Gemma Reeves
Having the right place can spell the difference between the success and failure of your business. Our friends over at www.findmyworkspace.com share how you can make your work space more productive even if your budget is limited.
One of the best ways to help your employees maximize their productivity is to provide for them a clean and comfortable environment that is conducive for the type of work that they do. Your employees will be able to think clearly and function effectively if they can move around freely and focus on their tasks at hand. A relaxed and fun space will relieve them from the pressures of their job and inspire them to work harder and better.
However, designing a work space involves costs, and depending on how strong your business is, there will admittedly be constraints that will strap you down and limit you. No matter how much you want to provide a hip and trendy working environment like those provided by Google for its employees with individual sleeping pods and awesome recreational rooms, going all out will put a dent on your finances. So what should you do? How could you create a productive working space for your company despite being on a budget? Here are the things that you should consider.
(1) Start by providing the basics.
Think first about the most important things that your employees will need while they are working. What will they be spending most of their time on? The very first things that they will need are comfortable desks and chairs that will support their body properly and that will not give them aches and pains. This is very important if they spend a huge amount of time hunched over their computers. Aim to provide budget-friendly, ergonomically designed furniture since this will keep them healthy and comfortable.
Another thing that you need to consider is office lighting. Bad lighting conditions could give your employees eyesight problems and cause them to suffer from headaches, migraines and nausea that consequently lower their productivity. Provide wide windows that do more than just give you a pleasing view. Natural light actually increases productivity and alertness. Make sure that lighting in the office is uniform, and that spaces where employees work are properly illuminated. Also consider the color of your walls, as your paint choices could affect your office’s lighting situation.
(2) Bring a piece of the outdoors inside your office.
A little greenery goes a long way in helping your employees relax. Plants and flowers immediately improve the mood in a room and help in reducing anxiety, tension, anger and fatigue. Plants also help in cleaning the air and generally improve the environment. Just a few pots could make a difference, but if possible, create a small garden where your employees could spend a few minutes to recharge and unwind. Incorporating a water feature, even if it is just a small one, could further help in relieving stress and bring about a calming effect.
Encourage your employees to bring in a plant or two to adorn their desk or provide for them a small table in the corner where they could bring in their succulent collection.
(3) Provide a space where employees can socialize and relax.
Couches in the recreational room do more than just provide a space for quick naps. Couches, tables and chairs should be arranged to facilitate interaction and collaboration with other team members in the office. Your company recreational room may be small, but make it a place conducive for exchanging stories, laughter and ideas. Use tall tables and bar stools to encourage people stop by and join in the conversation then easily walk away. This is a more open and less intimidating setup than if people are required to join a seated table.
(4) Make cleanliness a priority.
Working in a cluttered environment negatively influences people. Make sure that your office is clean and tidy at all times. Enforce a strong rule about keeping desks and cubicles arranged. This would facilitate order while working and would consequently increase productivity. When everything that you need to do your job can be found where they should be, it makes doing your task easier. An orderly environment also impresses office guests and gives a positive impression.
The company comfort room and kitchen should always be kept clean. It is best to hire dedicated personnel to look after the cleanliness of your office space..
These are just some easy steps that you could follow to provide a comfortable and clean work space that will help your employees work well. Whenever your employees are happy, relaxed and healthy, they will be able to focus on doing their jobs well.
