The workplace can directly influence an employee’s productivity. Therefore, it is important to consider the design of the workplace to be engaging and efficient for employees to work comfortably and stay productive. However, it is important to remember that burnout can be an issue. Therefore, office design should also include some elements of relaxation for employees.
What Is Office Design?
Office design focuses on creating a space that facilitates productive and purposeful work and still leaves room for creativity. Design can be very powerful when it comes to guiding behaviour. You may not be thinking about it, but every time you walk into a space where you will be working for eight hours of your day, the design of the space can affect your performance.
The space where your employee’s work can have a huge impact on many factors, including health, morale, inclusion, creativity, collaboration, productivity, and purpose. A well-designed space that allows employees to personalize it and gives them the proper tools to continue to work efficiently can reduce burnout and keep them more focused. Additionally, if your employees give you feedback on changes to the office design and you implement them, they will feel appreciated.
Tips for Office Design
When designing your office space, it is important to take into consideration the following aspects:
Consider the Layout
Whether you are planning to rent an office space for your new company or renovate your current space, it is important to consider the needs and challenges of you, your team, and your business. It is also important to factor in the company’s culture, personalities, different working styles, and budget. You need to create a space that will allow employees to feel comfortable and allow them to work in a way that helps them be more productive.
Create Opportunities to Take a Breather
Part of working hard and delivering quality work is also taking a little break to relax. This mental recharge can help your employees feel less burned out in the long run. Additionally, many people like to talk through any problem-solving with others while grabbing a snack or a coffee. Therefore, it is important to purposefully create areas in your office that allows workers to walk around or take sit with a co-worker.
The Psychology of Color
Colors can affect us psychologically when it comes to our emotions and behaviours. Therefore, when designing your business’s office, it is important to choose colors that will help employees be productive. Here are some colors and how they can affect people:
- White is often associated with cleanliness, but it can be very neutral for people. Therefore, you should use this color for kitchens and open spaces.
- Black is associated with authority and has sinister undertones. You can use it as a complementary accent, which can make the workspace more luxurious.
- Purple is considered an unnatural color but represents ambition and royalty.
- Green is often associated with balance and nature. This color can increase creative performance.
- Blue often boosts relaxation and intellectual thought. Therefore, incorporating blue into your office design can help improve employee productivity.
- Red is an intense color that can raise mental energy flow. Therefore, it should be used as an accent color in social areas or furnishings.
- Orange can promote mental stimulation and happiness. It is a bright color that is best used for highlighting important design elements.
- Yellow promotes happiness and positivity. Therefore, it is a popular color for many office designs.
Use Natural Light & Nature
There is nothing better than natural lighting. It is essential for our circadian rhythm, and it can boost happiness and vitamin D intake. If you cannot install more windows in your office space, try adding reflective furniture that can help amplify the daylight. Additionally, if you have good lighting in your office, plants can be a great addition. They can help boost creativity, and productivity and clean the air. Not to mention, some low-maintenance plants and some plants require little light to be added to those darker parts of the office.
Decorate with Personal Items
Another great way to add décor to any office space is to allow employees to personalize their own spaces. You can also add pictures of projects that were well executed and even awards that the company has gotten through hard work. Additionally, you can add artwork that can help employees feel more creative and productive.
Designate Office Zones
It is important to create zones where employees can separate their work from when they want to take a breather, share ideas, or work quietly. For example, you can create collaboration zones where the team can talk to each other about their project. Another great idea is to create fun zones where employees can distract themselves from work and take their minds off it to reduce stress. Private zones can be helpful for employees who want to do their work quietly without being disturbed.
Change Up Meeting and Conference Rooms
Meetings happen very often in a company since that is the best way to check on how a project is going or to get things started. However, it is important to create a conference room that allows employees to feel comfortable and stay engaged. Additionally, you need to take into consideration the audience that will be at the meeting. If you welcome more people than usual, try moving the meeting elsewhere.
Rethink Amenities
An office can provide different amenities, depending on your budget and the size of your company. Some companies provide classes, gaming rooms, and much more, while others can only provide a kitchen with snacks. No matter the amenities you can provide, try to make them a good option for your employees. For example, if you have a snack machine, try providing healthy snacks that can boost workers’ energy rather than junk food that can make them feel sleepy later in the day.
Office Rentals
If you are still unsure about getting your own office and designing it, Astra Business Center can help you. We offer premium suites and private offices for rent. We have fully furnished units with free high-speed internet, boardroom access, a kitchen common area, weekly cleaning services, and much more.