With many employees spending most of their working time sitting down behind a desk, businesses and consumers are increasingly investing in stylish, ergonomic office furniture to ensure productivity, comfort and support every time.
This guide will discuss the perks of an office fit-out, what’s involved in the process and why Sihoo’s office furniture is the superior choice. But first, what exactly is an office fit-out?
What is an office fit-out?
An office fit-out involves transforming an interior space into an up-and-running office environment. Unlike an office refurbishment, which focuses on renovating an existing office space, an office fit-out often begins with empty, uninhabitable spaces that are entirely transformed into an office.
The benefits of an office fit-out
With businesses promoting hybrid work to keep up with the competitive trends of providing a work-life balance to employees, an office space that embodies the needs of your colleagues is imperative to:
A well-designed office fit-out can improve productivity by providing employees with a comfortable and functional workspace. From ergonomic furniture to good lighting and well-designed workstations that promote good posture and reduce physical discomfort, creating a workspace conducive to productivity means companies can improve efficiency and output.
Encourage employee communication with office spaces that foster teamwork and creativity. Open-plan work areas, breakout spaces and meeting rooms facilitate collaboration and allow employees to work together more efficiently. This can help build a sense of teamwork and increase morale.
An office fit-out reflects a company's brand and culture, creating a sense of identity and purpose for employees. This can help boost employee engagement, as employees feel greater pride in their workplace and are more likely to identify with the company's values. A well-designed office fit-out will create a positive impression on clients and visitors, enhancing the company's reputation.
An office fit-out can be a cost-effective way to improve a company's workspace, compared to relocating to a new office. It enables you to maximise existing space and resources, reducing the need for additional space or equipment. By incorporating energy-efficient features and smart technologies, you can reduce maintenance and utility costs.
Your office fit-out guide
Unsure where to start? Allow us to simplify the process for you with our office fit-out guide. You can choose from three levels of commercial fit-outs:
Building your office from the ground up? A “white box” fit-out refers to the bare bones of a space post-construction, where interior walls, ceiling and floors remain unpainted or uncarpeted. A landlord usually completes this white box fit-out to give tenants the fundamental structure to personalise the blank canvas with their own design, layout and aesthetic.
A Category A (Cat A) fit-out is carried out by the landlord and involves the basic design and installation of the mechanical and electrical services and finishes required to make the space habitable, but without any specific interior design or fit-out customisation.
This includes raised access floors, suspended ceilings, internal surface finishes and mechanical and electrical services such as lighting, air conditioning and ventilation. It may also include the installation of basic kitchen and toilet facilities.
Following a Cat A fit-out, a Category B (Cat B) fit-out is the role of the tenant to customise and adapt the space to their specific needs and requirements.
This includes the interior design and customisation of the space, such as the layout, partitioning, finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment. It may also include branding elements, such as the incorporation of company logos, signage and colour schemes to support their business operations, branding and culture.
It may involve installing specialised equipment, such as laboratory facilities, server rooms or AV systems and creating specialised spaces like meeting rooms, breakout areas and open-plan workspaces.
What is an office fit-out process?
To complete your office fit-out and remain on schedule and budget, remaining organised is key. An office fit-out is carried out through the following stages:
The cost of an office fit-out is worth your while with Sihoo
Once you’ve completed your Cat A fit-out and are ready to tackle the exciting interior design and fit-out of your office space, Sihoo is your trusted office furniture provider to fill your office with your desired furnishings. Our office furniture is designed to meet the needs of the modern-day worker, with ergonomic features that promote productivity and comfort. Our office chairs are built to last the long haul, with high-quality materials to help support your valuable employees’ backs and necks to reduce pain and fatigue and promote productivity.
Fit out your office with Sihoo — Australia’s leading office furniture provider
If you’re in the market for an office furniture provider, look no further than Sihoo — Australia’s renowned provider of industry-leading office chairs, study chairs and desks, designed with comfort in mind. From mesh fabric to promote breathability to our adjustable headrests, back tilt functions, retractable footrests and more, we have an array of ergonomic office chairs, including our Fursys office chair collection, to suit the needs of your valuable employees.
We ship Australia-wide from our large warehouses in Sydney and Melbourne and accept various payment methods, including shopPay, PayPal and GPay for a secure purchase. If your delivery address is outside our standard metropolitan delivery zone, please call us on 1300 002 580 for a direct quote.