What Is Workplace Consultancy and How Can It Help Your Business? - DENTON

Workplace consultancy is more than just assessing office spaces; it’s about crafting work environments that empower organisations and their people. By aligning your design with business goals, company culture, and employee needs, workplace consultancy creates adaptable, efficient, and inspiring spaces that enhance productivity and wellbeing while being data-led.

In offices where ‘hybrid-working’ and ‘agile workspaces’ are common, workplace consultancy has become essential. It moves beyond aesthetics to consider how your workspace can actively support your organisation, fostering a culture of responsibility, adaptability, and employee satisfaction. A survey of UK workers shared by Savills UK found that 37% of people who work in an open-plan office think the design of their office decreases their productivity.

In this article, we’ll explore the core aspects of workplace consultancy, how it benefits organisations, and the stages involved in turning analysis into actionable design.

Contents

• 1. The Stages of Workplace Consultancy
• Why Workplace Consultancy Matters
• Tools and Methods Used in Workplace Analysis
• DENTON, expert workplace consultants in the UK & EMEA
  
  

The Stages of Workplace Consultancy

1. Initial Consultation and Goal Setting

The process begins by understanding your business objectives, company culture, and current workspace challenges. By collaborating with key stakeholders in your business, our workplace consultants identify pain points and set clear goals for improvement.

Questions often asked during this stage:

What are your primary workspace challenges?

How do your teams currently collaborate?

What aspects of your office support or hinder productivity?

2. Data Collection and Analysis

Using tools such as occupancy sensors, employee surveys, and observational studies, consultants gather detailed insights about:

• How spaces are utilised
• Work patterns and workflows
• Employee preferences and challenges
  
  

This data forms the foundation for informed, data-driven decision-making.

3. Strategic Recommendations

The insights are translated into actionable plans, including:

• Workspace planning and zoning
• Technology integration in the office
• Furniture and layout recommendations

Every recommendation is tailored to support your organisation’s unique needs and long-term objectives.

4. Implementation and Change Management

A successful transformation involves engaging employees and ensuring a smooth transition. Gradual changes and open communication help teams adapt to new spaces, driving acceptance and productivity.

Why Workplace Consultancy Matters

Workplace consultancy bridges the gap between strategic goals and physical space, helping businesses craft environments that work for both their people and their bottom line.  Here are just some of the many benefits workplace consultancy can bring: 

Improved Employee Satisfaction

• Workplace Wellbeing: Designing offices thoughtfully while prioritising ergonomics, air quality, lighting, and acoustics contribute to better physical and mental health, ultimately improving overall employee wellbeing. 
  
  

• Collaboration and Engagement: Spaces custom built for team interactions encourages team interactions and can facilitate better collaboration. Creative teams often thrive in these collaborative and often dynamic spaces, while tech teams can benefit from quiet zones tailored to focused work. Workplace consultancy identifies and addresses these varying needs. 
  
  

• Empowerment: Personalised workstations, quiet zones, and ergonomic solutions empower employees to work effectively and comfortably.
  
  

Space Efficiency

• Optimised Office Layouts: No one likes wasted space – especially in an office where every square-metre can be vital for supporting your business. Data-driven insights identify underutilised spaces and repurpose them for maximum functionality. 
  
  

• Cost Savings: Efficient use of space lowers operational costs, including rent and utilities, while providing room for future growth. 
  
  

• Enhanced Functionality: The strategic placement of furniture, equipment, and amenities ensures smooth workflows, making everyday tasks more intuitive and efficient. 
  
  

Adaptability to Change

• Hybrid and Remote Work: With flexible work models on the rise, consultancy ensures your office supports diverse needs, from hot desks to virtual meeting spaces. 
  
  

• Scalability: Modular designs and adaptable layouts enable businesses to grow or reconfigure spaces without costly overhauls. 
  
  

• Preparing for the Future: Incorporating smart technology and sustainable materials ensures workspaces remain relevant as business and employee needs evolve, while continuing to appeal to potential investors. 
  
  

Responsible Business Practices

• Sustainable Office Design: Implementing energy-efficient office designs, using eco-friendly materials, and reducing waste demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. 
  
  

• Employee-Centric Design: Well-designed and data-driven workspaces reflect a commitment to supporting the wellbeing and productivity of your team. 
  
  

• Responsible Office Design: By aligning office design with values like inclusion and accessibility, businesses reinforce their dedication to ethical practices and their desire to be responsible business. 
  
  

Explore DENTON’s approach to responsible business. 

Tools and Methods Used in Workplace Analysis

As part of a workplace consultancy service, advanced tools and methods to ensure precise recommendations can be used, including:

• Occupancy Sensors: Track how spaces are used in real time.
• Heat Mapping: Visualise high-traffic areas and underutilised zones.
• Employee Surveys: Gather direct feedback on workplace preferences and pain points.
• Observational Studies: Understand workflows and interactions within the space.
  
  

These methods provide a comprehensive view of how your office functions, enabling data-driven design decisions.

Implementing workplace consultancy recommendations doesn’t end with design. Success is measured through ongoing feedback and analysis to ensure the space continues to meet your needs. Regular reviews help businesses adapt to growth and change, keeping workspaces effective over time.

Case Studies: Real-World Applications

DENTON’s workplace consultancy has consistently delivered transformative solutions for businesses across various sectors. Here are some of the standout examples: 

Interpath Advisory: Shaping Collaborative and Flexible Workspaces

Through a comprehensive Pre-Construction Service Agreement, DENTON designed and fitted out 11 offices tailored to the unique needs of each team. The design emphasised flexibility and collaboration, ensuring each space maximised functionality based on team size and purpose. 

“One of the things that really stood out to me was how DENTON helped us maximise the use of our office spaces based on each team’s unique needs. This has been essential for encouraging collaboration and innovation, making a real difference in how our employees approach their work.” 

— Client Testimonial 

Learn more about the Interpath Advisory fit-out project.
  

ECA International: From Corporate to Creative

ECA International needed to refresh its conventional office design to align with its culture and values. After operating remotely during the pandemic, they sought to reimagine their workspace to foster creativity, collaboration, and autonomy as employees returned to the office. DENTON conducted collaborative workshops to gain deep insights into the company’s needs. They transformed the traditional layout into a vibrant, global-inspired design that emphasised freedom and cross-functional collaboration. 

“DENTON stood out as the team that truly understood our needs. They balanced quality and budget constraints, delivering a project that has universally delighted our returning staff.” 

— Andrew Shaw, Managing Director 

Learn more about the ECA International fit-out project.  

Cellnex UK: Delivering Cohesive Designs Across Multiple Locations

Cellnex UK needed cohesive yet functional office designs for multiple locations, including Glasgow, Royal Leamington Spa, and Manchester, following the successful completion of their Reading office. DENTON collaborated with VAS Interior Spaces and Cushman & Wakefield to create designs that balanced aesthetic appeal with building requirements. 

“DENTON’s creative collaboration brought our vision to life, balancing design with building requirements across all sites and delivering exceptional quality.” 

— Jane Nash, Senior Workplace and Well-Being Manager 

Learn more about the Cellnex UK fit-out project. 

DENTON, expert workplace consultants in the UK & EMEA

At DENTON, we specialise in workplace consultancy that turns insights into inspiring designs across the UK & EMEA. By combining data analysis with creative expertise, we deliver workspaces that are functional, efficient, and reflective of your organisation’s identity.

Ready to future-proof your office? Drop our friendly, experienced team a line today and let’s start an office design and build project together. Or browse some of our recent projects to learn more about the office design services we offer.