Design for Productivity 

Office of Thrive Coworking

Business owners need to find ways to boost employee productivity from time to time. Redesigning the office is a great way to do this. Creating a stylish and accessible office keeps employees focused and motivated. Here are a few of the most impactful design elements to freshen up an old office space.

Design multiple workspaces. Employees have different working styles. Some prefer a quiet area where they can focus. Others prefer a more active area where they can be creative. Creating areas within the office that allow for different work styles will help enhance employees’ productivity.

Improve the lighting. Light design is essential for office efficiency. If the employees can’t see well, it is unlikely they will be productive. Poor lighting causes eye strain, which leads to headaches, stress and fatigue. So, it is important to create a well-lit office space for the sake of the employees’ health.

When lighting an office, employers should consider using natural light as much as possible. Natural light helps boost mood and encourages better work output. If the office is lacking in natural light, it can be simulated by using LED lights. Most LED lights on the market today offer a wide range of colors and effects, so employers can change the color temperature for any area of the office. It’s best to install LED lights that emit a cooler color temperature like natural light in areas where employees have their desks. In break rooms and calming areas, on the other hand, warmer tones help promote rejuvenation.

Lower noise levels. Noise is one of the biggest factors when it comes to distractions. Sounds emitted within a 20-foot radius have the most impact on an employee’s concentration. Employers can fix this problem by placing acoustic panels on walls that will buffer loud noises. Plants are another great sound barrier, and they provide a bit of nature in the space.

Outdoor Space at Thrive Coworking

If these don’t work for the particular workspace, an alternative may be transparent walls. Transparent walls create a sound barrier but not a visual barrier. These are great when wanting to lower noise levels but allow communication between employees.

Change up the color. Wall color can be very stimulating for employees. Different colors effect different emotions in people. It’s effective to use a variety of colors in the workspaces throughout the office. Using blues, yellows, oranges and greens stimulates a person’s creativity and provides a sense of calm. White and tan walls should be avoided, as also should brash colors or elaborate murals that can be distracting.

Create rest areas. All employees need an area to take a break from the hectic workday. When designing these areas, employers need to consider that different employees rest in different ways. Some prefer a quiet room to rest their eyes for ten minutes. Others prefer playing a game or watching the news for a few minutes.

Creating multiple rest areas in the office provides for the needs of the employees. Workers who need a few minutes to recharge will benefit from a designated quiet room with comfortable seating. Another space with ping pong tables, foosball tables and a television would be good for those looking to take a break and boost their creativity.

Design an outdoor area. Having an outdoor space for employees to get some fresh air or take a walk is a great way to boost productivity and creativity. Many people enjoy taking a walk while brainstorming ideas or clearing their minds. Outdoor spaces also provide health benefits for workers who sit for most of the workday. These include exercise, fresh air and sunlight. 

Changing up the workspace can boost the productivity of the team. Implementing a few design elements to help the employees function at a high level does not have to seem like a daunting task. It may take just a few moments to walk around the office and see where deficiencies are happening and consider what will work best in that setting. These tips will help boost productivity and get the team back on track.  

Dala Al-Fuwaires is the owner and principal designer at House of Form in Scottsdale, Arizona. House of Form is a boutique hospitality design firm that specializes in creating memorable spaces for your guests and customers.