Open-plan offices are the most popular design choice for modern workplaces, because of their flexibility and the fact that they are more economical to run than a layout based around smaller rooms. However, companies’ needs differ and one style does not fit all – so installing office partitioning is a way to shape your workspace to your individual requirements. Companies in London and Hertfordshire can call on Thames Contracts, who have a wealth of experience in this type of project.
Partitions can be installed as a tactical approach to specific problems, without having to be part of an overall office refurbishment, and without any necessity to involve building works. Frameless glass walls are the most in-demand type of partitioning overall, because of their stylish appearance and the way they make an office appear lighter. Glass manifestation, incorporating company logos if required, can also help to give a corporate stamp to the whole area.
However, there are also other types of partition available, which can be more appropriate in particular areas of the workplace.
Security Areas
In an area where high security is required, it is possible to fit steel mesh or solid metal partitions, protecting sensitive data, servers, databases and file stores. Partitioning of this type can also be used to create secure compounds, and can be combined with PIN entry systems to limit access to specific people.
Meeting Rooms
Creating meeting rooms within a larger open-plan area will add to the flexibility of the workplace as a whole, taking pressure off main areas by ensuring that employees are not constantly distracted by meetings being held near their desks. As well as providing privacy for meetings, this measure can also help boost overall productivity.
Glass partitioning has advantages in terms of light, while switchable glass partitions can be opaque when a meeting is in progress and become transparent at other times, as needed. Double-glazed glass office partitioning incorporating built-in Venetian blinds is also good choice for this type of area, providing both sound insulation and flexible visibility.
Kitchen/Social Areas
Providing eating areas and other social facilities is important to retain a workforce and build staff engagement. When you are installing a kitchen, informal meeting area or a breakout space where staff can chat over coffee, installing soundproof partitioning can help to avoid disrupting other areas of your business. This type of partition can help to take noise away from core work areas, and is an option chosen by many London offices.
Quiet Areas
In some types of business, such as call centres, the main office area may generally be quite noisy, with telephones constantly going and discussions between colleagues. In this type of office environment, it could help productivity if separate quiet areas are created for people who need to concentrate on specific tasks in isolation for short periods.
Partitioning can be used to define a desk area that is fully networked, meaning people working there have full access to computing services, but with no phones to cause a distraction while key tasks are being completed.
Zoning
Even where it isn’t necessary for staff to work in completely separate rooms or spaces, many London companies are adopting tactical use of partitioning. This can help to define “zones” where different teams work or different activities take place.
For instance, printers and copiers could be placed behind a partition, but without being completely closed off from the surrounding office space. Doing this reduces noise from the machines, while maintaining easy access for staff.
Perhaps your office includes an area of permanent desks for people who are in the office all day, and another “hot desk” area for those who have to come in and out of the office in between other activities. Partitioning could help to mark out these areas.
Noise Separation
Soundproof partitioning can help to create a better working environment, and boost productivity, for colleagues carrying out different types of work.
For instance, if members of a sales force making lots of phone calls are near to employees who need more quiet to process data, perhaps in a bank or insurance office, partitioning could cut out the noise. Choosing glass partitions would allow members of these different teams to maintain eye contact.
Temporary Changes
One advantage of partitions over permanent walls is that they make it possible to change an office layout more quickly. For instance, if your staffing needs alter at particular times of year, you can use demountable partitions to create smaller rooms just for the period that they are needed. Sliding partitions are another option allowing areas to be closed off temporarily, and increasing the flexibility of your overall office design.
About Thames Contracts
Whatever your reasons for needing an office partition service , Thames Contracts can provide an expert installation to transform your work space quickly. We have carried out many projects in London and Hertfordshire and our satisfied customers often recommend us to others. We can install partitioning on its own or as part of a full-scale office refit.
Contact Thames Contracts for details of how we can work with you to update your workplace by installing partitions.
