Giving some thought to how you design your office space can actually have a very dramatic effect on how you or your employees perform. It’s one thing to be pragmatic and practical in how you set up the office, but a healthy, comfortable office space that is appealing to the eye will enhance productivity if you and employees feel relaxed in their work environment. Let’s look at some ways you can create a high performance office.
Lighting
You want to have good natural lighting. If possible, avoid using fluorescent lights because it only has a limited light spectrum and a tendency to hum which is annoying and distracting. Use incandescent lighting instead. Make sure that the office space is neither too bright nor too dim as you need a balance. Additional lighting can be provided with either upright lamps or a desk lamp. Windows are great if you are lucky to have them, but make sure you have curtains because a bright summer sun can be just as distracting
Colour
Avoid painting the walls white! Studies show that white walls create anxiety and can even cause depression. Choose soothing colours that are soft such as pastels, but make sure they aren’t too dark or too glaringly bright. Colours give definition and create a more calming atmosphere. Give some thought to using different colours to break up the monotony and to avoid an institutional look to your office.
Furniture
Furniture has to be comfortable and ergonomically friendly. If your derriere becomes numb, or if your chair gives you a backache, then this will obviously affect your productivity. Because people come in all shapes and sizes, and one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. Try and give the work area some room so people aren’t bumping into the furniture. It also will look less cluttered. Ugly looking furniture also depresses the spirit so functional isn’t always the obvious way to go.
Add Artwork
Good contemplative art is appealing to the eye and can be very meditative when a person is ruminating about a task or assignment. Art should be uplifting and inspirational while adding some colour and personality to the office.
Avoid Clutter
Too much stuff is distracting and can affect concentration. Mementoes are useful in limited amounts as they reflect our personality and interests that make us more comfortable. They should be a positive reinforcement as they will create a positive energy and keeps us in touch with who we are as an individual.
Plants
Live healthy plants, or tastefully constructed silken plants, bring the outdoors inside and don’t make us feel as if we are too confined and stuck in a sterile atmosphere. Live plants have the added bonus of removing pollutants from the air while giving off natural oxygen.
Good Ventilation
Poor ventilation can make your workers sick. We need good quality air to breathe to keep us alert and functional. The goal is have good air in and stale air out. Vents should not be blowing directly onto your employees as that can be very distracting. They shouldn’t have to use a sweater to work at their work station especially when it’s in the middle of summer.
Photo by NKeppol
