Businesses always push their staff to be more productive. There is a slew of options for accomplishing this, ranging from bringing in productivity specialists and deploying cutting-edge technology. With that said, studies suggest that how you design your office has a greater impact on productivity than almost any other element. SketchUp Pro might be a great software to start designing architectural objects.
But the burning question is, how can you create an office space that inspires your entire staff to give their best to the company? Well, to make your life easier, we have put together the following office design ideas to maximize employees’ efficiency:
1. Control the noise
Employees working in corporate offices complain about noise, especially in open-concept floor plans where employees are crammed in huge rooms with hardly any separation. A noisy workplace makes up for much more than simply being annoying. Several studies suggest that excessive noise in the workplace reduces productivity, increases stress, and lowers job satisfaction. Luckily, you can take several measures to cut the noise.
To begin with, you might consider installing acoustic panels in the house. These functional and stylish panels can be readily installed anywhere you want to control the noise in the office. Compressed mineral wool and foam are used to make acoustic panels. They minimize noise by absorbing rather than reflecting sound waves. When sound strikes the porous foam, the panels quickly vibrate, converting sound into kinetic energy that evaporates into the air. As a result, a major portion of the noise generated in your office will be reduced. You can also buy acoustic pods for offices if you have to keep up with too much noise. Besides keeping the ambiance quiet, acoustic pods will also make up for appealing aesthetics.
Besides this, giving every employee a set of high-quality noise-canceling headphones is also a great approach to reducing noise. Some high-end brands even claim to reduce noise by 100 percent by utilizing microphones and unique processing to create a sound wave that is the polar opposite of the one traveling to your eardrum.
2. Choose colors carefully
Colors have a huge impact on our productivity. Different colors are associated with different emotions. For example, white is one of the most unappealing colors to paint on your walls. Contrary to popular opinion, white does not contribute to team motivation. Therefore, it is important to consider this critical aspect while designing your office.
Try one of the following colors in your office if you want to boost creativity or promote serenity.
- Blue: Employees typically find blue relaxing, tranquil, and stable. It is energizing for the brain and ideal for tasks that need attention to small details.
- Yellow: Yellow transmits emotions of joy. This color is wonderful for creative organizations such as advertising and graphic design firms.
- Green: Green can trigger both positive and negative emotions, depending on the shade. It is connected with nature. Painting your office walls in light green might help employees relax and feel more greeted.
- Red: Red invokes a sense of urgency. That is why the tags on sale items are always red. If your company wants its employees to be on their feet and active, red could be an ideal choice. Just be careful not to overdo it, or your staff may get apprehensive instead of energized.
3. Bring In plants
As human beings, we are wired to connect with nature. And adding plants in the office is a proven way to enhance productivity. Plants can assist in relieving tension and purifying the air. Sadly, one in three employees claims that their workplace does not have any plants. Make your workstation more eco-friendly as a way to combat this. Even if you are not someone who knows much about gardening, there are lots of low-maintenance office plants you can bring in.
4. Invest in a quality furniture
A drawback of sitting in a low-quality chair for long periods is that it causes back problems. Sitting comfortably at your desk will not only improve your posture but also increase your productivity. So when it comes to office furniture, it is not wise to opt for the cheapest options.
Instead, look for ergonomic workstations with the correct height for optimal comfort and office chairs with the finest lumbar support. Involve your employees in the decision-making process, and ask them which desks and chairs they like.
5. Create collaboration spaces
Employees do not like to be constrained. But that is what ultimately happens when workers are confined to their cubicles and desks for long hours. It might be difficult to sit comfortably or exchange ideas without disrupting others in a packed office. Consequently, employees frequently make coffee, fetch water, or stroll to the printer. In other words, they keep looking for excuses to get up, move about, and engage with others.
So, how can you alleviate people’s sense of being cooped up and provide them with the opportunity to exchange ideas? Well, the answer rests with creating collaborative spaces. A small room or a corner area with a few chairs can serve as a simple collaboration place. Who knows how many fantastic ideas can be sparked during a brief break from the desk, and how many problems can be managed swiftly with the help of a colleague’s fresh perspective.
6. Optimize temperature
The temperature in a room is usually between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Although many businesses keep their offices within this range, warmer temperatures can boost employee productivity. Bear in mind some team members may have special preferences, so it is always a good idea to reconsider temps as your company grows.
7. Place art
Art has a direct relationship with the employees’ productivity levels. They will be more pumped up to perform better if you include good art in your ergonomic office design. Currently, many modern-day businesses are pushing everyone to contribute to the organization by showcasing the art in the office layout. It particularly motivates individuals who worked so hard to create the artwork.
Conclusion
All companies want their employees to be on top of their productivity. But productivity does not pop up out of thin air; you have to make conscious efforts to accomplish this objective. If you are looking for a quick fix, walking the tight line of the ideas mentioned above will virtually skyrocket employee productivity.