Did you know that design can make your employees more productive? Indeed, studies have shown that design plays a huge role in the way the mind decides to accomplish tasks. If a room is drab or if the equipment is antiquated, employees would much rather zone out, take a cat nap, or browse the web. The only problem with this is, well, everything. If your employees aren’t really doing their jobs to the best of their ability, your entire business could falter. So, if you are living in the stone age, right now may be an excellent time to change things around. Here are five smart office design tips that lead to more productive employees.
Tear down those cubical walls. Cubicles were built to both give employees the illusion of privacy and to make sure they don’t cavort with other employees, but the only problem with this is that it can decrease productivity – it basically does the opposite of its intended purpose. Studies show that employees are much more proactive and productive when they can see their fellow co-workers and when they can let a little sunshine into their eyes.- New chairs and desks. Your desks may be fine, but if you get new chairs, you will definitely need new desks. The reason why you need new chairs is because if you have old fashion pump-and-rise chairs, you may be causing your employees unwanted back pain and soreness, especially on their backsides. What you do want is chairs that swivel and move, but that also provide total support. You can find these kinds of chairs from office equipment suppliers. Most of these chairs come with a high back and are made out of a specialized polymer that fits the body’s contours.
- Paint those walls. Drab colors equals drab work performance. Basically, if your walls are painted a drab, beige color – there is a good chance that you will get a drab, average performance from your employees. When it comes down to it, you want to paint your walls a more vibrant color – a bright white will do, but you may also want to include a bright blue, yellow or green color. Some of the strongest colors are the primary colors, because they can fire off synapses in the brain that can make you more productive.
- Get rid of your old, antiquated machinery. When it comes down to it, no one really uses fax machines anymore. Most faxing is done online. Why fax online? Faxing online is easier, because it doesn’t require paper and it takes half the time. Not only will employees be more productive, but you will also save money on paper and toner.
- Redesign the break room. Your break room is an important place where employees go to decompress. Instead of making your break room a place that employees dread, you should make it a place where employees can thoroughly decompress and take a well deserved break. If you really want to be a good boss, you may also want to provide some smoothies. There is a chance that your employees are lacking in the productivity department because they aren’t getting enough nutrients. On top of a break room redesign and some healthy food, your employees will be back on track in no time.