FMJ.CO.UK FLOORING FOCUS
AUGUST 2021 39
up space in order for it to be repurposed
into di erent defined spaces, otherwise
known as zones. This includes informal
and relaxed spaces for people to work with
their laptops, areas for collaborative team
brainstorming sessions, as well as areas for
private meetings.
Creating zones within a workplace gives
employees the option to work in an
area that better reflects what
they need to do and what
sort of environment
they need in order
to do it. This can
prove pivotal for
productivity as
workers can move
from zone to zone,
as their activity and
mood fits.
START WITH THE FLOOR
With all of the above in mind,
zoning within an open plan o ice can be
easily achieved through the incorporation
of floor zoning. This simple technique
provides visual partitions in an open space
without having to build walls, as floor
coverings in di erent colours, patterns and
textures can give visual cues to highlight
and separate di erent working areas.
Carpet tiles for example are synonymous
with o ice buildings as their modular
its proven wear layer for easy cleaning and
maintenance, which is vital as sta have
the flexibility to move around from zone to
zone.
What’s more, carpet tiles and LVT
can work side by side which makes
specification and installation even easier.
In fact, choosing LVT with a tackified
installation means that the high quality,
dimensionally stable tiles can be easily
installed alongside carpet tiles, without the
need for a transition strip or subfloor build
up, as the products are a similar thickness.
This enables facilities managers to create
an integrated flooring scheme that is
functional for the new o ice landscape, and
without any hassle.
It is now widely accepted that the
environment in which we work has a
direct impact on productivity and morale
and the emergence of the hybrid working
model means that o ices must o er
more flexibility than ever before. Giving
employees the choice of how and where
they work by creating distinct zones in
the workplace will ensure that you are
getting the most out of them while they are
working from the o ice. And the good news
is that FM professionals can work together
with flooring suppliers, such as Forbo
Flooring Systems, who can o er valuable
advice and recommend the most suitable
solutions for floor zoning.
format provides greater flexibility for
design, installation and even replacement.
Not only do they provide comfort
underfoot, but they can also reduce impact
sound and improve acoustics within the
space, making them ideal for meeting
spaces and quiet working zones. With the
wide range of options available on the
market, there is a solution for every
o ice interior, whether you’re
looking for contemporary
or classic styles,
patterns or plains, a
feeling of luxury or
perhaps a minimalist
and timeless feel.
By combining
colourways,
you also have
the opportunity to
introduce brand colours
Creating zones within a
workplace gives employees
the option to work in an area
tKDt Eetter reƝ ectV ZKDt tKe\
need to do and what sort of
environment they need in
and therefore reinforce a
company identity, which could
order to do it.”
be particularly appealing in head o ice
environments.
On the other hand, luxury vinyl tiles have
the ability to replicate natural wood, stone
or concrete floors but without the price
tag. The perfect solution for zones that
require a sophisticated look and feel, such
as in breakout spaces and walkways, high
quality LVT is also practical and popular for
areas experiencing high footfall, thanks to