How workplace design affects productivity

No matter what industry you work in, a well-designed office space can have a big impact on the productivity of your employees.

Many people spend more than 50% of their waking lives at work – so it’s important to ensure that the comfort, aesthetic, ergonomics and overall design of their environment are all thoughtfully considered in your next office fit out.

This will help to maximise your employees’ performance and empower their creativity, whilst also helping to look after their mental and physical welfare.

We’ve outlined a few of the different ways office design can profoundly affect the productivity in your employees, helping your business to grow and move forward in these competitive times.

The health and wellbeing of your workforce should never be overlooked when thinking about productivity – and your office design can play a big part in this.

Think about the lighting available. Does your office include ample natural light? Ensuring your staff have access to windows and sunlight can have a big effect on their mood – and as a result, their wellbeing and productivity.

Studies show time and time again that us humans are drawn to the natural world, so introducing greenery into your office decoration can be a great way to bring some nature inside. Dot a few plants around the room and you could help to spark a surge of enthusiasm from your staff.

It is also important to note that the latest LED lighting offers tremendous energy and cost savings. Often this means you get your money back during the course of your lease.

Another design technique that helps to improve the health and wellbeing of your staff, is to include options that encourage movement and activity.

In order to have a productive workforce, you first need to recruit the right people. You need employees with the correct skill sets, suitable personalities and plenty of knowledge to help your business reach its full potential.

A beautifully designed workplace that embraces art, colour, and vibrancy could be essential for attracting the right people to come and work for your company.

If the top talent has two jobs to choose from – one involves working in a dingy old office but the other offers a bright work space designed with their productivity and wellness in mind – which do you think they’re more likely to choose?

Don’t shy away from colour and eccentricities, either. Millennial staff in particular are drawn to bright, fresh interiors with fun quirks that make them stand out. It could be as simple as hanging some artwork to brighten up your walls, or you could go a bit further and consider adding a pinball machine to your breakout spaces to help creativity flow.

Whatever you choose, keep in mind the first impressions new recruits are going to have when they first walk into your office. You want to ensure you’re reflecting the fun, ambitious and hardworking atmosphere of your business. Don’t be beige.

In much the same way that you need to recruit the best people to ensure your business is as productive as possible – once you’ve hired them, you won’t want them to leave.

High turnover is a big problem when it comes to productivity. It costs you money to re-recruit, it disrupts your other employees, and gaps in staffing quite simply means that the work just doesn’t get done.

Variety is key when it comes to office design for maximising employee retention. Everyone works in different ways and, as an employer, you should ensure your working environment is adaptable to cater for these differences.

If a team member doesn’t feel their requirements are being met, they may be tempted to leave.

Ensuring there are suitable spaces for independent work, collaborative brainstorming, private meetings and other different tasks is a good step to ensuring your employees are equipped with the right tools to complete their work effectively and productively.