You may think that with the unease of the economy, you should tighten your belt and wait it out. However, if productivity seems to be waning, you may need to think outside the box to help increase it. Whilst efficient management systems and incentives are also important, the design of your office is also a significant factor in improving the efficiency of your team. The problem is that you have to be smart about it and plan carefully, so you don’t go over your budget.
Spacing
It doesn’t matter whether or not you think everyone has enough room because they don’t. Unless you’ve just modernised the space layout, there are many ways to increase the space and comfort of employees. For example, you can choose workstations and chairs that are more ergonomically correct. This will provide better comfort, allowing employees to work better and faster.
You may also want to consider cabinets or shelves to keep everything organised and tidy, which can also increase productivity.
While those options are helpful, the overall layout of the office is also important. People must have public spaces where they can commune together, such as break rooms, lounges and others. This allows them the ability to recharge, bounce ideas off each other and become more creative. However, employees also need private spaces that are quiet so that they can work efficiently.
Lights
Natural lighting is, by far, the best light available. Studies have shown that natural lighting can increase productivity, but you can’t just open the blinds and allow sunlight to stream in. It could cause unnecessary glare on computer screens and may require that employees squint or harm their eyes. While windows are an excellent way to bring in light, you may want to consider tinted shades that still allow you to see out and will let some, but not all, the sunlight in.
Noise
High noise levels are known to increase stress for employees, and they can’t be productive when they’re stressed. Architects understand the design tricks to help you deal with your office’s poor acoustics. They can use particular materials in strategic places to achieve better sound absorption. For example, low ceilings can use regular ceiling tiles. High ceilings may require that wall linings, acoustical wall panels and other options be used.
You can also install white-noise backgrounds that put out a continuous noise that is neither appealing nor unappealing to people.
Increasing productivity may require you to use smart office design ideas. Visit Sydney Office Fitout Company today to learn more.
