If you have
ever tried to work in a messy, disorganised space, you will appreciate the
importance of order and design in the office.
“Work space
setup and decoration is directly connected to employee productivity,” said Susan Whittle, Director or Hi Design. “I’m aware
that hiring a professional interior designer is sometimes beyond the budget of
many small companies, but there are steps these companies can take in trying to
optimise workplace productivity."
Here is
Susan’s top tips that is simple and effective.
- Allow the shape, size and operational demands of your office to dictate what you do to the design.. not the other way round.
- Allow employees to collaborate when making design decisions in the workplace. Happy, comfortable employees will be more productive than frustrated and uncomfortable employees.
- Companies do not need to make big changes, because even small elements such as sound control and lighting can make a big difference to work space design and employee productivity.
- When it comes to lighting, try to keep it as close to natural light as possible by using compact fluorescent bulbs, LED lighting or natural lighting fixtures.
- Pay attention to ergonomics. At the end of a long day, employees’ backs and necks can ache. Investing in desks and computer screens at appropriate heights is a simple way to eliminate this, as are good chairs.
- Design work spaces around the way work is performed in those spaces. Open office spaces can work great but make sure you have enough spaces for quieter or private meetings.
- Be aware that colour plays an important role. Green makes people feel refreshed so we use it often in brakeouts. Red and blue are considered to have motivational qualities. Reds and oranges increase energy levels and yellows will induce happiness. In general, bright colours will boost both morale and productivity.
