Enhancing Productivity in Home Offices

This should be common practice in offices around the world: Having quiet areas. Too many office workers, especially those who are neurodivergent, are struggling with noise. It is stressing people out – massively. That's why I loved seeing this "Quiet area" sign during a recent visit to our Philips UK head office. It's a practical example of how we can create more sensory-friendly and neuro-inclusive work environments, sometimes through simple interventions. Why does this matter? 👉 What can be enjoyable and energizing office "buzz" for one person (a popular argument for promoting in-office collaboration), may be highly distracting and debilitating for another – to the point where they get migraines and return home exhausted at the end of the day. 👉 Noise distractions are especially challenging for many individuals with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing conditions. I remember working in an open office plan and not getting anything done because I was constantly battling sensory overwhelm. It was a daily nightmare. 👉 However, this isn't just a problem that affects a small subset of the workforce. Noise can negatively affect everyone. A study in the Journal of Management & Organization showed how noise in open offices elevates physiological stress levels. On average, negative mood increased by 25%, and sweat response by 34%, after just eight minutes of exposure to an open-office plan. This is not a healthy workplace norm. 👉 Ironically, research has also shown how a constant state of sensory overload in open offices can in fact lead to *reduced* face-to-face interaction, as people retreat into their own private digital cocoons to cope with the lack of control over their surroundings. Creating designated quiet areas can help alleviate this problem by allowing people to dip in and out of social interaction based on their needs in the moment, giving them greater control over their workplace experiences. Is it a perfect solution? No. For some, a shared quiet area may not go far enough in shielding them from sensory distractions. But offering every person a private workspace may not always be viable or affordable. Creating quiet areas is a low- or zero-cost change that any office can start implementing today. What are other practices that can contribute to more sensory-friendly and neuro-inclusive office design? Feel free to share! #Neurodiversity Photo: A “Quiet area” sign in the Philips UK head office in Farnborough, asking people to “not take calls, participate in team meetings or engage in prolonged conversations” Cited research in this post: 📖 Sander at al. (2021). Open-plan office noise is stressful: multimodal stress detection in a simulated work environment. Journal of Management & Organization. 📖 Bernstein & Turban (2018). The impact of the open workspace on human collaboration. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.

"We stopped talking about return to office and started talking about reattaching." — Ryan Anderson, MillerKnoll Stress and burnout continue to grow and building engagement at work has taken a distant back seat to the continued drive for efficiency. Recent Upwork research reveals a troubling trend around AI: heavy users are becoming emotionally disconnected from their teams -- they actually trust AI more than their colleagues. What if, instead, we took some of that time back and invested in relationships? As Ryan put it "looking at AI as a way of reinvesting time savings in more relational human activities." The solution isn't just getting bodies in seats. It's designing spaces that strengthen human relationships. His team at MillerKnoll has identified what works in "relationship-based design": 🏢 Cafes with intention: Different table heights and seating arrangements that give people "permission to go meet someone new"—from quick corridor intercepts to intimate booth conversations. 📺 Meeting spaces for equity: Moving away from "Death Star-like" conference rooms to inclusive spaces where everyone has clear sight lines, whether remote or in-person. 🚪 Private offices reimagined: Designs that invite people in rather than create power distance—even executive offices can build relationships if you're intentional. Anderson's insight: successful workplace design is "50% space, 50% engagement." If people understand that a space is designed to help them connect and learn from each other, they'll actually use it that way. 👉 Read on for more in-depth #workplace design research: https://lnkd.in/d6fDvugg How are you designing your workplace to strengthen relationships, not just support tasks?

