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Basics and Benefits of Work Zones in the Office

Basics and Benefits of Work Zones in the Office

Business owners and managers may look to a few different strategies or approaches for their office layout, and one of these is the separation of the office into various "work zones." Speaking to areas of the office that will comprise different setups and allow employees to take part in varied pursuits during the course of a given day, work zones can take on several different forms -- and office furniture often plays a major role in helping define and maintain them.

At Urban 9-5, we're happy to provide a wide range of industrial office furniture options, from workstations and seating choices through lighting, storage and numerous others. We've assisted many office managers and business owners with the purchase of products that will help them set up an ideal work zone arrangement within their office, and we'll do the same for you at your request. Here are some basics on what work zones are, the most common work zone templates usually used in offices, and the benefits of this approach.

Work Zone Basics and Benefits

If you're unfamiliar with the work zone format for an office space, it refers to a situation in which employees can move from one area of the office to another based on their specific duties -- and the various workstations, equipment and other aspects that will help them do their job. In offices with a high volume of workers or teams spread out over large numbers of rooms or cubicles, this setup can be very effective at maximizing efficiency and production.

In most cases, a work zone will contain an office desk and chair from the sort of furniture found in rooms throughout the establishment -- but they can vary in shape and size depending on a person's role or status. For instance, a manager might have a desk that is significantly larger than that of his direct reports, while sales associates may have a different sort of seating arrangement set up within their work zone. Some zones, such as those based around collaborative teamwork, might be arranged in horseshoe or semi-circle shapes; others may be more singular and linear in nature.

Types of Work Zones and Templates

Technically speaking, a work zone can be whatever you want it to be -- many companies tailor theirs directly to the specific products and services they produce. However, here are three of the most common general templates often used:

  • Solo: A "solo" work zone refers to an independent space where employees can work privately, without distraction. This can be at a standing desk, in an office with an "L" or U-shaped workstation setup, or within the workspace of another individual who needs to be separately monitored (such as in some call center operations).
  • Team: For some companies, teamwork is key to success. This can be done in a "team" work zone with small offices on either side of the space for two or more people; these can be arranged on an L-shaped plan with half-walls between each team member's office space -- or on one long couch that runs parallel to the rest of the space.
  • Communal: Finally, communal spaces are about interaction and common work efforts. This can be done within a "horseshoe" or semi-circle setup, with the two ends of the horseshoe representing individual office spaces (the middle can be an open area for collaboration). Or it could consist of various different communal tables set up around the room, with no enclosed offices.

For more on work zones within the office and why they're often beneficial, or to learn about any of our rustic office furniture options, speak to the staff at Urban 9-5 today.