If you’re running a business, your company’s success depends on you, management, employees, and staff. Besides having satisfied customers, making a profit is on top of your list. To achieve that, your organization should function properly, which means that everyone has to be at their best productivity.
There are many ways in which you can increase productivity such as providing higher salaries and longer lunch breaks; but a lot of people overlook one important factor- office design. Is office design really that important? Yes, it is! Besides having an aesthetically pleasing workplace, consider making it more functional for your employees. So, here are little steps you can take towards having a better office which will increase productivity.
1. Office layout
It doesn’t matter if your office is spacious or not, having a well-used workspace is essential. However, it can be hard to decide what’s the best office layout, as it varies from one firm to another. What works for a large company, probably isn’t the best solution for the small one. To decide which layout you should go for, besides the size of the firm, you have to put a few more factors on the list, such as priorities, goals, culture, etc.
For example, if you value teamwork and communication between the employees, consider having open plan areas that increase collaboration. On the other hand, if your business requires privacy and full focus, this type of office layout will drive everyone mad. Employees are more likely to make a mistake if they are working in an environment with constant rumbling. This type of layout will destroy efficiency and productivity, so think carefully before you choose an office plan.
2. Light
An average employee spends more than 20 hours a day inside. So, it’s obvious that small, dark, and crammed offices are no good for them. In such an environment it’s more likely they’ll report feeling dizzy, having headaches or blurred vision. All of these symptoms reduce productivity. To prevent that, it’s important having a well-lit office, preferably by natural light.
Large windows are a great way of dealing with a lack of natural light. As natural light affects the mood, the better mood will induce productivity. So, this is a great investment. Besides that, decorating large windows can be a fun team-building exercise. In addition to that, having open roof terraces and balconies is always a good idea. In case you’re unable to “provide” natural light, make sure you add enough artificial, preferably eco-friendly, light.
3. Noise
If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to control most of the things in your office, and by that, we don’t mean the people. However, some things are simply uncontrollable, such as the weather and traffic outside.
Noise is one of the key factors that affect productivity. So, it’s no coincidence that employees are happier and more efficient when they work in a peaceful environment. But, not every company is blessed with such a calming neighbourhood, especially if it’s located in the city centre. Since you can’t always choose your environment, the best you can do is make your stay in the office as pleasant as possible. Consider implementing soundproof walls to reduce the noise coming from the street. In addition to that, noise-cancelling headphones are always a good idea if the distraction is coming from the inside of the building.
4. Interior design
Most people work nine-to-five jobs, which means that they spend most of their day in the office. To increase productivity in such an environment, one must feel refreshed and relaxed to get the job done correctly. How else will we achieve that than by interior design?
Imagine working in a cramped office with 10 more people. Not so pleasant and relaxing, isn’t it? Maybe you should consider investing in complete office design and fitout. You probably won’t even recognize your workplace once the refurbishment is over. Also, your employees will be more effective in the new and more modern places.
Besides the complete refurbishment, consider getting new equipment for your employees. There’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for the printer to turn on or the page to load. Old equipment only slows down your workers and disrupts a creative workflow.
5. Colours
Natural and bland colour palettes are a very popular choice for workplaces. But have you ever thought about how and if colours affect moods and productivity? The answer is: yes they do! But how they affect it is a more complex issue.
For instance, you should avoid those bland and boring colours, as they can increase feelings of sadness and even depression. So, you shouldn’t overlook the effect of the psychology of colour and choose the colours for your workplace wisely. To evoke energy, excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth, colours like orange and pink are amazing choices. On the other hand, if your work environment is stressful, the colour blue can make people calm, relaxed, and peaceful.
Conclusion
To stay on top of your business, you need to make the most of what you have which includes encouraging your employees to be more productive. As you can see there are many small steps you can take towards having happier and more efficient employees. So try not to overlook anything as even the smallest details such as the colours of the walls can affect the way people work.