Productivity at the office should be one of the most important things that is kept in mind during day to day operations, but it’s usually focused in all the wrong areas. Unknown to many in an office environment, the fit out of an office space can have a bit impact on work productivity. This is because there is a good amount of evidence to points to office designs having a positive influence on the mental state of employees can have a positive effect on the mental state of employees, which in turn can help positively influence their workload and how they approach tasks. In this article, we take a look at productivity through office design to give you a clearer understanding of how you can use it to your benefit.
How design influences spaces
Even if they seem to be making random choices with how they implement a layout, any good companies conducting commercial fitouts in Melbourne will take a very careful approach to space and design. This is because the space that workers inhabit while working can have vastly different effects on their productivity. This of course means that the poor organisation of a space can have disastrous results on the creativity, mental health, morale, inclusion, collaboration and productivity of employees – all elements key to good work. Much of this is tied to how much an employee feels like they belong in a workplace – if they feel like they are sufficiently at home and comfortable, an employee is generally going to produce better work. This might be represented in something as simple as a personalised desk or the presence of nearby indoor plants, but if they feel like they aren’t just a temporary resource, they’re going to have a better time. Just remember: employees are people with unique personalities, and they always like to feel as if they are working within something that also has personality.
Enable collaboration – don’t hinder it
Allowing employees to effectively communicate and collaborate is one of the most important things you can do in the workplace. Allowing workers to feel like they can share easily without having to find space outside of the office is key to ensure that time is wasted less frequently. For this reason, lots of easily accessible meetings rooms, communal areas and breakout rooms are highly suggested – if there isn’t enough space considering the number of staff you have, it’s probably a good idea to upgrade to a larger space. that doesn’t mean all workers need the same thing, though. Some people prefer smaller spaces, cosier spaces when they have a special need to sit down and just get the job done, so having these available is also a good idea so that you have all spaces covered. You might also want to consider what kinds of materials you’d like to fit your space out with. Organic materials like wood and cotton can give a warmer feeling when compared to metal and plastic, but it’s all about the type of work environment you’re going for at the end of the day.
Take your time when designing
Thoughtful design isn’t just about making an office look pretty. Sometimes a careful eye can help boost the morale and productivity of an entire workforce, and if this is something you can achieve for your workplace, you’re bound to see some impressive returns.
