The design of an office space needs to play a number of roles. It needs to be reflective of a company’s culture and business values. It needs to put on a good face for clients. And of course, it needs to be a positive influence on employee productivity.
It’s no secret that the office design impacts employee productivity. But designing the office in a way that improves employee productivity is more difficult than it may seem. We recently talked about how office furniture can be used to increase productivity, so in this week’s blog we’re going to talk about how your office’s design can increase productivity!
How can office design be used to increase productivity?
Office Design and Productivity: 5 Tips for a More Efficient Workplace
Lighting
One of the most important factors not just in employee productivity but in the overall appeal of an office space is lighting. So many offices rely on one-dimensional downlighting, which is known to cause issues with glare. To improve employee satisfaction, consider adding task lighting so individual employees can adjust their lighting in their own spaces at will. Choosing lighting with good color rending and color temperature is also important in creating the ideal lighting conditions in a space.
Acoustics
The acoustics of a space are a huge factor in employee productivity. Many offices are trending towards an open design, and while this can foster collaboration, it can also create excess noise, which can be distracting for some employees. Employees who need to a quiet space to work should be afforded this option in order for them to maximize their own productivity. In addition, there are many noise reduction options for ceilings and walls that can reduce the amount of noise in an open office environment.
Layout
On a similar note, office layout is another factor in employee productivity. If an office is not conducive to the needs of employees, productivity will suffer. For example, if a fax machine is located in a corner that is not easily accessible, employees will have to spend more time getting to it and using it. If desks are located too close together, employees may feel they have too little space. Seek feedback from employees on how to improve the layout of the space.
Visual Field
What do employees see when they look around the office? Is it cluttered? Are design and color schemes inconsistent? This can be distracting and fatiguing, leading to a decrease in productivity. An office design that focuses on order and harmony will be a more conducive environment for getting work done!
Glover Furniture and Design Group, Inc.
We are a woman operated business supplying the Delmarva region, including Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, with educational, institutional and commercial furniture. Stay with our blog for weekly posts! For more information, contact us today at 1-800-966-9016 or 410-771-8000. Don’t forget to connect with us on social media with Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and Pinterest.