A good office will have a positive impact on staff and boost morale in the workplace. With companies like Google setting the standard high, businesses are forced to look harder at what influences motivation in the workplace; namely how their office design impacts employee health, happiness and productivity, as well as how functionality and aesthetics can be improved.
We know that office design is important – why else would successful companies invest so much into their workspaces? It can be difficult to pinpoint the areas to focus on, however, so here are five ways your office design can improve productivity.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important factors in focusing (and staying focused) at work. Too bright, and your employees will complain of headaches and distraction. Too dark, and your team could fall asleep at their desks! What’s more, dark spaces can produce depression, an epidemic that affects one-third of the UK workforce. If you’re able to redesign your workspace to allow in more natural light, you should make this a priority. If you have no control over the windows in your building, consider using a light therapy device or natural light bulbs.
Colour
The colours around us can strongly affect our moods, energy levels and brain function. Bear in mind that although bright colours are rumoured to improve productivity at work (with blue often being the shade of choice), too much of any one colour will overwhelm the room. Consider painting your office in a pale colour but having one or two bright feature walls for balance.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of your workspace will directly impact the speed and efficiency in which your employees perform everyday tasks. Furniture and equipment placement is also vital for health and safety, and the right desks and chairs can even reduce fatigue. Put simply, the more user-friendly your workstations, the quicker your employees can complete tasks, and the more comfortable and alert they will be. Changing the ergonomics in your office could, therefore, improve productivity and reduce time off sick for back pain and work-related injuries. For expert help designing your office, visit www.360degrees.uk.com.
Individuality
If you’re a business owner or manager, chances are you spend most of your life at work, so it’s understandable that you want to put your stamp on it. It’s fine to personalise your office, but keep in mind your company’s brand rather than your own particular tastes. Whoever your business is targeting, be it working professionals, corporate clients or young millennials, you need to cater your design to them, as well as the people who work for you. Therefore, it’s best to opt for something semi-neutral with a few personalised touches to make your business stand out.
Refreshments
No office is complete without a coffee machine or beverage station. Whether you head up a team of five or fifty, you want to show both your employees and your clients that your team is important. They make your business run, after all. Keep your refreshments in communal areas that are central to your office. That way, employees won’t have to take too much time out of their work schedule to refuel.