How can office design increase productivity?

You probably spend a lot of time in your office. If you have employees, they are spending as much, possibly more, time in the office as well.

There are many technical services and applications that can assist in boosting productivity. But, one of the easiest ways to directly affect how you or your employees work is to change your office design. Not only is this easy to do, it can be done cost-effectively.

Kaiser+Kraft UK have put together four tips for making small changes to your office design can increase productivity.

Colour

The colour palette of the office is a priority, since colours have such a direct effect on our mental and emotional functions. Avoid bold and bright colours, except as accents, or if you put them in a specific area with a specific purpose. For example, you may design an area for employees that functions as a sort of “hot desk,” a place where they can go when they need to focus completely on a task.

A space with warm walls in reds, oranges or yellows will help stimulate creativity and an atmosphere of warmth. Creating a sense of airiness and calm is important in common areas. Cool blues, greens and purples will help to relax employees and welcome visitors.

Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is not enough to freshen up your office design. Space is vital to increasing productivity. To get the best out of staff they need to feel comfortable in their work environment. A cost-effective way to expand your office space is with a prefab office extension.

Furniture

If new furniture will be part of the office design change, you should select desks that suit the type of work being done. If you or your employees are on the computer all day, you will probably not need large desks. Save the drafting tables, conference tables and large-surface desks for more hands-on areas. It is also important to choose a comfortable and ergonomic chair to suit the desk.

Productivity can be significantly increased and employee ailments. Neck and backache, and eyestrain can be eliminated with proper posture and ergonomic positioning. Kaiser+Kraft UK offer a large variety of office chairs designed for comfort and increasing office productivity.

Storage

An organised office is a productive office. Ample storage and organisational design will be significant in increasing overall productivity. There needs to be adequate and appropriate storage for computers and other technical equipment, files, papers and general office supplies. Storage options that help to keep the desk cleared of clutter – bookshelves, wall shelves, a small table, and file cabinets are perfect to keep your office organised.

Lighting

Lighting is another important element that can determine just how productive your office is. Natural light is always the best choice for your workspace, so make good use of any natural lighting available. Desks may be positioned near the windows, and lighting can be regulated with blinds or shutters.

If ample exterior lighting is not available due to lack of windows, mirrors can be positioned to help harness the natural light and reflect it back into the room. If natural lighting is not available at all, ensure that the overhead lighting is enough to illuminate any tasks being attempted.

Boosting productivity in your office begins with making it easier for you and your employees to do your jobs comfortably and effectively. A few office design tweaks, repositioning furniture, changing colour palettes, keeping the work areas well-lit and organised will help you create an efficient and attractive work environment. Follow these four tips and productivity will increase along with job satisfaction.