How To Increase Your Productivity in The Office
When it comes to productivity in the office, it’s not just your workload or your organisational skills that play a part. The environment in which you work can also have a major impact on how productive you are. From layout to colours and even lighting, the right office design could potentially improve your productivity amongst you and your employees.
So what factors do you need to consider when it comes to the office environment? We talk through a few ideas which could help improve focus in your workplace.
Colours
The Psychology of Colour is something that can affect human behaviour and this includes productivity. Choosing the right hues could affect employees in terms of their mood, creativity and well-being, so it’s important to think about your colour scheme carefully.
When choosing your colours, you’ll also want to opt for shades that match your company branding or business operations. What sort of perception are you wanting to give to employees or clients and visitors? Below is a quick guide on colours and their effects.
- Red – Is often linked to strength and power and could boost heart rate and increase brain wave activity.
- Blue – A corporate colour, blue gives the perception of trust and efficiency. It’s also said to have calming benefits.
- Yellow – Many associate yellows with happiness and creativity. It’s also said to affect our confidence and energy.
- Green – A shade that is said to inspire and enhance creative performance, green is often linked to harmony, balance and nature.
- Purple – Said to be linked to luxury, purple is often associated with opulence as well as loyalty.
Check out our blog post on the Best Colours To Boost Your Workspace for more information.
Temperature
If you work in an office, you will be aware of the never-ending battle of the thermostat, but no one likes to be too hot or too cold in the workplace. Shivering, sweating or constantly thinking about how hot or cold you are can be a major distraction. According to TUC, employees generally work best when the room temperature is between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius. Although there is currently no law for minimum or maximum temperature, ensuring the room is comfortable for all employees is key. Make sure there are plenty of fans during the summer and adequate sources of heat during the winter.
Lighting
A well-lit office is essential and sufficient lighting should be provided to allow employees enough light to carry out their everyday tasks. If possible, aim for natural light as this can help improve mood, happiness and well-being. When choosing artificial lights, ensure you consider this thoroughly as bad lighting can lead to fatigue, headaches and even eye strain.
Storage
Although many workplaces are now becoming paperless or reducing their paper usage, clutter can still become a problem. An organised office can help employees to focus and improve their productivity, so clutter must be kept to a minimum. Ensure your environment has adequate office storage such as cupboards and filing cabinets to make sure the workspace is kept tidy and as organised as possible.
Cleanliness
As well as keeping the office organised and clutter-free, it’s also important to maintain a clean environment for employees too. Not only is it essential for hygiene and sanitary reasons, but a clean office can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the likelihood of people taking sick days. Maintain high levels of hygiene at all times with regular cleaning in the workplace to help keep staff healthy.
Seating
A comfortable seat is essential for any employee and their productivity. No one likes an uncomfortable chair, plus, the wrong seating position could lead to bad posture which could also affect your health. To avoid back and neck strain, make sure employees have comfortable or ergonomic office chairs to help promote a healthy seating position.
Desks
As well as seating, desks and work surfaces should also be considered. Ergonomic office desks can provide a more comfortable workspace for employees. Ensure the shape of the desk fits their needs and provides them with enough space to carry out their work efficiently. You may also want to consider streamlined desks so as not to clutter the space too much with bulky furniture.
Designated Areas
Having designated areas or assigning rooms for specific uses can help towards a more efficient office layout. Splitting the workspace into sections for work, breaks and meetings can create a more organised office, which could lead to improved employee focus. If you have an open-plan office, place meeting pods in certain areas to create a private space for team catch-ups.
Drinks and Snacks
Providing employees with refreshments is a great way to improve productivity in the workplace. Ensuring staff are hydrated and energised will help to keep them well-fuelled throughout the day. Consider healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts or even a healthy breakfast option for those who start early.
Plants
As previously mentioned, colour can have a positive effect on employee mood and well-being, so you could also consider bringing greenery into the office in the form of plants. Bringing the outdoors in and being surrounded by nature could help reduce stress levels amongst employees. Consider placing a few artificial plants around the office to bring some colour and nature into your working environment.
To find out more useful office tips, read our other blogs. Or to buy office furniture from a supplier you can trust, shop with Office Furniture Online today.
