The days of dreary workplaces are numbered as increasing numbers of businesses recognise the benefits to their bottom line of well-planned office space that reflects their corporate identity and is somewhere people enjoy coming to work.

So far so good, but brilliant workplaces which make clever use of space and colour, intelligent lighting, thoughtful acoustics, terrific graphics and appropriate furnishings take careful planning.

The smart modern office is an all-round sensory experience designed to make people feel good and be more creative. The first step is to decide what you want to achieve, and what you are prepared to pay for it.

It is well to take some advice at this stage from a company specialising in office interior design. Traditionally, they fall into one of two camps, either designers or contractors, but there are companies out there who offer a complete package of creative design and implementation. A professional will sit down with you to understand your objectives and then produce a design brief.

Considerations to be taken into account include, the physical space itself and how it is used, including the technology - computers telephones etc., followed by the secondary considerations of the actual furniture lighting, temperature, acoustics, flooring and décor.

The designer will need to establish what each person actually does, and how much space they really need for the efficient performance of their role. Fewer people just sit at a work station all day nowadays, for every 12 employees statistically at least one will be out on any given day, then people are at meetings, seeing clients, on holiday, sick, and away from their desk for any number of reasons.

With floor space so dear, especially in city centres, is allowing a space per member of staff overkill?

Employers say the benefits associated with staff being freed from the office often include increased productivity, improved staff retention and lower costs. According to Peter Thomson, a fellow at Henley Business School who specialises in virtual working, these changes mean the purpose of offices needs to be rethought. It would be wrong though just to install technology for its own sake, Thomson says, "It's about reviewing the way people and offices use technology. In the past, we were stuck to the desk, but now we can recreate the office anywhere.”

Not everyone, however, can or wants to work from home. Many of us actually enjoy travelling to a separate workplace, which can offer an opportunity to socialise, to make friends and, in some cases, even partners. Business owners would be wise to learn how to change the office environment to make their offices happier more productive and creative.

Having established how much actual desk/workspace area, meeting areas and break out space is needed, and the optimal positioning for the electrics, telephony and other equipment, it is time to consider the general surroundings.

Appropriate desking and seating is critical, no matter how good it may look, if the working position is uncomfortable, the employee’s back may cause them problems. Chairs should be adjustable to suit the individual’s preferred working position.

Natural light increases productivity, energy and creativity and while it is unrealistic to assume every office can knock out a few more spots for windows and skylights, you can work with the light you already have by making sure that as many desks are within view of a window as possible.

If natural light just isn't a possibility for you, it's better to opt for indirect light — that is, light that bounces off the ceiling or wall — as it's more soothing and calming than light that shines directly on employees

Legally, there is no minimum temperature for workspaces in the UK, although the Health and Safety Executive says it is reasonable for employees to expect it to be at least 16C. However, employers would be wise to aim for a temperature of 21-22C, as this is generally accepted as being comfortable by most people.

Completely open plan spaces and high ceilings generate uncomfortable noise levels and while the provision of headphones can help, screens, suspended ceilings and appropriate flooring can improve matters dramatically.

Flooring has a dual purpose in addition to its role in reducing noise and contributing to the décor, it can be used to delineate work and traffic areas.

The importance of colour should also never be underestimated; bright colours lift our mood and stimulate creativity, whereas pastel tones are soothing. Lively graphics are fun and can bring a touch of humour and even inspiration.

A thoughtfully designed office is not just a good place to work; it will reward the business owner with a happier, more productive work force.