During the workweek, we spend most of our time at work. Our work environment impacts our mood and performance. The most successful companies are usually those with the most satisfied employees – happy workers are more motivated, creative, and efficient.
Natural or the proper artificial light, glass tables, an efficient office layout, and natural plants are some things to consider if you want to make small interior changes that make an impact in the workplace environment.
How to Organize Your Workplace Efficiently?
Creating a positive work environment is vital to the success of your company. There are many solutions available to make the workplace environment more pleasant, effective, and efficient. Here are 12 small interior changes that can make a significant impact on your workplace environment.
1. Consider Adding Glass Furniture
In previous decades, office spaces used to be cramped with massive desks and furniture. However, modern office space continues to change. Current trends in office design and workplace culture promote the glass and open concept. For example, modern glass coffee tables with small radius are ideal for small office spaces or the workplace reception area. An additional bonus is that these tables take up little space in your working environment, allowing for better personal interaction and a feeling of homelike coziness.
Also, consider switching regular conference tables, computer desks or reception desks with glass tables. The studies show that these contemporary tables made of glass promote transparency and encourage better communication and interaction.
2. Select Right Wall Colors
One of the best ways to promote happiness and productivity at the office is the wall colors. The research has proven that colors can be a great stress management tool. When we are looking at the colors, our brain releases neurochemicals that impact our mood and our overall health. Wall colors can reduce stress and promote calmness. For example, red environments increase stress responses, making us more anxious while white and green surroundings have the opposite effect, calming us down and promoting relaxation.
3. Bring in the Natural Lighting
The research shows that lighting plays an important role in employees’ performance and mood. Exposure to natural light boosts the mood, improves focus and enhances productivity.
If it is not possible to have natural light through windows in the workplace, consider blue-enriched light bulbs that improve mood and enhance performance at work.
4. Create a Comfortable Working Space
According to some studies, comfortable furniture with cozy sofas, comfy chairs, and plants will promote a relaxing atmosphere and positively affect co-workers and workplace relationships.
Invest in modern office equipment, and first-rate coffee and snack station. In addition, you may encourage the workers to rearrange their desks or offices to make the working space more comfortable and efficient.
5. Bring in Greenery Inside
Plants enrich the workplace environment. Greenery will promote the feeling of calmness and help reduce stress in the workplace. In addition, the plants clean the air and provide oxygen, increase humidity, and reduce noise levels in the office.
6. Use the Office Layout to Promote Collaboration
The office layout impacts the energy of the workplace. For example, recent studies show that open-plan offices are not as effective as previously believed. Research shows that the open office layout actually cuts the collaboration, makes concentration harder and decreases the workers’ happiness.
Create inviting spaces for collaboration instead, with comfy chairs and glass coffee tables that will attract workers to come to that space so they can interact and collaborate with each other.
7. Minimize Noise with Soundproof Addition
Distracting noise hampers office productivity and creativity. Also, noise affects our mood and raises stress levels. Therefore, placing important work tools such as copy machines and printers in office spaces where noise is an issue probably is not a good idea. Also, noise-canceling headphones can help regulate noise pollution in the workplace. They don’t add noise inside the ear (like blasting white noise through the earphones), instead, they cancel it out.
8. Plan Recreational Areas
Promote fitness in the workplace. If possible, make room for exercise or friendly games. The research has proven that exercise can help release tension, enhance happiness, ease the symptoms related to anxiety and depression, and boost the stress coping mechanisms. In addition, physical activity can improve self-esteem and sharpen focus, thinking, and memory.
9. Allow Office Personalization
Studies show that people who consider their work furniture as “bad” are also likely to see their work environment as less productive and depressing. Encourage the workers to customize their workstations. For example, allow them to choose their own office furniture, bring in plants or decide whether to sit or stand at their desks.
10. Encourage Water and Snacks
People can’t stay focused when hungry. Equip the office snack station with healthy and nutritious snacks and encourage workers to bring their own favorite snacks that will keep them satisfied. Also, staying hydrated throughout the day is not only vital for our overall health but also increases our memory and productivity.
11. Plan Quiet Space
Rest periods and breaks at work are vital for productivity and happiness. Creating a resting space where workers can relax and recharge will prevent job burnout and improve overall job satisfaction.
Moreover, mental health experts recommend meditation as a great tool to reduce stress in the workplace. However, for many people, the hectic workplace environment makes it impossible to even think of meditation.
Consider providing a quiet area where employees can retreat to meditate or to focus on a difficult project.
12. Make Space Clutter-Free
Don’t use office desks and floors to clutter excess papers and office supplies. Cluttered environment restricts our ability to focus and hampers our productivity. It also makes us feel inhibited and distracted. Clean and decluttered workspace reduces workplace accidents, boosts workers’ motivation and enhances effectiveness.
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