There are a number of methods to improve the productivity of a workforce, from team building exercises to having the most up-to-date technology for employees. However, one very important aspect can often be overlooked, which has been proven to be the most effective way to boost employee performance. Step forward, interior design.
Once upon a time, offices were created in the same mould as mass production factories, with the aim to be as plain and functional as possible to remain neutral and appeal to everyone. These stark surroundings can prove to be uninspiring, which given that the average person spends over 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime will inevitably have a negative effect on productivity.
A survey by Management Today found that 97 percent of respondents regarded their place of work as a symbol of whether or not they were valued by their employer. Only 37 percent thought that their offices had been designed ‘with people in mind’, and no less than a third said that they were too ashamed of their offices to bring back colleagues or clients.
An integrated, creative office refurbishment significantly affects the productivity of your employees. Aspects such as lighting, furniture or the organisation of desks are essential to the performance of the varying job functions that every employee carries out on a daily basis.
How Does the Office Make Employees More Productive?
So, a good workplace environment is constantly championed as a way to increase productivity, but how does that actually work? You can measure productivity by looking how the office design and layout has worked to successfully reduce the amount of time it takes for a worker to perform a task.
For example, if too much time is taken up by formal internal meetings then take away the closed door conference rooms in favour of open-plan, casual meeting spaces.
What Suits You?
Every workplace is different. There’s a current trend for collaboration areas and break-out spaces in modern offices, and both have their benefits. These areas put the power into the employees’ hands, giving them the ability to control their own work environment.
Encouraging collaboration is great, but some studies show that a lack of privacy can have a negative effect on the productivity of some workers. Open-plan spaces mean they can be overheard or interrupted and therefore may be less inclined to speak out or get involved with as many tasks as they should.
You need to take a look at your workforce and decide what office layout would work best for them. Having options, such as break-out areas is great, but if they won’t be utilised or lead to an uncomfortable atmosphere they aren’t for you.
Take Facebook, for instance, with its plans to put several thousand of its employees into a single mile-long room. What may sound unusual to some, will be the ideal working environment for another.
Increasing productivity can only be achieved after a thorough look at your resources, needs and goals. An efficient office interior design is defined by the time and money saved by the employees and by how it streamlines workflow and processes.
For advice on how to change your office to increase productivity, drop the ZSpace UK team a line today on 0330 002 0459 or info@zspaceuk.com