Can you work in chaos? Sure. But will the output be the same? Definitely not. As an agency owner, every day brings a new challenge. The kind of work we do requires a highly active brain—creative ideas, constant brainstorming, and strategic thinking. It’s not routine; it’s a journey to grow the business 70% of the time, and 30% to keep it running. But let’s be real: this journey is far from easy. If the environment isn’t peaceful—mentally or physically—it becomes nearly impossible to perform at our best. Here’s what I’ve learned about the two types of peace we need to succeed: 1️⃣ Mind Peace A cluttered mind equals a cluttered output. To clear your mental space: - Start your day with a to-do list and set priorities. - Take short breaks between intense tasks to reset. - Practice mindfulness or meditation for 5 minutes daily to declutter your thoughts. - Consider therapy. Sometimes, talking to a professional can help you manage stress, gain clarity, and improve focus. 2️⃣ Environmental Peace A messy space—physically or digitally—leads to messy productivity. Here’s what helps: - Keep your workspace clean and organized. - Declutter your digital life: organize files, clear your inbox, and streamline your workflow. - If home distractions are unavoidable, head to a cafe or coworking space for focused work. - Limit unnecessary noise or interruptions while working on creative tasks. Since I’ve started implementing these changes, my productivity has skyrocketed. Clean space, clear mind—it’s a game changer. If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed, give this a try. Prioritizing both mind peace and environmental peace can unlock your best work yet. Let me know which of these resonates most with you! 😊

91% of employees say they’d return to the office more often, if it actually supported the way they work.   Only 24% say their current office setup does. That’s a (major) problem begging for a solution.   At Plumm, we’ve learned this the hard way. Like many startups, we opted for an open-plan office, you know, the open door policy... it was modern and collaborative. and it made sense at the time, cost-effective, flexible, startup-friendly...   But new research has me thinking, Am I really creating the best environment for my team to thrive?   The truth is, open-plan offices weren’t designed for deep work or innovation. They were designed for visibility, for oversight, and the illusion of productivity. The kind that looks great on paper but fails to nurture real focus and creativity.   This is where the disconnect lies: We’re investing in AI, building out elaborate L&D strategies, scaling wellness programmes... But we’re still asking people to do complex, focused, strategic work surrounded by noise, zero privacy, and constant interruptions... The headphones.. The spontaneous calendar blocks... The cafés just for a bit of quiet...   And we’re not alone.   The real cost isn’t what’s happening inside the office. It’s what’s happening to productivity and culture outside it.   When the environment isn’t conducive to focused work, people naturally start to feel disengaged, distracted, and burned out. So, it's more than a layout issue, it's culture.   So now, we’re beginning to rethink how our space works for people. This means: Quiet zones with clear boundaries Desk ownership and predictability Better access to tools for hybrid and remote workers Thoughtful environments that support neurodiversity, introversion, and genuine thinking time Because this isn’t just about floorplans.   It’s about respect. Respecting how different people work best. Respecting that productivity doesn’t look the same for everyone. Respecting that culture isn’t how many faces are visible in an open-plan, it’s how people feel when they show up.   So, if your office is still running on a one-size-fits-all model, ask yourself this..   → Am I truly creating an environment that works for everyone? Or am I just following outdated norms?   Rethink how your office functions and watch the difference it makes, not just to productivity, but to the wellbeing and satisfaction of your team. It’s time to build an office that works for everyone.

🚀🚀 Your workspace is your competitive advantage🚀🚀 After Refining my development environment, I've learned that a well-designed office setup isn't just about aesthetics—it's about engineering excellence and productivity multiplication. What you see here: ✅ Multi-monitor setup for seamless code review and documentation ✅ Ambient lighting that reduces eye strain for late-night coding sessions ✅ Ergonomic positioning that keeps me focused for hours ✅ Quick access to development tools, terminal and management dashboard. The impact: • Faster debugging - Multiple screens mean I can monitor logs, code, and documentation simultaneously • Better code quality - Comfortable environment = clearer thinking = cleaner architecture • Efficient workflows - Everything I need is visible at a glance, no context switching delays • The content creation bonus - This setup doesn't just make me a better developer—it's also my content studio. This environment that helps me build robust software systems also enables me to create YouTube tutorials and technical blog posts that share knowledge with the community. ✅ Key takeaway: Invest in your workspace like you invest in your code. Fellow developers, what's your most game-changing workspace upgrade? Drop it in the comments! 👇 #SoftwareDevelopment #DeveloperLife #WorkspaceSetup #EngineeringProductivity #TechCommunity #ContentCreation

