Productivity is a fundamental step while designing a workplace. Considering the influence of the environment, the equipment, and the design of a workplace on work performance is essential to raise the workforce’s productivity.
Times are changing, and so are workspaces. According to BBC News, the way employees work and spend their time at work has been redefined, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since offices have become more dynamic and proactive, office and interior design have improved productivity and success. And the fact is that workplaces should be motivating environments that foster teamwork and continuous communication.
What are the office factors that influence productivity?
The design of workspaces should be in line with the philosophy and values of our company. Minimalist, tidy, well-organized, and well-distributed spaces and colors that motivate and inspire are factors that help us stay more focused, and therefore, translate into higher productivity.
Below you will find the 10 primary factors that are fundamental in ensuring both the efficiency and well-being of employees:
1. Lighting
Poor illumination usually causes stress, eye strain, headaches, and melancholy. Therefore, light is one of the most influential factors since it differentiates spaces and work environments. It will be much better if your workspace windows view a peaceful and quiet exterior, such as a garden. Alternatively, you may reproduce the sensation of light and space with lights and reproductions of works of art that calm your spirit.
However, it should be remembered that most work is done on a computer or other electronic device. For that reason, it is crucial to consider complementary lights to avoid visual exhaustion.
2. Temperature
It is easy to recognize how the difference in temperature of the environment causes changes in our mood: too much heat makes us sleepy and numb, and cold contracts our muscles and makes us lose concentration.
Humidity meters and room thermometers are required to monitor the office’s temperature and humidity and work to keep them at the appropriate levels at all times. Because air conditioners dry out the surroundings and cause static electricity to build up in the office, humidity levels should be slightly over 50%. (the average level should be between 30 percent and 70 percent ).
The appropriate temperatures should be kept up:
- In the summer, from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius.
- In the winter, from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius.
So, making the temperature of our workspace pleasant and in accordance with each season of the year is essential to optimize productivity.
3. The distribution of spaces
Having flexible and multidisciplinary spaces and making available to workers meeting rooms, office areas, or cafeterias, among others, directly influences their well-being and productivity. In addition, access to each of these spaces should be easy and should not interrupt the work of other colleagues.
It also applies to the distribution of things. Do you get up four to five times an hour hunting for books or reference materials, or do you waste time looking for a folder? Distractions are avoided when you have all the essential materials you need to work. Your best friends are drawers, shelves, filing cabinets, and storage boxes.
4. Cleanliness
Your mind is evident when your surroundings are clean.
Nothing is more inefficient or unsettling than arriving at work with a desk piled high with items you don’t require.
Encourage employee participation and the development of plans and routines. Keep in mind that a clean and tidy workplace reduces human mistakes, and a clean workplace promotes happiness. It’s time to tidy up your desk if it’s cluttered with papers, old newspapers, and 100 magazines. If you can increase the cleanliness of your office, everything else will improve as well.
5. Rest areas
The workday often becomes intense due to a last-minute unforeseen event or a meeting that takes longer. Having a rest space with a more relaxed atmosphere and disconnect is critical for maximizing productivity. It allows the worker to rest and recover all of his faculties.
A 15-minute break for a cup of tea or coffee is sufficient to de-stress and lift one’s spirits. What is more, many unique ideas, initiatives, or company achievements have been conceived during a break around the coffee machine, as conversation refreshes the mind and encourages teamwork.
These scenarios require comfortable furniture and multipurpose design that clarify the difference between work and relaxation space, promoting an experience that provides the expected well-being.
6. Communication and collaboration, essential for ensuring productivity
Office design must be oriented to guarantee and facilitate fluid communication among employees. Opting for open spaces that favor interaction and collaboration and give a sense of freedom will impact staff productivity.
It’s also important to think about how well you communicate with your colleagues. It is necessary to choose spacious areas that encourage these connections while also providing a sense of freedom.
7. Practicality, functionality, and ergonomics of the furniture
Offices have become our second home. Thus, we have to adapt them to avoid occupational hazards caused by inadequate posture, restricted mobility, or incorrect lighting. All these ailments can end up causing severe health problems.
For a correct design of the workplaces, it is necessary to follow anthropometry. This part is in charge of analyzing each person’s measurements and adapting furniture and objects to their preferences and requirements.
Whenever possible, it is advisable to carry out this study to adapt the design and office equipment to the needs and characteristics of each worker, such as their weight and height, favoring correct posture to avoid possible injuries. Accordingly, choosing ergonomic, flexible, and adaptable furniture is one of the most critical decisions to guarantee physical health.
8. Acoustics, essential for productivity
Although it is an intangible factor, acoustics and noise management are other factors to consider with interior design.
The origin of noise in offices can be due to four different factors:
- Noises from elevators, lighting, air or water ducts, and other building systems.
- Noises from office equipment: such as computers, photocopiers, telephones or printers.
- Ambient noise: conversations and laughter among colleagues, doors closing and opening, people that moving around inside the office, telephone calls, etc.
- External noise pollution: vehicle traffic, construction work, schools or playgrounds, etc.
What can be done to lower decibel levels?
- Use sound-dampening table dividers.
- Avoid furniture that bounces sound, such as metal or glass.
- Use decorative elements of double function: aesthetic and acoustic damping function.
- Isolate noisy equipment such as photocopiers, printers, servers in other rooms.
Therefore, interruption-free workspaces are necessary to optimize productivity. Meeting rooms should be soundproofed entirely to avoid outside noise as much as possible or even consider implementing a sound system for areas where you want to encourage creativity, helping workers relax and feel more comfortable and inspired.
9. Colors for an office
The colors in a workplace are another vital factor influencing productivity and employee morale. The tones of the workspaces can boost creativity and innovation, increase their performance level and provide tranquility and calmness.
Thus, some of the most recommended colors for an office are, among others, whites and grays for a sense of order, tranquility, and cleanliness; blues, as a synonym of freedom and concentration; or green and natural tones for spaces that encourage creativity and innovative ideas. On the other hand, reds and oranges should be avoided since they worsen concentration, and yellows, which increase emotions such as anxiety.
10. Aromas
Some studies show the influence of some aromas on productivity, such as lemon, jasmine, cinnamon, lavender, or rosemary, and each one has its function. While lemon favors concentration and has relaxing properties, jasmine, and lavender help calm the nerves. Cinnamon helps combat mental fatigue and focus, and rosemary is favorable for memory.
Also, run fresh air, open windows at least three times a day. The stale smell in the office negatively affects the physical component and the emotional background. Aside from that, having a plant near your workspace is an excellent idea because they help improve indoor air quality and provides filtered oxygen. Finally, smells can alter our emotions.
Final Words
There are many factors in office design that influence worker productivity. In this sense, the transformation of spaces is a very relevant decision with a tremendous positive long-term impact on the workforce’s physical and emotional well-being and the company’s success.
So, whether you’re designing a workspace for an office, dare to make open, comfortable, relaxing, and pleasant areas!
Author’s Bio:
Ryan Edwards is a freelance writer specializing in relevant and unique content. He works for the Wow Essays
company. He is positive that a successful writer is characterized by a creative mind, inventiveness, and lifelong learning.