Designing for a productive workplace
People and employers often underestimate the effect that interior design can have on your commercial space. However the modern business recognises that environmental workplace considerations are a key aspect to maximising staff focus and employee productivity. Happy employees are more productive.
Research studies show that office design can have a direct impact on staff productivity, morale and engagement, as well as work processes such as innovation, communication, collaboration and creativity. How an interior space looks and functions can greatly affect how an employee feels about their job, in general. In comparison, research shows that unhappy employees are less productive, take more time off and switch employers more frequently than their happy counter parts.
When designing or refurbishing your workplace you should consider:
How do your staff operate day to day? Ensuring employees have a functional space that streamline workflow and processes and provides the tool they need to efficiently conduct business is critical. This isn't just a point to consider within an office environment but also transcends sectors and can be applied to multiple business models such as bars, hotels, retail environments, educational facilities etc. Ask your team how they currently use their space and compare this to how they want to use the space... For example, there is no point designing an office layout full of cubicles if the style of work is collaborative and needs open plan breakout spaces. It's important to design and deliver a space that inspires productivity, and a sense of community and belonging.
A strong brand identity throughout the work environment lets your staff know that you are proud of your business and in turn, this will resonate through their work. A strong company culture will keep your team engaged, inspired and working with you for years to come. Your office space should have personality just like you and your team.
It might seems fundamental, but natural light, outdoor views and access to external space create a friendly working environment and is proven to improve mental health. Since most employees spend almost 80% of their time indoors, it is imperative to make use of the natural sources of lighting. If any of the above is not possible, you can use mirrors or reflective furniture. Bringing greenery and office plants into your work environment can often have the same effect.
Lighting design is a critical element to any interior environment. Ensuring that staff have the correct light for the task at hand is not only a safety priority but can drastically effect the amount of time off your staff take in the long run. Lighting can influence brain activity. It reduces tiredness, dizziness, and some other body reactions that can limit productivity. Besides, it mitigates mistakes and potential workplace accidents.
Consider raising your ceilings. Studies have found that people prefer ceilings that are 10 feet high and that higher ceilings are associated with thinking more freely.
Colour can drastically influence the psychological state of a workforce. Psychologists believe that vibrant colours can stimulate creativity. It has been proven that offices with bright zones note the productivity of their employees rise by 15 to 20%. Neutral shades often work well in smaller more enclosed spaces, whilst research links green to creativity and blue to productivity. Red appears to be good for detail orientation, but it can also reduce analytical thinking and concentration.
Comfort and ergonomics are a consideration within the remit of workplace design. Ergonomics is the science of designing to suit the average human in any given environment. It is proven that the more attention that is paid to human comfort, at the better productivity will be. quite often, an employees workstation is an area that is overlooked. The comfort and design of a chair, the height and manipulation of a computer screen and the angle with which you use a keyboard and mouse can all affect day-to-day productivity and comfort levels.
Good office design is about more than just official elements. Noise is hands-down the most common office complaint (especially in open-plan spaces). Workspaces with higher noise interference have proven to lower productivity, increase illness, stress, morale and job satisfaction. Systems that reduce or eliminate unwanted sounds can be used to reduce the effects of noise on employees for improved health benefits and staff comfort.
Finding and retaining great employees is difficult, so when you do find them, it's important to maintain engagement and give them an inspiring space that meets their working needs. Get in touch to talk to us about your workspace and how we can evaluate and improve your process is and spatial design to maximise productivity. We offer free initial consultation and engagement sessions with your team.
