Are you wondering how to increase productivity in the workplace? The answer may be simpler than you think. Studies show that office design significantly impacts workplace efficiency. This goes for home offices, small businesses, and large office buildings. When it comes to productivity, office design matters. Find out more about this relationship and office design tips to increase productivity for your office below.
The Relationship Between Office Design and Employee Productivity
In the age of hybrid workspaces, employees and employers are discovering just how much office design affects workers’ moods, productivity, and retention. A Clutch report about office space found that most workers (83%) prefer to work in the office at least some of the time. Businesses need to continue to provide a workspace that employees want to come to. Having people in the office allows for greater collaboration, communication, and productivity for companies, and it’s what most employees want.
You are generally more productive when you have a dedicated space to work – whether at home or in an office. The key to employee productivity in office design is flexibility. Employees like to have flexible options for workspace and need a variety of different spaces to increase productivity, including:
- Personal spaces
- Large meeting rooms
- Collaborative spaces
- Spaces to relax
- Quiet places
- Outdoor spaces, if possible
Office design also impacts employee productivity regarding privacy, noise levels, and ambiance.
Optimizing Small Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency
Offering flexible options can be challenging, particularly for small office spaces and home offices. However, it is still doable with a little creativity. If you can maximize your space, you can increase productivity with the following small office design tips:
- Maximize vertical space and minimize clutter at the same time
- Use natural lighting, glass, and a lighter color palette to increase a feeling of openness
- Choose furniture that is functional, beautiful, and necessary
- Democratize workspace areas
- Prioritize organization
When considering interior design tips for home offices of any size, remember to create a space that is quiet, comfortable, and efficient.
Innovative Office Design Ideas to Boost Workplace Efficiency
Invest in Functional Furniture
You want furniture to be aesthetic and fit the space. However, even more important is investing in functional and durable furniture. Pieces like desks, chairs, and tables will be used every day and need to hold up over time. It costs time and money to replace flimsy, cheap pieces when they inevitably break. It’s also crucial to provide employees with ergonomic furniture options, like ergonomic chairs, sit-stand desks, and anti-fatigue mats. Healthier, more comfortable employees boost productivity.
Find Creative Ways to Organize and Declutter
Walls that double as storage cupboards, vertical storage solutions, shelving, and personal space are all ways to make the office more organized and clean. Having a cleaner workspace is rejuvenating and can stimulate more creativity and productivity.
Designing for Employee Well-Being: Key Elements to Consider
Employee well-being is directly linked to productivity. According to a Gallup poll, thriving employees take fewer sick days, deliver higher performance, have lower rates of burnout and turnover, and thus positively impact your bottom line. Many factors in your employee’s life are outside of your control; however, you have control over their work environment, which can impact their well-being even after they leave. Below are some of the most crucial design elements that promote a healthy and productive work environment:
Adjustable lighting
Lighting can affect employees’ well-being in several ways. If lighting is too dim or too harsh and bright, it can cause eye strain and headaches. Natural lighting can increase alertness, reduce eye strain, and improve mood. It also affects our circadian rhythm and helps us sleep better at night, which leads to improved alertness and productivity the next day. When possible, use natural light for your office through windows, skylights, and glass walls. You can also install task lighting when possible so employees have more control.
Sound management
It is vital to have different areas in your office designated for specific purposes to better control and mitigate noise. Employees need places where they feel comfortable speaking and taking calls and where discussion and collaboration can occur.
However, employees also value quiet spaces to work efficiently. Whether your office has private offices, cubicles, or an open floor plan, designate areas that are quiet spaces and collaborative spaces. Depending on office size, you can accomplish this through different rooms or spaces. According to one survey, personal space is most important to employees, followed by a place to relax, a quiet space, a small collaborative space, and a large meeting room.
Bringing in the Outdoors
Studies have shown that plants can improve productivity and reduce stress in a windowless environment. Using plants in your desert Utah office design is important! Create a space to invite the outdoors in—you can use interior plants, create outdoor space for employees to work or relax, maximize natural lighting, and use natural wood and textures.
Implementing Effective Office Design Strategies with Think
No matter the size of your office, you can support employees and increase productivity through the above office design ideas and key elements. Feeling overwhelmed? Consider consulting a professional office architect. Whether you want to build a new office, renovate an older office, or need home office interior design tips, Think Architecture’s professional interior design and commercial architects can save you time and money. Contact us today to get started.