Our team's productivity jumped when we started implementing the 'Block My Calendar' Method. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀: Rather than discussing things in an open set-up, where everybody's flow of work would get disrupted, we got into a system. 𝘐𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 15 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘴. Apart from it being inclusive, what we realized is that people's productivity jumped! 𝗕𝘂𝘁, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮! This shift in communication was inspired by our open office setup. 𝘞𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. The conventional approach of impromptu discussions in open spaces created excessive noise, which was hindering our intern's ability to gather information effectively. That's when we introduced the Block My Calendar method. This change not only enhanced inclusivity for our visually challenged intern but also created a quieter and more considerate work environment for everyone. It's a simple adjustment that has made a meaningful impact on our team dynamics. What small shift in your work environment boosted your team's productivity? #productivity #teambuilding #workculture

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? Workplace design is increasingly shaped by how people engage with space. The physical office is no longer viewed as a static backdrop to work. It is becoming an active contributor to culture, connection, and clarity within teams. Over the past year, we’ve seen a shift in how organisations approach spatial planning. Many have begun to question whether their offices truly support how teams interact. Instead of following standard layouts, they are looking for spaces that encourage movement, allow informal connection, and respond to how work happens across different functions. Design briefs today often include specific requests for spaces that build informal connections. Lounge areas are being planned with as much care as conference rooms. Soft zones and decompression areas are being prioritised alongside focus pods. These choices reflect a shift in how organisations are defining productivity and presence. We have also seen design decisions are closely aligned with HR and people strategies. This is important as the workplace environment influences employees’ trust, behaviour, and a sense of belonging. At Ensemble, our approach focuses on observing how people move, pause, and engage with each other. We study how light, acoustics, posture, and privacy affect focus and collaboration. These observations help us plan spaces that support both business goals and people’s needs. The idea of community is often discussed in abstract terms. But in our work, it shows up in particular ways. It is present in how circulation areas are designed, how open areas are balanced with quiet corners, and how choice is built into how people use a space. We continue to work with clients who see design not as a checklist but as a layer of culture. They are building environments that bring people together with intention. That intention is where community begins. 𝐈𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤? 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. . . . #WorkplaceDesign #OfficeCulture #DesignForConnection #WorkplaceStrategy #DesignThinking #HybridWorkspaces #EmployeeExperience #FutureOfWork

How do you control sound in a space without showing acoustic panels? As designers, we often want serenity without sacrificing aesthetics. So, how can we keep interiors visually clean and acoustically comfortable? Here are 5 smart ways to hide acoustic panels in your design: ✅Behind Wooden Slats Stylish vertical or angled slats with acoustic fabric/panels behind them. Ideal for walls or ceilings. ✅Integrated in Ceilings Use micro-perforated gypsum boards or acoustic tiles above false ceilings – invisible but effective. ✅Inside Furniture Add sound-absorbing foam or acoustic boards in banquette backs, headboards, or shelving nooks. ✅As Wall Art Print art on acoustic fabric or mount minimalist panels as a design feature. Looks like art, works like tech. ✅Behind Curtains or Fabric Walls Layer acoustic panels behind full-height drapery or upholstered wall panels. Soft, elegant, and sound-friendly. ℹ️Materials often used: Acoustic foam , Perforated gypsum,Wood veneer panels,Sound-absorbing fabric, Mineral wool/rock wool. The goal is harmony- between sound, space, and style. Have you used hidden acoustics in your projects? I'd love to hear your approach! These AI-generated visuals are for conceptual exploration only and not linked to any real-world project .#InteriorDesign #AcousticDesign #midjourneyai

