Your workspace can have a tremendous impact on your productivity. Open-concept homes are fashionable, but employees prefer quiet areas away from office noise.
Oxford Economics surveyed 600 executives and employees. They found that office noise has a major impact on job performance. Over half (53%) state that workplace noise affects their productivity.
It appears having walls and defined quiet office spaces is essential for productivity.
Looking for office design ideas? Here are five ways to design a productive office for your employees.
1. Consider a Lighting Makeover
If you have the chance to bring in more natural light to the office, do it. Natural light helps improve sleep and quality of life. If increasing natural light isn’t an option, consider other lighting choices.
Working in dark environments can lead to the following issues:
- Eyestrain
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Depression
You can add some mirrors to harness some extra natural light. Also, replacing light bulbs with greater brightness can make a huge difference. If you can add more lighting, this is also a smart choice.
2. Incorporate Movement
Incorporating movement into your office is never a bad idea. Adding adjustable standing desks can be an ideal way to increase movement in the office.
When people sit too long, it can lead to:
- Poor posture
- Weight gain
- Decreased productivity
- Tiredness
Creating an office designed for movement can increase employee productivity.
3. Use Plants
Time in nature helps boost your mood. Why not add plants into the office for the same effect. Not only can plants affect your mood they can make you more focused and productive.
Amazon adds plants to increase creativity and improve brain function for its employees. They call it Biophilia. Amazon uses 40,000 plants from 400 species. These plants come from 30 different countries—the purpose: to inspire their workers throughout the day.
4. Create Designated Office Zones
According to Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, cultivating areas for undisturbed work is essential. Some of the most creative and productive thinkers in history have used areas for intense work and study.
Creating areas specifically designed for creation and innovation are necessary for forward-thinking offices. Having a quiet office with a magnetic glass whiteboard for ideas can do wonders.
You can designate areas for:
- Fun
- Meetings
- Innovation
- Collaboration
5. Add a Splash of Color
Whether you use artwork or design elements, consider a splash of color. Changing up the color of an office space can change productivity levels.
Here are how some colors affect your psyche:
- Yellow – great for creativity
- Red – best color for physical work
- Green – best color for a sense of balance
- Blue – considered the most productive color
So when you consider adding a splash of color, whether it’s paint or artwork, keep these things in mind for a productive office.
Use These Tips for a Productive Office Makeover
Consider these five tips when designing a productive office makeover. You might be amazed at the transformation it can have in your office.
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