When you walk into an office space that has stale fluorescent lighting, old tile floors, lackluster furniture and a complete absence windows, how do you feel? Many would agree that this isn’t the most conducive scenario for those who want to be productive. Research shows that not only do these types of work environments feel uninspiring to employees, but they can also cause added stress and anxiety. Whether you want to believe it or not: design matters. The experts at Progressive AE understand the importance of office productivity and they are designing interior spaces that improve the work environments for all who use them.
Here are 5 design tips for generating office productivity:
Lighting
Let there be light—natural light. Employees spend most of their day in the office, so it’s important that they feel connected to the outside world. Limited exposure to natural light can actually impact attitude in a negative way. Studies also show that natural light helps fight headaches and fatigue. To avoid moodiness and snoozing on the job, open the curtains and lift the blinds. Glass walls and window access are important for letting the sun leak into an office. Employees are likely to be brighter and happier when the lighting is coming directly from the sun itself.
Tidiness
Although clutter can often promote creativity in certain environments, it’s not always right for an office pushing productivity. Going paperless as a company helps dramatically reduce clutter in office spaces (but don’t forget to back up!) Keeping your own personal space neat and organized makes a difference to you as well as your co-workers. It’s difficult to stay focused with folders, cords, bags, coffee cups, and calendars all over your desk. Clean it up!
Break Out Spaces
If you work in an open-floor planned office that promotes a collaborative culture, it’s important to have a space where you can get away for phone calls, quiet time, and privacy. Having an area where employees can escape office buzz to relax in calming surroundings helps keep stress at a minimum. These ‘break out spaces’ can help improve staff morale and employee relationships. Communal areas are beneficial for all departments of a company.
Comfort & Ergonomics
It’s safe to say these go hand in hand. Ergonomics is a science that deals with arranging things so that people can use them easily and safely. Have you ever sat down at a desk with the intention of getting work done, but found yourself adjusting and stretching too much to complete anything? This happens when you aren’t comfortable in your seat. It is crucial that you properly set up your own work space for comfort and accessibility. It’s difficult to be productive when your back is killing you, so do yourself a favor and observe the height of your seat and computer monitor. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor and upper arms should be perpendicular to the floor. Comfort is the key and reduces the risk of pain later.
Aesthetics
From color schemes, to paintings on the wall, to table décor, the look of your office should be appealing to employees. Color evokes physical and emotional responses, and by choosing the right color palette for your workspace, can bring about a certain energy from your staff. On the other hand: having too much of one color can be overwhelming. Keep it simple, yet inspiring. Tasteful artwork and sculptures can dress up an office immensely, along with table vases and other decorative elements that go along with your artistic theme. Studies show that beautiful spaces do indeed affect employee attitude.
With people spending more time at work than ever before, it’s essential that productivity is enforced in an atmosphere that is both inspiring and organized. Progressive AE renders expertise in architecture, engineering, research, planning, and interior design to create workspaces that improve the way employees will perform.
