How Does Office Design Affect Productivity

Recent studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between employee productivity and their working environment. An effective workplace design has the potential to increase focus and efficiency, inspire creativity and encourage collaboration. It can also have a positive impact on health and wellbeing and increase employee engagement levels. Considering revamping your office space? You may want to consider the following points in order to create a productive workspace. 

Being exposed to sunlight has proven benefits which include boosting mood and having a positive impact on overall well-being. Maximising natural light in an office space is a great way of helping employees feel happier and healthier which could lead to greater levels of productivity. It’s also important to control glare, replace flickering lights and move any furniture that blocks sunlight. As well as boosting employee morale, working on the lighting in your office can help reduce eyestrain, headaches and other issues that could be caused by poor lighting.

Having an open plan office space will encourage collaboration, creativity and has the potential to improve communication. It can also foster team spirit and create a more social environment. If you’re planning on expanding your business, you might find that an open plan space provides flexibility and will easily allow you to accommodate more team members. 

Ergonomics aims to improve the conditions under which everyday activities are performed in the workplace. Generally, this practice helps to minimise potential health risks and reduce strain and fatigue. You’re likely to find that these considerations will vary depending on your workplace. For most offices, you may want to consider the positioning of laptop and screens, footrests and rests that support hands, wrists and forearms. It’s also essential to ensure that chairs and desks are at the correct height and feel comfortable. 

Ensuring that working environments are clean and clutter free can help maximise productivity levels. Research has shown that clutter can negatively impact productivity and be a distraction. Ensuring that any loose papers are recycled or filed away and utilising digital organisation and filing systems can help. Encourage employees to keep their workspaces free from clutter and provide drawers and storage units to assist with this. 

Colour has been shown to impact mood and productivity levels. Green is often linked to creativity and balance. Blues and pinks are often thought of as colours that make us feel at peace, calmer and more level-headed. Oranges and reds often evoke feelings of energy, enthusiasm and excitement. It’s a good idea to do further research into this and consider the psychological effects of colour when designing an office space.

Air quality and ventilation can have a massive impact on our ability to focus. Inadequate ventilation can lead to discomfort and health issues. Offices with poor air quality and ventilation are often inefficient and have a higher rate of absences and illness. Having plants in the office is a great way of filtering the air and reducing stress, anxiety and fatigue. 

Other environmental factors to consider are noise and the temperature of the office. In some workspaces, high noise levels can make it difficult to talk to their colleagues, use the phone and can be a distraction. However, other people find that they thrive in these environments. You could create different working spaces, such as an open work space and quiet nooks and areas for deep work and concentration.