Running a company is not as simple as it seems even if there is a streamlined process in place. You have a huge responsibility to cover all bases to steer it in the right direction. One of the most important factors to consider here is employee productivity, which involves a number of aspects that have a huge effect on it. If we start from the most basic to lay down the right foundation in boosting employee productivity, a strategic office design is on top of the list.
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A well-designed office space establishes a kind of working environment that offers a host of benefits to your employees. If you skip out on designing your office space strategically, your employees are likely to fall behind in completing tasks on time.
Before buying or renting an office space, you should take a moment to consider both the pros and cons of its design. You should go through every detail and understand the impact it would have on your employees and the company as a whole.
Lighting and Ventilation
Employees will be spending a huge chunk of their day inside the office, so an adequately lit and well-ventilated working area is a great motivator for them to go to work every day.
A well-lit and well-ventilated work space are found to decrease the number of absences and increase satisfaction by 24%. In turn, productivity goes up by 16%. Truly, being comfortable while working decreases absences and boosts satisfaction, which, in turn, increases productivity.
Furniture
Comfort is crucial in the workplace, so providing ergonomic furniture is key to reducing injuries. This results in higher efficiency, employee satisfaction, and fewer absences.
A workplace survey conducted by HOK reported that 82% of the respondents have experienced some physical pain at work mostly on their necks, backs, and shoulders due to sitting for extended periods of time.
Indeed, most employees will be sitting for hours during their shift, so a comfortable chair can keep them healthier. There will be reduced aches and pains in parts of their body from sitting for extended periods.
Visuals
What the eyes can see can either have a positive or negative effect on a person’s brain activity, so adding a bit of color to your office can benefit your employees. The right combination reduces stress, boosts creativity, and raises morale.
A study done by the University of Massachusetts found that adding color to your office can help employees, as it reduces stress, increases creativity, enhances morale, broadens their appreciation of diversity, and encourages discussions and expressions of opinions.
You can choose the color theme for your office based on your industry’s need. Specific hues improve certain brain functions that can help boost productivity at work. You can also mix in artistic pieces for added enthusiasm and inspiration.
Conclusion
A well-designed office space is essential to running a successful business. This helps bring out the best in your employees, all while remaining loyal to your company. You now have good enough reasons not to shy away from improving your office design. Take everything into account since it could spell the difference between the failure and success of your company.
Betina Tanedo is currently working as a Sales and Marketing Account Manager at Figari, a Singa
pore-owned company that provides competitive, world-class facilities and outsourcing solutions for both local and international organizations based in the Philippines.