Productivity is essential for a business to thrive, and there are many ways to ensure employees complete their tasks efficiently, such as incorporating innovative technology and hiring productivity experts to provide the best tips. However, in an office setting, workspace design also matters when it comes to productivity—more than any other strategy does.
Any discomfort, including the noise level as well as the ergonomics of a desk, can impact the ability of employees to stay focused and productive. What’s important to mention is that boosting productivity in the workspace is a multifaceted process and is not about getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible, but rather, it’s about getting the job done effectively while maintaining a level of wellbeing and happiness within the workplace. Below, we take a look at some of the most important steps to help you set up a workspace that encourages employee productivity. Read on!
Start with the desks
Desks should be the top priority when designing a workspace, but they are often overlooked. However, they have a significant impact on productivity. To begin with, it is essential to ensure that the desk is clutter-free and organized, as clutter in a workspace can raise cortisol levels—the stress hormone—and can deeply affect employees’ productivity.
It’s essential also to stock the office with the necessary materials so that they can stay organized. These materials can include desks with shelves and drawers, file cabinets, folders and organizing trays, to name a few. If you have remote workers, you should also make sure to send them the items that will make their jobs seamless, such as ergonomic desk chairs, laptop stands and bright desktop lighting. If these offers aren’t made explicit, employees won’t likely take advantage of them, even if a reimbursement program is available.
Make sure all the supplies are handy
To achieve the best results in a business setting, it is essential to have the right supplies at hand. A well-equipped workspace boosts productivity and saves employees from the struggle of not having what they need to complete their tasks, which can be time-consuming and disruptive to business operations. Having a variety of writing tools in the office space, including highlighters, pencils, and markers, is fundamental so that employees can easily make notes, highlight important information, and mark up documents.
Paper products such as notepads, envelopes, sticky notes and printer paper are also essential in the office. Sticky notes are particularly useful for making important document pages, while notepads can come in handy during meetings or for quick reminders. And obviously, in an office setting, paperwork is indispensable, so it makes sense to invest in cheap printer paper to produce essential documents. Printers are a long-term investment, and when chosen wisely, they can provide long-term cost savings as well. Not only do they enhance document security, but they also improve business efficiency. Besides, many printers today are designed with sustainability in mind, supporting the use of recycled paper and eco-friendly cartridges. By investing in Epson ink cartridges your business can commit to meeting its sustainability goals and reduce its environmental impact.
Design areas for uninterrupted focus
Suppose you have an open office plan; to maximize focus, you should ensure employees can work on their tasks without interruptions. Suppose the setup has desks or cubicles near each other. In that case, an idea is to designate meeting spaces or private offices that employees can utilize by signing up when they must work without distractions.
Whether it’s a client meeting, brainstorming, or even relaxation, employees will be thankful to have a private space where they can step away from the noise. However, before signing a lease, consider evaluating the needs of the office space to determine how much room is available and determine the ideal layout to ensure a healthy flow.
Incorporate natural light
It’s no longer a secret that lighting impacts mood and productivity, and the amount of natural light in the workspace can particularly have an impact on employees’ health and efficiency. According to a study by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, a lack of exposure to natural light in the office can lead to abnormal sleep activity, causing tiredness among employees.
On the other hand, research shows that efficient lighting can make a tremendous difference, reducing depression and boosting mood, energy and alertness. On a subconscious level, people are drawn to anything bright, which is why well-thought lighting is essential when creating a positive atmosphere in the workspace.
Bring in plants
When designing an office space, don’t forget to take into account small design elements as well, as they can have an impact on mood, employees’ health and overall attitudes about work. For instance, incorporating plants in the office can be beneficial for their well-being and overall productivity – in a study, 70% of respondents said that plants made a big difference in the atmosphere at the office or at home, while 31% said that plants improved their focus while working.
If the office space includes artificial light, plain walls, and a lack of personal space, it’s probably making your employees depressed. So, it only makes sense to rectify this and create the necessary conditions to ensure your team thrives and helps you meet your business goals.
The bottom line
When looking to improve productivity in the office, it’s essential to remember that every workspace setup is unique, so it’s essential to take into account how your business operates as well as the needs of your employees. The answer will look different for everyone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to design, office layouts or functionality that will be ideal for everyone on the team.
Hence, it is essential to be flexible and responsive to your team members’ needs, as this will help foster engagement, creativity, and productivity. Ultimately, remember that your business’ success is tied to employees’ productivity levels, so finding solutions to maximize them needs to be prioritized.
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