Tips For a More Productive Office
Tips For a More Productive OfficeSimple Ways to Enhance Your Employees’ Will to Work
Tips For a More Productive Office, they say!? Intriguing… Yes, you may be thinking that this tip-set could inspire you, as an individual, to become more productive. Think bigger – and a little “outside” of the box. These tips are for the greater good (and productivity!) of your office as a whole. What’s more fantastic than getting the whole team (or, at least most of it) amped up day in and day out by some simple rearranging and even more simple concepts? Boosting morale within the workplace doesn’t necessarily mean bowling night every Friday Evening as a “team building” exercise – simple adjustments from within the walls of the organization could lead to a more productive office without having to force fun upon your employees and/or fellow coworkers.
PrivacyIt’s What They (We) Want!
Studies have gone back and forth on this topic for years; some suggest that an open floor plan that houses several employees in a less-than-private atmosphere boosts creativity and communication, however, recently it was found that many workers today prefer a little more privacy than they had in the past. The reason? Sounds – people find it harder to concentrate when there is a lot of commotion going on around them, thus preventing them to think clearly. There are more interruptions and more opportunity for distraction. Offer up some wall-type structures and give your employees some space.
Plant Life HealsWorkers Respond Positively to Indoor Mini-Gardens
Invite some simple vegetative guests into your work space and notice how your employees will be more likely to find a sense of peace. Working in an, often, dark and drab office will dismount any of the most creative minds in a matter of minutes – add some plant life, and your employees will relate more to being outdoors. A proven and yet simple adjustment to consider when trying to boost your team up, up, and away!
Organization Whether in a Cube or a Private Suite, Give Your Employees REASON to Stay Organized
Many will find enough motivation to keep organized on their own to some degree; possibly just enough to find what they need without having to sort through a mountain of two-week-old paperwork. If you give your employees the resources to stay organized, they’re about 90% more likely to keep up with it – and better – according to a University study among interns.
Color Splash! Add a Dash or More to Wake Your Team Up!
The brighter, the better – as long as it still looks professional and clean. Research suggests that bright colors are associated with pleasantly warm spring or summer days and boost an individual’s mood subconsciously, thus promoting more energy and enthusiasm than if the office were a plan, institutional white. Spice it up with some fiery mattes or soften the tense energies with bright pastels that are sure to cure any Blue Monday.
Windows, Windows, Windows! Let Some Air (and sun) In!
Going back to people just like feeling outdoors on a nice summer day – windows aid in brightening up your office space, people feel more in tune with the environment and it often offers a peaceful mindset to hear a breeze blow through trees, birds singing, or simply the silence of the outside. If your windows don’t open, make sure you’re not closing them in even further by adding cheap blinds or curtains – let them stand bare and watch as your employees and coworkers look and feel more alert.
Break AreasGet Them if You Don’t Have Them, Use Them if You Do
People enjoy a good stretch, the ability to get up from their desk and walk around – something that keeps them moving throughout the day that will help to wake them up after sitting in their chair for more than an hour or two. Many employers see this desire of their employees wanting to walk around as poor time management, but it’s otherwise – given that your employees are virtually bound to their work station for 8 to 10 hours a day, they need (and need is an understatement) a few minutes away. Create a space in a vacant back office, preferably with a window, and throw a vending machine (or two) in it with a nice table and chairs set, a sink, coffee maker, and a refrigerator. Paint it brightly and add some fun items to create an inviting environment for your workers to retreat.
Add an Outdoor Break Area for Nice DaysThere’s Sun Outside… Really!
This goes in line with people enjoy the outdoors on nice days – give them the option to eat their lunch outside, or take a coffee break in the breeze. Add some flowers and plants, a gazebo or covered seating area, and call it good. People will flock to your outdoor destination and get that breath of fresh air they truly crave while being hard at work.
Add Some Fun, Ergonomic Design.Comfort is Everything
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, anyone? We didn’t think so! Those bulky, out-of-date keyboards, the awful, stiff chairs, the ball mouse that you’ve had in your workstations since 1999 – ditch them. Ditch them all! Your employees’ comfort should really be at the top of the list, here. If your employees aren’t comfortable, they’re going to end up more concentrated on their pain and discomfort than the work in front of them. Adding some fun new ways to keep your employees’ motivation up could be as simple as updating the way they work.
PurgingQuarterly, Seasonally – as Nike Would Say, “Just Do It!”
Even an at-home office could use some love; why wouldn’t your work environment. Purge the nonsense and get rid of what you do not need! Save some trinkets and novelties – but the old reports from 2007, well, they make Banker’s Boxes for a reason. This includes getting rid of old or spam emails – get rid of it all!
The Skinnyon Keeping Your Office Motivating
The less likely you push your employees to find ways to keep themselves awake and motivated and help the situation, the more productive they will become. You may have some people that don’t mind the dull environment – but others can’t help but cringe at the idea of sitting at their desks for too long. Help them out by giving them some simple adjustments. Hey, you can still do the office bowl-a-thon, but remember, work is done in the office, not at the bowling alley!