Assuming the average full-time employee works 40 hours per week (and doesn’t take any annual leave), they are spending 2080 hours of their life stuck in the office. This quite staggering thought emphasizes why it is important to optimize this space, given the time you spend there. Working on your office space is more than just de-cluttering or a lick of paint. Let’s take a look at how we can optimize your office workplace.
Many employers don’t believe that spending time and money optimizing their office space is worth it. However, according to studies on the workplace and productivity, the most significant factor in determining an employee’s ability to focus is their physical environment. Taking time to redesign your office space can offer more than just boosting aesthetic appeal; it can have a hugely beneficial impact on your output and productivity.
1. Develop a Plan
Before you invest in a pool table and Google-style sleep pods, we recommend developing a plan. Firstly, this should include your budget because these changes can quickly add up. You will then want to consider any individual requirements or necessities for your employers or business.
If the budget allows, it might also be a good idea to hire an interior designer who can use their years of experience to develop a highly suitable workplace. Whatever the process you use, it is important to get the input and opinions of colleagues and employees.
2. Create Collaborative Spaces
Collaboration is key to success, but how can you encourage successful collaboration at work? To get your employees working together, you first need to provide a comfortable space that facilitates teamwork and creativity.
These modern collaborative spaces don’t have to be complicated — a simple circle of chairs, a fireplace, or beanbag chairs in front of a whiteboard. The design doesn’t have to be highly complicated; it should just provide an alternative to someone’s office or the watercooler.
3. Create Space for Relaxing
Taking breaks is vitally important if you want your workers to maintain their productivity. Creating a space where your workers can switch off and disconnect enables them to take their minds off work and socialize with co-workers. It can be any shape or size, but comfort should be the main aim.
4. Invest in Technology
Nowadays, technology is key to almost every aspect of our lives, and this is no different for your office or workplace. It is time to implement more technology than those 20-year-old desktops. One of the most revolutionary forms of office technology is workplace management systems.
Workplace management systems include meeting room and desk booking software, visitor management technology, and COVID-19 solutions. These forms of workplace software help employees seamlessly manage modern, flexible workplaces. They not only improve employee health and safety but also improve productivity and deliver true real-estate value.
5. Get Employee Input
This space is being created for employees, so why not get their opinion and input during the optimization process? There is plenty of research to suggest job satisfaction increases when employees are given control over the setup of their workspace and where they work.
By getting input on what types of furniture employees prefer and allowing them to help arrange the desks, you can help keep everyone happy.
6. Consider the Small Details
It might not sound important, but you should always pay close attention to the smaller details like paint color, decorations, leaving open space, lighting, scent, etc. These smaller aspects can make a big difference to the overall experience. You want to ensure this office or workplace is a space people enjoy spending time in, so make sure you pay care and attention.
7. Plan For Growth
With any business, it is important to consider the future and the expected growth of your company. This can be particularly important with smaller to medium-sized businesses that grow at exponential rates.
Ensure you optimize your workspace in line with your future goals, rather than just giving it a fresh paint job. As you redesign your workplace, make sure you consider the number of employees you intend to add over the next 12-24 months, where they will fit in, and whether the building you are currently in has the space and facilities to accommodate such growth.
