Modern office managers are faced with many obstacles. Their overarching aim can seem straightforward: design the office space to fit their company’s brand. What this really means is to build a functional space that fits the company’s profile while meeting the needs of all occupants. The most difficult part is accepting that there is no such thing as a standardized, “one-size-fits-all” solution, particularly when it comes to today’s increasingly mobile, tech-savvy employees.
It is important for a company’s performance to keep an optimistic and motivated workforce. Aside from employees’ preferences for an active or quiet workplace, office managers must consider a variety of other factors when designing a layout that promotes productivity. Here are seven essential factors that influence the workplace atmosphere and decide employee satisfaction.
1. Lighting
Natural light is one of the most under-appreciated aspects of office design that has a direct effect on productivity and performance. Experts explain that, unlike the harsh fluorescent light in offices, the human eye is programmed to deal with the changing light levels of sunlight. Staff can perform tasks more effectively and accurately with more natural light in job areas; however, the advantages of good lighting extend even further. Natural light enhances sleep, decreases eye pain and headaches, and has a positive effect on health and well-being, according to studies. Utilizing unshaded windows and interior glass doors can maximize the natural light in an office.
2. Neatness
Individual workspaces become part of the design in small offices, especially those with an open office floor plan. As a result, it’s critical to keep the room clutter-free, tidy, and organized for both customers who rate the company based on how your headquarters look and workers who can concentrate better on their tasks. Office managers can improve overall profitability, minimize mental overload and tension, save time, and keep information safe by devising a filing system that preserves information in a way that it can be profitably used.
3. Good Furniture
Workstations can become a home away from home for come workers, and they should provide the required level of comfort and mobility. Providing ample leg space, sufficient task lighting, an anatomically correct task chair that maintains a natural pose, and a work surface that is tailored to the worker’s body size and weight is all part of ensuring a “fit” between people and their work (where frequently used items are within comfortable reach). Ergonomics in the workplace can help to reduce the risk of injuries, accidents, and illness. Reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, improved job efficiency, and reduced replacement worker costs are all benefits of a lower accident rate over time.
4. Noise Level
The most common concern among staff in open-plan offices is unwanted noise. Telephones, scanners, air conditioning systems, and coworker conversations can all be a source of distraction for office staff, impairing their ability to focus on a specific mission. Noise has a long-term negative impact on productivity, mood, and overall wellbeing, resulting in increased sickness, lower morale, stress, exhaustion, and work satisfaction. Noise-canceling wall panels, sound-absorbing furniture, and other acoustical products can help to reduce the impact of noise disruptions on office productivity.
5. Temperature
The temperature in the workplace has a significant effect on employee productivity, and it’s not just a matter of comfort. Indeed, for employees to be able to concentrate on their job, the ambient temperature, humidity, and air movement must all be set within the ‘comfort zone,’ which is generally defined as a range of temperatures, humidity, and air movement. According to most reports, the ideal office temperature is between 69 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with even minor variations affecting performance, mood, and protection. Thermal discomfort has a greater effect on already stressed-out workers, who will do less work and make more mistakes as a result of the discomfort.
6. Collaboration Space
When the nature of work evolves, so does the office design and layout. Companies are transitioning to a more dynamic, creative, and network-driven mode of operation, as well as more versatile, collaborative workspaces. Break rooms are evolving into more than just places for workers to eat their lunch; they are now facilitating conversation, fostering innovation, and encouraging spontaneity. The aim is to build informal meeting or lounge areas where employees can take a break if they’re tired but still, share ideas with colleagues if they’re motivated. In most cases, well-designed communal areas are where company culture is formed on a daily basis.
7. Quality Of Air
For many employees in modern workplaces, indoor air quality tends to be a cause of concerns and sickness. The air quality in offices is critical not just for employee efficiency but also for their health and well-being. An inadequate ventilation system would enable contaminants to build up, potentially causing allergies and respiratory diseases in employees, resulting in higher absenteeism and lower productivity. Improved ventilation, air filtration, and the removal of pollutant sources can help to improve air quality and reduce workplace dissatisfaction.
Designing the perfect office layout takes some thought and planning but can pay off in the end with a happier workforce.
