It all started with WiFi.

Mobile computing liberated the modern office worker from assigned seating and isolated cubicles. Employees have since embraced workspaces that allow them to sit, stand, roam and interact with co-workers throughout the day. Office managers have started to pay attention to these changing needs, making improvements that promote employee happiness.

The interest in office wellness is for a good reason: a recent report from Gallup reported that engaged employees, those who have an emotional investment in their work, are 20% more productive. Physical comfort plays a role in that engagement. Providing employees with a workspace that can quickly adapt to a variety of purposes offers a way to reduce stress, and gives them a say in how and where they work.

From standing desks to mobile storage, here are five ways to transform a standard office into a flexible workspace.

1. Create A Lounge Area

Offices have started to designate areas where employees can stretch out and take a momentary pause from the daily grind. Lounges are more casual and encourage social interaction, which can lead to more creative thinking and problem-solving. Adding simple furnishings like cushioned chairs and sofas to a corner of the office can go a long way in making sure employees are comfortable, plus it offers an alternative work spot.

2. Replace Cubicles With An Open Benching System

More companies have moved into open office areas. Managers have turned to benching, taking down cubicle walls and replacing them with collaborative desk clusters. Hot-desking, when desks are assigned ad-hoc, has become a popular way to break the monotony of assigned seating.

Employees can interact with each other without leaving their work, and the randomness promotes conversation. Benching also works well for those who are frequently out of the office and do not require a permanent seat. Should the need for privacy arise, most systems can be equipped with screens, and plug-and-play capability allows easy access to power strips across all desks.

3. Make Desk Heights Adjustable

Sitting at a desk all day is not only repetitive, it is unhealthy. Office dwellers have started to incorporate standing desks into their daily routine, and apps exist to remind them when to stretch their legs. Office managers can consolidate desk space, while still providing a healthier standing alternative, by investing in tables with adjustable heights. The Basecamp table from EthoSource comes equipped with motorized legs that can adjust from a seated height of 28.5 inches to 47.75 inches. Employees of all sizes can adjust the desk to their specific sitting and standing needs.

4. Keep Furniture Mobile And Multipurpose

Furniture on wheels can help utilize all the available floor space without getting in the way. Dual-purpose furniture also helps to further consolidate space. Filing cabinets that act as seating can be used for impromptu meetings, sliding back under a desk when not in use. EthoSource’s mobile pedestal combines a cushion with a 22-inch high cabinet, combining seating with storage.

5. Make Spaces Multipurpose

As with furniture, smaller offices will often have spaces that serve multiple purposes. Kitchens can easily become conference rooms while mobile desks can be turned around for a seminar-style presentation. Mobile furniture further extends the use of these spaces, allowing chairs and desks to be wheeled in or out depending on the type of meeting.

Whether a workspace is in a warehouse or a skyscraper, managers can make small changes in furniture to turn any office into a more welcoming and productive environment for their employees. Basecamp, a line from Ethosource, offers customizable designs and the flexibility to meet any need.

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