brew92 Kings Road.

Posted on 31/05/202225/09/2024 by Liqui Group

LIQUI HAVE WON THE LUXURY LIFESYLE AWARD 2022

BREW92 KING’S ROAD WINS ANOTHER AWARD

We’re really happy to announce that we have won the Luxury Lifestyle Award 2022! Brew92 King’s Road has been chosen as a winner for the Best Luxury Commercial Interior Design in Saudi Arabia.

We’re super excited to have won multiple awards for our latest project in the Middle East. We’re really looking forward to continuing working with our client and building the Brew92 brand.

LIV Awards winner for Brew92 Kings Road.

Posted on 19/05/202225/09/2024 by Liqui Group

LIQUI HAVE WON TWO LIV AWARDS

ANOTHER GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE LIQUI TEAM

This is another great achievement for team this year. We’re really looking forward to getting stuck in to new projects and seeing what more can be achieved in 2022.

The flexible workspace.

What is Flexible Workspace Design?

“The outcome is an exceptional refurbishment. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, the Airbus Business Centre has optimised for functionality, productivity and brand representation.”

Key features of flexible workspace design include:

Measurable Impact of Flexible Workspace Design.

How to Implement Flexible Workspace Design.

Creating a Welcoming Office Environment

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your office with Flexible Workspace Design.

References

Office Refurbishments - Why it's important.

Why Refurbish Your Office?

The Refurbishment Process

The Benefits of Refurbishment

Overcoming Common Challenges

If you are considering an office refurbishment, we would be happy to disscuss your project with you. Please contact us here.

References

Liqui have won two LIV awards.

Another great achievement for the Liqui team.

Liqui are named top 100 architects and designers.

What a great start to 2023!

Office design of the future: the Liqui view on the hybrid office.

NEW YEAR, NEW MONTH, NEW FEATURE IN COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN

BREW92 IS A SUSTAINABLE HAVEN FOR COFFEE LOVERS

LIQUI ARE NAMED TOP 100 ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS

WHAT A GREAT START TO 2023

LIQUI WIN PROJECT OF THE YEAR AT THE MIXOLOGY 2022 AWARDS

A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE LIQUI TEAM

LIQUI HAVE WON THE LUXURY LIFESYLE AWARD 2022

BREW92 KING’S ROAD WINS ANOTHER AWARD

LIQUI HAVE WON TWO LIV AWARDS

ANOTHER GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FOR THE LIQUI TEAM

London office

Sussex studio & workshops

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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London office

Sussex studio & workshops

Email

London office

Sussex studio & workshops

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Email

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If you are considering an office refurbishment, we would be happy to disscuss your project with you.
Please contact us here.