Photo by Alesia Kaz on Unsplash
There are many different reasons why your team may be struggling to achieve high levels of productivity at work. For example, it could be that they are battling burnout or that they are trying to tackle too many deadlines at once.
However, it’s also important to remember that the working environment itself has a direct influence over employee productivity, mindsets, and the overall success of your brand. This means that you could solve your productivity worries with an office makeover!
With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to design the perfect office!
Start with a deep clean.
Sometimes, a complete office upheaval isn’t necessary – you may just need to make adjustments to the current space so that it continues to work for you. One way in which you can achieve this goal is by deep cleaning the space, ensuring that it is free from any clutter. After all, clutter is a proven productivity killer, as spending time in cluttered environments causes our stress and anxiety levels to climb. Moving forward, you should then make sure that you keep your office in top condition.
Set your budget ahead of time.
Office makeovers can be expensive, and while they are a worthwhile investment, it’s important that you set yourself a strict budget ahead of time. Otherwise, you risk spending money you don’t have, landing your business in a difficult situation.
Furthermore, it’s also important to note that there are many ways in which you can save money when redecorating your office. For example, you could upcycle some of your current furniture or shop second-hand. This way, you’re reducing the upfront costs associated with redecorating.
Ask for employee feedback.
Before you begin redecorating your office space, consult with your team and ask them for their input on any design decisions. This can help ensure that you are on the right track when it comes to curating the perfect office space. For example, they may be able to provide you with guidance relating to the optimal office layout so that you are able to create a place where your team can work productively and collaboratively. This is something that you may not be aware of independently, especially if your office is separate from the co-working spaces.
Beyond this, asking your team for their input and actually taking their advice on board can boost employee morale quite considerably. It shows that you value them as individuals and that you are working hard to keep them happy, as opposed to viewing them as just another cog in the machine. This within itself can help boost both employee productivity and retention levels.
Focus on comfort and practicality.
While there are certain logistics you may need to take into account when designing your office, such as the number of desks needed, you should also make comfort a top priority. Not only will this make your workplace more inviting, but comfort is crucial when your team is spending hours behind their desk each day.
For example, you should make sure that you purchase ergonomic office chairs, which will provide your team with the proper neck, back, and lumbar support. This will reduce strain and discomfort so that your team is able to focus on their work without any distractions. You may also wish to purchase a standing desk for health-conscious employees.
Choose the right colour scheme.
Choosing the right colour scheme for your office is not just about choosing colours that look good; you also need to think about the kind of atmosphere they create within the workspace. As our brains subconsciously associate certain colours with certain moods, you should try to select colours that radiate positivity and productivity.
For example, blue is a great colour for boosting productivity, with studies finding that “a room that is painted blue is especially beneficial for those who work in a fast-paced and demanding job.” However, pastel colours all work to a similar effect, as they help you to establish a sense of calm.
Add some ‘wow’ factor.
A productive office space does not need to be dull and uniformal in appearance. In fact, this could actually cause productivity to plummet, as you are not creating a space that allows your team to think or work creatively. As such, you should keep an eye out for ways to add the ‘wow’ factor into your office. For example, you could attend an antique furniture auction to purchase interesting lighting fixtures or artwork to display within your office.
Feature some company branding.
Featuring your company branding throughout the office space is a great way to establish a sense of community among your team. Visual prompts, such as company logos on the wall, remind them what they are working for and towards, which can also have a positive impact on productivity levels.
Embrace natural lighting.
Many studies have found that exposure to natural light improves working habits. Unlike artificial strobe lighting, it heightens our focus levels, meaning that we’re able to work more efficiently as a result. It can also have a positive impact on our mental health by lowering our body’s production of stress-inducing hormones such as cortisol.
As such, finding ways to embrace natural light can help you to make your office inspiring to your team.
Design the perfect break room, too.
Whether they’re eating their lunch or chatting with their colleagues, your team deserves a break room that is just as nice as their office. Despite the necessity of this, many company owners put little to no effort into maintaining or designing these spaces.
Moving forward, you should focus on creating a space that is bright, welcoming, and relaxing. Ensure that there are plenty of places to sit back and relax so that breaks actually feel like breaks. You may also want to invest in some form of entertainment, such as a TV or games station. Again, this goes a long way toward boosting employee morale, meaning that when their break ends, they’re ready to get stuck back into their work.
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