Employee morale, performance, and company culture are all closely linked to the environment you provide. Some people might work from home, but those in the office more regularly still need a space that keeps them happy, healthy and productive.
Here’s how to do just that.
Invest in ergonomic furniture
Your employees need to be comfortable, and ergonomic furniture is the foundation for this. Spending hours sitting at a desk with unsupportive or uncomfortable seating can lead to health problems, decreased focus and lower productivity.
Invest in chairs with adequate lumbar support and adjustable seat heights. Desks should be spacious enough for work tasks and allow employees to work at eye level. However, raised screens or laptop risers could be needed here.
Consider desks with sitting and standing options. This gives people the choice to sit or stand and could reduce the physical strain caused by prolonged sitting.
Get natural light, temperature, and airflow right
Environmental conditions need to be comfortable for most people. Heating systems will keep the temperature consistent throughout the winter months to ensure employees are not too cold. Airflow and quality are equally important for health and well-being.
Natural light usually has a significant impact on both comfort and productivity. The right levels can improve mood, reduce eye strain, and even enhance concentration. Positioning workstations near windows is the easiest way to do this.
If your office doesn’t get much natural light, consider using daylight-simulating LED lighting. Avoid harsh fluorescent lighting because this can lead to headaches and fatigue.
Create designated spaces for collaboration and quiet work
A productive office needs a mix of spaces to suit different work styles and flows. While open-plan offices promote collaboration, some employees need spaces for quiet work with fewer distractions.
Private booths and quiet rooms are great for people to get away from general office chat or take private calls. For teamwork and brainstorming sessions, collaborative spaces with whiteboards, meeting tables, and comfortable seating make these gatherings more productive.
A variety of environments gives employees the flexibility to choose the space best suited to their work on any given day.
Incorporate plants and personal touches
Adding plants to the office can bring some much-needed life to barren workspaces. Studies have shown that greenery in the workplace can reduce stress, boost happiness, and increase productivity.
Even fake plants give the impression of life without needing the upkeep of real ones.
Maintain cleanliness and organisation
A cluttered, untidy workspace can be distracting and negatively affect productivity. Clear organisation systems, such as labelled storage and decluttered desks, can help maintain a more orderly environment.
Provide employees with easy access to the tools they need, but encourage them to tidy their space at the end of each day. This should ensure the office remains comfortable for everyone, every day.
Photo credits: Coworking London