The design of your office can have a big impact on employee productivity. Studies show that a well-designed office can lead to a boost in employee morale and a decrease in absenteeism. If you’re looking for ways to increase productivity in your workplace, start with the design of your office space. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Create Zones for Different Activities
Designating different areas of your office for different activities can help employees stay focused on their work. For instance, you might create a meeting area where employees can collaborate on projects and individual workstations where employees can complete tasks independently. This will help employees avoid distractions and focus on their work.
How You Can Do This
Utilize Furniture
Use furniture to create zones within your office space. For instance, you might use a row of desks to create a workstation area or a table and chairs to create a meeting area. Additionally, consider investing in standing desks if employees prefer standing positions. Invest also in a sofa and comfortable chairs to create a relaxation area for your employees.
Lighting
Use different types of lighting to help delineate different areas of your office space. For instance, you might use track lighting to highlight a workstation area or table lamps to create a more relaxed atmosphere in a meeting area.
Play with Colors
Use color to help define different areas of your office space. For instance, you might paint one wall of your office space blue to designate a meeting area or use green to create a calm and relaxing environment.
Allowing employees to choose how they work will give them a sense of control and ownership over their work environment, which can boost productivity.
Make Use of Natural Light
Natural light has been shown to boost employee productivity, so ensure your office space is designed to take advantage of it. Large windows and skylights can help flood the space with natural light, making it more inviting and comfortable for employees. If possible, avoid artificial lighting, which can be harsh and difficult to work under.
Make Use of the Roof
The roof is often an overlooked element of office design. Still, it can create a productive and comfortable work environment. Installing polycarbonate dome rooflights, for instance, can help flood the space with natural light, making it more inviting and comfortable for employees. In addition, the right roofing materials can help regulate temperature and reduce noise.
Windows Matter
Access to natural light has improved employee productivity, so having large windows in your office space is important. Windows should be placed so that employees can access natural light throughout the day and in a way that maximizes views and minimizes distractions. Avoid placing desks too close to the windows, as this can create distractions and make it difficult for employees to focus on their work.
Flexible Office Space
Flexible office space can be easily adapted to the changing needs of your business. This might include furniture that can be reconfigured to create different types of workstations or an open floor plan that can be easily rearranged.
How You Can Adapt to This
Incorporate Technology
Technology can help you create a flexible office space. For instance, you might use video conferencing to hold meetings without needing a dedicated meeting room. Additionally, cloud-based storage and collaboration tools can help employees work together on projects worldwide.
Think Outside the Office
The office doesn’t have to be a traditional space. Employees might be more productive in an environment that is outside the office. This might include working from home or using a co-working space.
Be Prepared to Change
Flexible office space requires you to be prepared to change your work. This might mean changing the way you communicate with employees or the way you manage projects. Additionally, you will need to be prepared to change the physical layout of your office space as your business grows and changes.
Include Green Space
Plants have been shown to improve air quality, reduce stress, and promote better concentration. Even a small desk plant can make a big difference in the overall feel of your office space.
What Plants to Incorporate
There are a variety of plants that can thrive in an office environment. Some of the best options include:
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known for improving air quality and reducing stress.
- Snake plant: Snake plants are easy to care for and help purify the air.
- Spider plant: Spider plants are known for their ability to remove toxins from the air.
- Peace lily: Peace lilies help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Golden pothos: Golden pothos are easy to care for and can help purify the air.
In Conclusion
Designing your office with productivity in mind will help encourage employees to be more productive. Use these tips as a starting point when redesigning your office with productivity in mind.
