Most business owners give little thought to office design. With so many pressing matters like public relations, brand building, marketing, and expansion constantly at the fore, office design can seem like an insignificant issue. However, designing your office space is one of the key components of helping your business and employees reach their full potential.
Every business owner needs to know that engaged employees are more productive employees, which increases job satisfaction. In turn, this decreases turnover and saves time via increased productivity and appropriate time management. All of this adds up to increased profitability and employees who are invested in your company’s growth and advancement.
Unfortunately, research has shown that up to 70 percent of employees are not as engaged and productive as they could be. While there are numerous reasons for employee dissatisfaction and decreased productivity, there is no question that working environment, office design, is a major factor.
Most offices are dull, lackluster, and isolating. This creates an environment that is not conducive to the productivity and worker satisfaction that make good business sense. Fortunately, a few small design changes can create an open, inviting environment that will inspire and motivate staff, benefitting the entire organization.
As more and more studies confirm the link between productivity and working environment, companies are seeing the results that come of instituting simple changes in their office design. Some of these changes can be as simple as the following:
- A more open floor plan. Removing walls and cubicles increases employee interaction and the flow of ideas. However you must design open space in a way that does not cause too many distractions such as too much noise or traffic. Open space is not for everyone, especially job functions that require a lot of concentration or privacy.
- Instituting small lounge or meeting areas where employees can get together casually and discuss new ideas
- Comfortable, ergonomically designed furniture can make a big difference. Properly designed workspaces, including chairs and desks, reduce the physical strain experienced by employees, allowing for greater focus on productivity.
- Incorporate your vision and brand into office design. Let your workspace reflect the environment and culture you hope to achieve with your business.
- Increasing natural lighting helps to relieve eye strain and creates an overall brighter, happier environment.
Office design is a one-time investment that will bring returns over the long term. Turning your attention to the office environment now and creating a happier, healthier space for your employees is something you can do right now that will allow you to quickly return your focus to other matters.
While office design may seem like an insignificant matter, it truly should be a primary focus. Creating the optimal environment for your employees and in turn increasing their engagement and productivity is one of the best business investments you will ever make.
Contact us today and let us help you find and create the best possible space for your business needs.
