The physical environment of a workspace plays an integral role when it comes to the well-being and productivity of workers. Employees spend a huge chunk of their day working in an office. A calm and comfortable office space provides a more conducive working environment for employees, enhancing their job satisfaction. They will also be motivated to work harder.
The senior management isn’t just responsible for generating profits for the company; they also have to keep the well-being of employees in mind. Therefore, organizations need to focus on designing an office that inspires excellence and provides its staff with the opportunity to evolve. This article highlights a few points managers must consider when designing office space.
Colors
Bright colors have a positive impact on employees. Studies show that the color green is linked to psychological growth, which is why it is said to spark creativity in people. So you can either paint the walls with a lighter shade of green or decorate the office space with some plants.
Similarly, blue has a positive impact on the physical, behavioral and mental state of an individual. Since blue has a calming effect on people, it is the perfect color for an office where employees need to focus on complex tasks. So, be mindful of the colors you use while decorating the office space.
A sparse workspace with magnolia walls and no personalization can hinder the productivity of employees. So think outside the box. Something as simple as adding a few colors in the workplace can significantly impact workers’ creativity and engagement.
Noise
Stuffy and cramped offices lead to noisy surroundings, which can cause employees to lose focus. This significantly hampers productivity. It will become difficult to conduct brainstorming sessions and important meetings. So if you have a meeting with an important client, you can reserve meeting rooms with companies such as The Executive Centre, which have offices around the globe. You can do a quick search on their website and customize the room according to your requirements.
Lighting
Natural light is extremely important to keep the employees alert and focused. Excessive artificial lighting can trigger migraines. Offices with access to natural light can also help prevent headaches which positively impact employee well-being.
The concept of Amazon spheres is built on the premise that natural light, plants, and healthy activities such as walking reduce stress. This ultimately improves job satisfaction since workers feel that the management values their well-being.
Windows
Employees constantly use electronic devices such as laptops and mobile phones throughout the day in the office, which might cause eye strain. So they will need short breaks. They can either take a 5-minute walk to refresh their mind or simply look out the window for a change of scenery.
According to the 20-20-20 rule of the American Optometric Association, a person needs to take a 20-minute break to view something that is 20 feet away after every 20 minutes. Organizations need to ensure that employees do not work in windowless offices since reduced visual stimulation dulls employee alertness and senses.
Room to move
Sitting in one place for an extended period will make you lose focus and feel lethargic and dull. Therefore, it is essential to provide an office space that gives employees room to move around so they can roam around and interact with their colleagues. This helps get their mind off work for some time, which means they’ll be refreshed when they resume work. This eventually boosts innovation which leads to increased productivity.
Casual collision
There should be spaces in the office that provide employees with opportunities for ‘casual collision.’ Bumping into people that you are familiar with can give workers a sense of belonging in a large corporation. New employees can have a harder time adjusting to the office environment. Common rooms, such as cafeterias, lounge rooms, coffee bars, etc., provide workers with an opportunity to interact with one another.
When employees are allowed to interact with each other, they are more likely to share information and ideas that will get their creative juices flowing. Fragments of conversations heard in cafeterias or break rooms can lead to employees making new connections and discovering new opportunities.
Many offices these days have foosball and ping pong tables where employees can unwind, relax and get their minds off the daily tasks. This helps them refresh and recharge to complete their tasks with renewed energy. Interacting during these activities is also a prime opportunity for them to forge meaningful relations.
Ventilation
Studies show that proper ventilation in the workplace leads to the following:
- improved focus
- improved health
- lower absenteeism
- higher employee satisfaction
It is the responsibility of an organization to provide a healthy and comfortable environment for people to work in.
Furniture
Employees need to work in an office environment that doesn’t pose a threat to their health. The worker’s desk is a place where they spend the majority of their time. Poor organization of the desk space can affect employees’ hands, joints, and back. Poor health conditions lead to employees being sick, which ultimately impacts the overall productivity and profitability of the organization. Furniture plays an important role in making employees feel relaxed and comfortable.
Below are a few ways in which employers can make sure all workers are comfortable in their workspace:
- Provide chairs with lumbar support to prevent back pain among workers.
- Provide screen support for monitors so they can be positioned correctly.
- Provide ergonomic rests for keyboards and the mouse so they don’t experience a lot of strain on their hands and wrists.
Concluding thoughts
Employees are an integral part of any organization. When they have the right motivation and inspiration to work, they can do wonders for the company. Small efforts from employers, such as providing comfortable furniture, good lighting, proper ventilation, space for workers to move around, break rooms, etc., can have a huge impact on the productivity of employees. This leads to higher profits, of course, which is the ultimate goal of any organization.
