If you’re an employer with an office space for your staff, you’ll know the importance of making their environment welcoming, inspiring and comfortable. Feeling settled in their surroundings means employees are more likely to work efficiently and productively, whatever the industry.
A well-thought-out workspace can contribute to happy, motivated workers who are less likely to move on to other businesses. So, it makes sense to put some effort into creating an office environment that lifts the mood and boosts workflow.
Add some colour
It’s easy to get creative and add a few splashes of colour. This could be by painting feature walls, investing in some vibrant artwork or by choosing some statement furniture. Bold colours will prevent the space from looking too clinical and provide a lively atmosphere.
Choose sunny yellows, vivid oranges or pastel pinks for an instant uplifting look that’s sure to brighten anyone’s mood.
Consider ventilation and temperature
Comfortable conditions are essential for offices as being too hot or too cold can have a detrimental effect on employees. You must provide reasonable temperatures for your staff to work in with a minimum indoor temperature of 16°C.
In warmer conditions, if your building doesn’t have air conditioning, you might want to consider providing portable fans for your employees to help regulate the temperature and improve airflow.
- Think about likely distractions
It can be difficult to run a quiet office all of the time. Companies often have visitors, maintenance checks and unexpected distractions. But by carefully designing your workspace, you can limit potential noise or interruptions.
Try not to place desks near toilets or kitchen facilities and create dedicated sound-proof rooms for meetings. Provide equipment such as headphones for workers who might spend a large proportion of their day on the phone or on virtual calls.
Break-out areas
Areas to relax and refuel are equally as important as the workspace. Provide comfortable spaces that allow employees some time away from their work to re-group and socialise. It’s fairly easy to offer basic kitchen facilities such as a watercooler, kettle, fridge and sink. You could even offer staff free fruit to encourage healthy breaks.
Choose comfortable seating for these spaces with furniture such as sofas, armchairs and beanbags for an informal feel.
Creating a quiet zone can give staff somewhere to go if they prefer some time out to reflect.
Lighting
Arrange your office to make the most of natural light rather than adding overbearing artificial options. Consider adding skylights and reducing glare from other sources.
If you’re lucky enough to have use of an outdoor space, encourage workers to spend breaks outside, especially in nice weather.
While it might seem like a lot to consider, making a few adjustments can work wonders for both employers and staff in terms of motivation and job satisfaction.
