Mark Griffin elaborates on how the work environment can be affected by installing LVTs in a space.

AS younger generations begin to join the workforce, employees are demanding more from their office spaces than the cold, cubicle-stye offices of yesterday. As a result, it’s time the value of the physical office is recognised and designed to adequately meet the needs of the next generation of end-users.

In efforts to achieve this, the role of flooring in the office space should be a primary consideration when reimagining spaces. In particular, the potential of LVTs has massive potential to help provide a workplace that directly supports the needs of all end-users.

Providing the focus-driven environment
Collaboration is a key benefit of the office environment. However, the workplace can be a loud, over-stimulating environment for many, making acoustics a key consideration when it comes to product specification in the workplace.

Acoustics are especially important in spaces that are situated across several floors (where sound may travel to rooms below) and in workplaces that need to offer a combination of high footfall areas and areas designed for quieter, more focused working like meeting rooms. In these instances, LVT’s ability to reduce impact sound becomes particularly valuable.

Many of today’s LVT products have backings that have been specifically designed for sound reduction, like Interface’s Sound Choice acoustic backing which is available across its entire LVT portfolio. This reduces impact sound by up to 16dB compared to only 1-6dB of typical hard surface flooring. Sound reduction is worth its weight in gold when it comes to providing a peaceful and productive work environment.

Durable, long-term solutions
Because the durable properties of LVT are well-documented, this type of flooring makes a common appearance in workplaces. Modern LVT systems are often equipped with next generation finishes that are scuff and scratch resistant while providing a hard-wearing, durable product.

Interface’s entire LVT portfolio is equipped with Ceramor ceramic bead coating. It’s made with a fibreglass layer between two core sheets to create a strengthened core for dimensional flexibility and stability. This is as much about maintaining the overall aesthetic of the specified tiles as it is about protecting the tiles to ensure they stand the test of time.

Resultantly, LVT is a great option for those high-traffic areas of the workplace like kitchens, reception areas and tea points, which experience considerable footfall throughout the working day. And the benefits of this are two-fold: employers can rest assured the products they invest in during the initial fit-out will last, and employees won’t be faced with disruption caused by frequent maintenance and eventual replacement.

As well as its more functional benefits, many modern LVTs are designed to create calmer workspaces that have employee wellbeing in mind. Interface’s Earthen Forms, for example, taps into the warmth of woodgrains and the cooler textures of natural stone, introducing natural elements and providing a serene working environment for end-users.

Supporting sustainability efforts
Businesses are increasingly recognising the growing importance of sustainability, driven by regulatory and consumer demand. Opting for office furnishings that enhance sustainability credentials and have re-use options are a key way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

LVT’s typical tile-by-tile installation provides a flexible option that reduces waste compared to other flooring options. Additionally, when individual tiles become damaged or worn, spare tiles can be used to replace them. This lends itself to its sustainability credentials once specified and in-use, while also guaranteeing that maintenance time is sped up and disruption to end-users is reduced.

The obvious choice
As the workforce welcomes a new generation of workers, it’s time for the workplace to embrace the evolving priorities of its employees. Workplaces need to be designed to provide a productive work environment while actively contributing to organisational sustainability credentials. With its durability, flexibility and ability to reduce impact sound, it’s clear to see why LVT is one of the most popular flooring choices for commercial spaces and its potential in delivering on the workplace visions of employers.
www.interface.com
Mark Griffin is head of product management at Interface