Improving the office space and the atmosphere in it is the key to creating better productivity and profit in your company. Choosing an office space is that best fits your needs is the first step towards creating a great office experience. In addition, here are 12 tips on how to better your office (and thus its productivity).
- Offering Food
The first tip is to make sure that your employees are feed and happy. Anybody who has a stomach full of food will be happier and happier employees means a better working environment. As such, make sure to offer some food in the break-room and maybe have festive days like taco Tuesdays to keep spirits high. - Improve Communication
Employees like to be heard, and as such it is your duty to make them feel like they are participating the conversation in meetings and other office events. Be open to feedback and be willing to listen (and not just talk to) your employees. They may have great ideas on how to improve the business and at the very least you’ll have your ear to the ground concerning office happenings. - Natural Lighting
Working in a dark office is a major morality killer. As such, make sure that your office if bright. That said, it’s also better to get natural lighting through windows instead of having florescence and other annoying lighting fixtures. - Clean Spaces
When choosing an office space, you also want to keep in mind how easy the space will be for cleanup. No one wants to work in a dirty office. There are hundreds of germs found in offices. The computer desk alone has several more germs than the average toilet. Plus, when your employees call out sick you lose out on money. As such, it’s best to keep the office clean. - Open Door Policy
As stated earlier, it’s best to keep communication strong between you and your employees. One way of doing this is by having an open door policy. You don’t have to literally have your door open 24/7, but by telling employees you’re willing to talk and listen whenever you are coming off as more trustworthy and approachable. - Quiet Spaces
Another aspect to consider is creating quiet spaces. When choosing an office space you want to make it so people have options. Have designated rooms that allow them to work productively in peace. - Recreational Spaces
In addition, you want to have some fully furnished office solutions when choosing an office space. Just as you should have places that are as quiet as possible, you have spots that are rambunctious and full of lively activities. Having both give the employees the freedom to choose and boosts morale. - Fun Activities
Going along with that, it’s great to plan fun activities to give the employees a breather every now and then. Plan fun company trips or at the very least have little events like the taco Tuesdays idea mentioned earlier. - Warm Rooms
It’s also good to keep the temperature at a good spot. There will be multiple people at the office, so not everyone will be happy. That said, if you keep the office warmer its statistically proven to raise productivity. - Room Scents
This tip is tricky because you don’t want to go too far. Then you not only risk lowering productivity by distracting the employees, but you might make working all together impossible. That said, it’s been proven that different scents like pine can cause different reactions like increased alertness. - Artwork
Also, it’s good to keep the visuals of the office looking bold yet professional. As such, having artwork around the office is a great idea. By doing so you create a better and healthier environment that engages employees to be active. - Plants
Lastly, we have the need to have plants around. This also creates a sense of engagement and also a sense of purpose in the space. Having objects around the employees builds ownership and a sense of belonging. Otherwise, they’d just be staring at blank walls.
These are just a few of the tips on how to increase productivity in the office. Try out a few of them and see if there is a spike of morale and work ethic in your employees. Many of these tips have been tested and proven, so you’re bound to see a change.