File It Right: Documentation Tips for Quantity Surveyors 1. Maintain a clear and consistent project-based filing system. E.g., create folders like “Project_A > Tender Stage > Drawings” or “Project_B > Site Records > Payment Certificates.” 2. Use standard naming conventions for all documents. E.g.: Name files like “ABC_Hotel_Project_BOQ_V3_2025-07-20.xlsx” or “Site_Measurement_Report_BlockA_2025-07-15.pdf”. 3. Digitize physical documents and back up files in cloud storage. E.g.: Scan signed variation orders and save them on Google Drive or OneDrive with the same structure as your local folders. 4. Keep a document register to track incoming and outgoing files. E.g.: Maintain an Excel sheet listing documents like “RFI #002 – Received from Architect on 20/07/2025 – Forwarded to Contractor.” 5. Follow a standardized document control procedure. E.g : Ensure every cost estimate is reviewed, signed, dated, and marked “Final” before distribution. 6. Use templates for reports, valuations, and other formal submissions. E.g: Use a standard Excel template for monthly valuations showing approved quantities, rates, and cumulative totals. 7. Ensure all documents are traceable to their sources (e.g., invoices, drawings). E.g : Link your cost report items to supporting documents like subcontractor quotes or supplier invoices. 8. Secure confidential files with passwords and access controls. E.g: Protect final account statements and commercial contracts with document-level passwords. 9. Coordinate document updates and version control with project stakeholders. E.g : Share revised BOQs or cost plans via email with version numbers and a changelog summary. 10. Conduct regular reviews and audits of your documentation system. E.g: Set a weekly or monthly reminder to archive old files, rename incorrectly labeled documents, and remove duplicates. Remember, a well-organized filing system is essential to ensure accuracy, accountability, and efficiency across all project stages. It allows easy access to key documents such as drawings, cost plans, contracts, and valuations, which supports better decision-making and reduces the risk of errors or disputes. In a profession where detail and traceability are critical, a strong filing system is not just good practice, it’s a professional necessity.

Have you noticed how loud it is in Starbucks lately? I’m not sure, but maybe it’s part of their business strategy. Either way, it reminded me of the importance of intentional space and HVAC design. That got me inspired to share “The Five Gotchas of HVAC Acoustics” with Dr. Sonic. In HVAC systems, effective noise management is not just a comfort issue—it's integral to system functionality and environmental harmony. A recent discussion on "The Engineers HVAC Podcast" with Dr. Sonic, also known as Gary Madaras, illuminated common acoustic pitfalls that engineers, contractors, and technicians encounter in HVAC design. Key Insights from HVAC Acoustics The conversation highlighted several critical "gotchas" to be aware of: 1. Inclusion of Equipment Sound Data: Frequently, HVAC designs omit critical sound data for equipment. Specifying sound power and pressure levels in documents can prevent compliance issues and expensive modifications post-installation. 2. Balancing Room Silence: An overly quiet room can amplify intermittent noises, disrupting the intended peaceful environment. Achieving an acoustic balance that masks such noises can enhance comfort. 3. Minimizing Crosstalk Through Ducts: Sound traveling between spaces via ductwork can compromise privacy. Designing systems to minimize shared duct pathways or using sound-attenuating materials can address this issue. 4. Optimal Air Velocities: Excessive air velocities can increase noise levels. Adhering to recommended standards can mitigate noise without sacrificing efficiency. 5.Proper Use of Return Air Plenums: While cost-effective, improper use of return air plenums can spread noise throughout a building. Careful design of return pathways or lined ducts can significantly reduce noise transmission. Practical Advice for HVAC Professionals To navigate these challenges: Always include comprehensive sound data in your design specifications. Strive for acoustic balance in spaces rather than extreme quiet. Design ductwork strategically to reduce noise transfer. Monitor air velocities to ensure they align with industry standards. Consider the acoustic implications of using return air plenums and plan accordingly. Engage Further with Acoustic Design Understanding these acoustic challenges can greatly enhance the environmental quality of any space affected by HVAC systems. Whether designing a new system or retrofitting an existing one, keeping these insights in mind will foster better noise control and a more comfortable environment. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out the detailed discussion with, Gary Madaras, PhD, aka Dr. Sonic, on The Engineers HVAC Podcast, available on all major podcast platforms. Please listen here:   https://lnkd.in/eDju8ZXY