For the vast majority of office workers, the very idea of productivity is closely linked predominantly to work-related tools and systems. For example, you would naturally assume that your focus will be affected if you don’t utilize noise-cancelling headphones when everyone around you chatters, or that you would be annoyed by a slow internet connection. As true as these little facts may be, you would be surprised to what extent your environment affects your productivity: your office design, to be more precise.
From the world-famous idea of ergonomic furniture, to greenery, all the way to introducing smart design solutions, your office vigor will begin to blossom once you take a moment to rethink your surroundings. Here are the five key ways in which you can use your office design to foster greater productivity among your employees.
Let there be natural light
When you are at the office, chances are you don’t give you windows a second glance, except for the pensive moments during your coffee break. Yet, the architectural construction of your office plays a major role in how much access you have to natural daylight, which is vital for keeping your circadian rhythm healthy, thus keeping your work efficacy high.
Sunlight is known to reduce stress, balance your hormones, and prevent eye strain, all of which can have an effect on your productivity. To enable ample light stimulation, make sure that your office desks are organized in such a way to give your teams plenty of light. Also, if it’s possible, add more windows to your office walls, and install LED lights to keep eye strain minimal even without access to daylight on those long winter afternoons.
An energy-smart cooling system
As soon as the dreary, cold season is over, you are faced with the rising summer temperatures that can often make life at the office borderline unbearable. Add to that, if you reside in a separate office without a central AC to keep you fresh, you will find yourself stressed and struggling to focus.
Instead, opting for portable air conditioners that also boast smart features is an excellent option for upgrading your office design as well as adding functionality. They tend to be more energy-efficient, they take little space, and they will help your office remain at a comfortable room temperature no matter how hot it may get outside.
Spruce up your kitchen area
If you are wondering how your office kitchen can affect your work productivity, just remember where you get your midday cup of coffee and a tasty snack to jump-start those tired neural pathways of yours. Adding smart coffee makers, for example, that deliver a wide array of different tastes can keep your employees happy, eager to work, and their cravings satiated – and we all know that a moderate amount of caffeine is the best productivity booster there is.
To inspire your employees further to stick to a healthy lifestyle, you can install a vending machine that contains delicious, but also healthy treats.
Add a fun zone
You might not be the same size as Google, or enjoy the same perks, but a little can go a long way when it comes to providing your employees with a relaxing area where they can truly detach from work and “reboot” so to speak. When they have a fun area where they can have their lunch, talk about anything and everything, and perhaps enjoy a fun game of pool – they are far more likely to be engaged. A survey revealed that 90% of participants feel better and ready to go back to work after taking a lunch break.
Just imagine the impact if they are able to do so in a room that is designed to elevate their mood with the clever use of stimulating, warm colors, fun furniture such as lazy bags or an odd massage chair perhaps, and a few entertainment options to get their minds off work.
Think green
Finally, introducing plants in the office is another method that shows how little changes can make an enormous difference for your office morale and performance. Stress is a major factor in dwindling employee happiness, and a study showed that after introducing plants into the office, depression dropped by a staggering 58%. The change was also notable for fatigue, anxiety, and hostility, as well.
If such a simple method can be applied to your office design with such incredible results, what are you waiting for? Furnish your rooms with plenty of air-cleansing, low-maintenance plants to keep your employees happy and engaged even throughout those stressful project periods.
It may take a while to notice the results, but your employees deserve this effort to boost their productivity with the help of simple design hacks. Use them wisely, keep learning new ways to update your office look and feel, and you will certainly notice the difference.
