Don't Step Over It: Why Office Flooring Matters More Than You Think

Sometimes considered an afterthought, the flooring we stand and work on every day is often overlooked. Designers can help you choose the perfect paint colors, furniture, and the overall aesthetic of your space, but the flooring is just as important to consider. The flooring in your office plays a role in the overall design and can help make your workplace a more productive and safe space. Here are some reasons why the flooring in your space matters and why you should pay special attention to it when designing your office environment.

Boosts Productivity and Comfort

Your employees spend a tremendous amount of time in the office, upwards of 40 hours (or more) in a week. Depending on your industry, employees may be walking or standing on their feet for the majority of their workday. Having a comfortable floor such as carpet or rubber can insulate and protect their feet, legs, and backs, allowing not only noise reduction benefits, but also fresher and more productive employees. A comfortable floor, keeping your employees’ needs in mind, versus a hard concrete floor can help reduce fatigue and boost morale. 

Reduces Noise 

A noisy work environment is distracting, especially in industries where employees spend a majority of their day locked into their computer screens. Where quiet concentration is key, flooring such as carpet, cork, and rubber are excellent options. These materials insulate sound, which leads to a reduction in noise levels, creating a quieter and peaceful work environment. 

Gives A Strong First Impression and Branding 

Have you ever walked into an office where you immediately knew where you were and did not feel like you were in a “cookie cutter” workspace? Much of this comes down to aesthetics and design, both of which can be showcased in your office flooring. Your office’s flooring can help to express your brand identity, whether it is choosing materials that complement your brand colors or using sleek and modern materials to convey forward-thinking and innovation. Depending on the materials, you can even have your brand’s logo incorporated in the flooring. The design ideas are endless and working with a great interior designer can help turn your ideas into reality.

Helps Mother Earth

Sustainability has been pushed to the forefront over the past decade and many businesses are looking to decrease their environmental footprint. Alternative materials such as bamboo, reclaimed or recycled wood, and natural stone flooring are just a few of the many eco-friendly flooring options available today. Furthermore, the flooring you choose can contribute to the temperature regulation within your office space. Carpet and other natural materials can help insulate a large space, leading to lower energy bills and business savings.

Now more than ever it has become even more important for all of us, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations, to make sustainable decisions in the workplace, including when it comes to flooring.

Ensures The Health and Safety of Employees

The safety and health of all employees should be the biggest responsibility and top priority for any company. Having slippery or old floors, especially in restaurants or other service industry environments, can lead to accidents which can be financially and emotionally expensive for both the employee and business. Installing non-slip flooring such as vinyl or rubber (and encouraging the use of non-slip footwear) can help to reduce the likelihood of slips and falls. Furthermore, flooring that can be easily cleaned and does not trap dirt and allergens can lead to a healthier environment for employees. 

When designing your office space, paying special attention to the flooring is often overlooked, but can play a significant role in the morale and well-being of your employees. Choosing the right flooring can help increase productivity, reduce noise, give a strong first impression to visitors, help the environment, and ensure the safety of your staff. If you are ready to find the perfect flooring for your office space, do not hesitate to contact Interior Fusion. We will collaborate with you to the perfect office environment with the best flooring for your needs.