Research consistently shows that employees who are satisfied with their work environment are more likely to have positive work output. Creating office spaces that enhance productivity, motivate employees and encourage them to be proactive should be a priority for all businesses. While there are many differences of opinion when it comes to creating the most productive office space, the following tips will help to ensure your business benefits from a highly productive office environment.
Consider Aesthetics
You may have a strong brand image that you want to convey across your business or you may have preferred hues and styles. Keep in mind that color can be highly emotive and selecting the right colors will influence the mood and productivity of your employees.
Decorative features that show you care about creating an inviting environment for your employees also work well. If you rent your office space you may not be able to make changes to the décor or alterations to the walls and surfaces but you can learn how to hang pictures without nails and use soft furnishings such as rugs to help add color and warmth.
Temperature And Time-Outs
There is no mandated workplace temperature standard in the US. General recommendations tend to sit between 68℉ and 76℉. You may have a personal preference but opting for an average temperature should keep most of your employees comfortable and allow them to work with ease.
Making dedicated spaces and times for breaks and movement away from the desk is also vital. Employees eating lunch at their desks or sitting at their computer all day are often less productive, so creating dedicated relaxation areas away from the main workspace is vital for giving employees the breaks they need for meals and during the working day.
Invest In Ergonomics
Selecting the most suitable office furniture, including desks and seating, will help ensure you are setting your employees up for success. Ergonomic chairs and desks can be a significant investment but the benefits include added comfort for your employees, enabling them to work more effectively and boosting productivity. Ergonomic furniture can also help protects your employees from the risk of injury and musculoskeletal disorders caused by poor workstation design and environment.
It is also important to consider the layout of your workspace, as each employee needs enough space to work comfortably and not feel penned in or crowded at their desk. You should also consider a layout which encourages collaboration and allows for easy communication and discussion between workstations. If you are not sure of the best setup for your business, there are specialists who can advise and design an office space perfect for your organization.
Don’t Forget Cleanliness
Underestimating the benefits of a clean and tidy workplace will quickly work against your business and impact overall productivity. A study by San Diego State University found that there are more than 500 species of bacteria living in the average office and this in turn will inevitably impact sick days and absenteeism. Workplaces with high absenteeism will naturally be unable to be as productive as those with a full and healthy workforce.
Office cleanliness can become part of your company culture, with an expectation that employees keep their desk space clean and clutter free. Shared areas can be managed by your cleaners or externally hired cleaning professionals if you prefer. Neglecting cleanliness gives a bad impression and tells your employees there is a lack of care from their employer, so why should they care and give their all to the workplace?
Conclusion
A productive office environment can only benefit your business and help promote and sustain growth. Putting all of the points above into practice will help ensure your employees have the optimal environment they need to thrive and succeed.
