How office design can increase productivity
Planning an office or workspace is about much more than simply working out where all the workstations will go. A well-planned office will deliver huge benefits for productivity in your workforce. Here are just some of the things you should consider when planning your office design:
- different spaces – variety is the spice of life: consider whether your workspace can offer a variety of different environments to work from. Personal workstations, lobbies, conference rooms, break-out rooms, lounge areas or pods can all enhance your employees’ comfort and creativity.
- where people sit – studies have shown that people are more productive when they sit with others who are focusing on the same goal. That means you shouldn’t shy away from seating people according to projects or clients they’re working on – rather than organising them according to their department.
- clutter – consider introducing a ‘clear desk’ policy to ensure your office space doesn’t begin to drown under mountains of paperwork. Today’s technology means there’s often very little need for large amounts of physical paperwork in any office. A clear desk policy can encourage your staff to make the most of this.
- temperature – there’s nothing worse than a workspace that’s too cold or too warm. Ensure your office is kept at a comfortable temperature to improve your employees’ wellbeing and productivity.
- lighting – ensure the overhead ambient light is sufficient, then allow your staff to have adequate personal task lighting at their workstations.
- refreshment – always make sure your workspace has facilities for staff to rest and stay nourished. This can help reduce time spent off site, which in turn can boost productivity.