When business owners look for ways to boost employees’ productivity, they often think of an array of tools, including AI, project management software, 3D printer, high-speed internet, and so on. Of course, all these tools play a critical role in ensuring that everyone stays on top of their performance. However, recent studies have revealed that the layout of a workplace directly impacts the overall efficiency of your office staff.
If you want to make the most of your office space, consider setting it up according to the following suggestions:
- Establish Break-Out Areas
Nowadays, offices are more than just a cluster of workstations and monitors. Smart entrepreneurs understand the importance of providing time and space for their employees to get away from the office and enabling their creative juices to flow. Break-out spaces may be more than simply a place to relax and eat lunch; they can also be utilized to boost productivity by allowing employees to work away from their computers for a brief period each day. When it comes to break-out areas, you can build them in any way you like. So make sure you do not design them in the same sterile manner as the rest of your office.
- Bring Color Theory Into Play
Over time, color theory has become a prevalent design component. Small spaces can appear larger by using lighter colors in your workstation, which can create a sense of more space. Experts like The Executive Centre believe that the colors like green, blue, and yellow are associated with higher levels of productivity. In case you are not already well-versed in color theory, it is worth your time to look into more uses of colors in workplaces.
- Discard Any Ill-Fitting Furniture
Before arranging the furniture, ask yourself if it is even worth keeping. Using poorly constructed or old furniture can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and eye strain for employees. When it comes to office furniture, we would recommend you look for ergonomic features. So if you need chairs, seek out ones with a variety of armrest options such as a swivel mechanism, height, depth, and width adjustment, and lumbar support. As a result, employees can adjust the chair according to their shapes and sizes and maintain a correct sitting posture for long hours.
You can easily find cheaper options in the market. But while spending money on ergonomic office furniture, consider it an investment. In the long term, the purchase costs will be substantially offset by its advantages.
- Add More Natural Light
You cannot beat a bright work environment. When employees arrive at their workplaces, they expect to walk into well-lit areas rather than dark, dreary ones. Your employees will be happier and more productive if you arrange their workplaces with an abundance of natural light and vistas of the outside world. Also, natural light results in health benefits for employees.
In 2011, a well-documented study reported that the clarity of a worker’s view from their workstation and access to natural light is directly linked with the number of sick time they take. Those with lovely outside views and plenty of natural light were found to take 6.5 percent fewer sick days than those without such perks.
- Keep Wire Clutter Out Of Sight
Today’s workforce heavily relies on electronic gadgets to complete their tasks. The cables that charge printers, tablets, laptops, copiers, etc., may drastically clog up workspaces and impede productivity. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid this issue is to opt for wireless technology. In case you cannot immediately switch to cordless gadgets, you can still hide wires with the help of effective products such as cable sleeves and cable ties.
- Control Noise
Noise is by far the most prevalent problem in the workplace, particularly in open-plan spaces. It is a well-established fact that excessive noise dents employees’ performance, health, and well-being at the workplace, all of which lead to decreased job satisfaction. That is where the sound masking system can help. As the name suggests, it is designed to mask unnecessary sounds. At the very least, give noise-canceling headphones if you are unable to deploy a complete sound masking system.
- Allow For Some Wiggle Room
While it may be tempting to cram as much furniture as possible into the office, this can make the space appear cluttered and difficult to maneuver. This is a matter of both utility and security. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, you want your employees to be able to safely and rapidly leave the premises.
- Spice Up Personality
There is nothing more depressing than working in a boring office that is well-organized but lacks personality. Placing painting on walls and adorning your office space can positively impact the way employees operate. Also, allowing workers to decorate their desks with a family picture or even tiny indoor plants can boost productivity.
- Pay Attention To Temperature
The workplace temperature may seem to have nothing to do with the temperature, but that is not the case. They both are closely interlinked. For instance, the sun’s rays streaming in through a window could cause one location to be uncomfortably hot. On the other hand, an air conditioning vent that is positioned directly above a cubicle could account for unbearable cold in another area. Being aware of the temperature variations in the office will help you make better design decisions.
- Create A Common Food Area
If you want to foster a sense of community among your workers, creating a designated dining space is a must. Apart from that, providing employees with free or economical meal options reflects that a company cares about their employees’ well-being. Albeit small, this measure brings the best out of the workforce.
Unfortunately, not many business owners pay attention to their office setup. The fact is that the optimal office layout can set the stage for a positive work atmosphere that takes your company’s overall productivity big time. In this article, we have put together effective tips on how you can accomplish this objective.
