Productivity is one of the most important things for the success of every business, and it is greatly influenced by the work environment. A gloomy and cluttered office can make people frustrated, distracted, and unmotivated. This is why you need to make sure that your office is designed in a way that will boost your employees’ productivity instead of hinder it. If you’d like to know how to do that, here are a couple of suggestions you should consider.
A social space
Employees who feel connected to each other and are encouraged to create bonds at their workplace have shown to be happier, more loyal, and of course – more productive. So, choose one area and decorate it in a way that would allow your employees to rest during their breaks, socialize without disturbing those who are still working, and if possible, get closer to nature – introduce comfortable furniture, coffee and snack machines, and lots of plants. Speaking of plants, don’t add them just to the social area – introduce them all around your office. They are a nice visual element, and they can make your employees feel more comfortable while working.
Choose the right colors
Most people know by now that colors can influence the way we feel, so paint your office in stimulating colors. True, a gray or blue office might appear nice and calming, but you want your employees to feel energized and focused, not drowsy and bored. Yellow and orange are the colors that inspire creativity while green boosts concentration, which is great for offices where people usually work long hours. However, you don’t have to use just one color – you can set a more relaxing blue base, for example, and use green or yellow accents. It will make your workplace both visually appealing and more efficient.
Let your employees decorate
If your workplace requires your employees to work in cubicles, or if every employee has their own desk, allow them to introduce a couple of personal touches to their work area. For example, they might want to have photos of their loved ones, some kitschy decorations, their favorite flower, or even something more work-related, like a nice calendar or a quirky pen holder. It can make them feel more motivated to work, and it can make your workplace more unique.
Think about your conference room
Your conference room is the place where you will be holding meetings and discussing new ideas, which is why it’s important that you decorate it properly. Get comfortable chairs for those long meetings, buy a quality whiteboard for quick notes and brainstorming ideas, and consider installing high-quality acoustic panels so you won’t be distracted by the noise outside or the echo of your own voice while speaking. Finally, don’t forget about the small details – introduce a couple of amenities (a small fridge, a coffee machine, etc.), make sure there are trash bins in the corners, and consider getting a table with mini-cabinets, so people can place their belongings there instead of keeping everything on the table.
Let in natural light
Natural light can lift your employees’ spirits, make your workplace appear more spacious, and it can reduce eye strain. Moreover, it can make your employees healthier by regulating their circadian rhythms and making their bodies produce more Vitamin D. Plus, it can also help you save money on energy bills if you utilize it properly. Therefore, place the desks near the windows, but make sure the computers are positioned properly so as to reduce glare – they should be positioned at an angle to the window. If there’s still too much glare, you can also purchase anti-glare screens.
Designing an effective office is the key to success, especially if you’re just starting your business and need everybody to do their best. So, invest in comfortable chairs, make sure there is enough natural light, design your rooms to fit all your employees’ needs, choose the right colors, and don’t be afraid to let your employees add a personal touch to their own desks.
