When thinking of increasing productivity, many people think of routine, training and available resources. Although all of these things are important, it is also important to ensure that the office interior design is productive. Times have changed, and more than ever companies have to look at how their designs can affect the productivity of their employees. Employees with high morale in an excellent working environment are more likely to produce more for their company.
A workspace that is designed well should include good lighting and supportive furniture to ensure comfort and ease of use. If those working in the office are uncomfortable and irritated by the conditions and layout, they are more likely to get distracted. Even the layout of the desktop can make a big difference to the functionality of the workspace. This can be varied depending on the task the person will undertake throughout the day.
Organization
Being organised is a way that employees can spend more time working than searching for the tools they need to complete their work. Keeping workspaces well stocked will make for faster orders and a more professional experience for customers. No one wants to be on hold to speak to someone over the phone and hear ‘hang on while I find a pen’. It sends the wrong message.
Have enough space for people to work comfortably and have everything they need to hand where possible. Getting up to look for what is necessary can easily lead to distraction and affect productivity.
Reduce clutter
If you don’t need it but will in the future, put it away somewhere where it can be found, such as in a filing cabinet or storage facility. If you won’t need it again or can scan and electronically keep it, then do so to reduce the clutter. It’s safer and makes it easier for people to find what they need.
Office Ergonomics
The ergonomics of an office is all about improving work conditions. In doing so, potential health risks are also minimised. This means that workers will be less likely to have time off due to ill health and injury. Rather than the workplace being a place where employees have to fit around, it should be a place where the employees can just fit into like a glove. Supports for wrists, correctly placed screens and supportive furniture all play a crucial role in making the office comfortable and safe. Adaptable supports for screens, chairs, feet and keyboards can make one workplace suitable for different people.
Using noise cancelling devices can help to reduce the amount of distraction as can soundproofed meeting rooms. Make each workplace appropriate to the tasks people are going to undertake there. Individual working areas are an excellent way to keep distraction to a minimum, but there should also be areas that are more open plan, where work discussion can take place without everyone cramming into one room.
Conclusion
The office design can make a big difference to the amount of work employees are able to complete. Minimising distractions and making the office adapt to the employees and the type of work they are undertaking allows them to communicate when necessary but have personal space when a job needs full concentration.
