Creating an Office Environment that Increases Employee Production

By Shelbie Bristol, Assoc. IIDA
Interiors

Are you working in an office space resembling the photo on the left? White walls, gray cubicles, and not enough storage space to fit your needs? Studies have shown that these factors and others can have a negative effect on employee production. If you’re interested in increasing productivity in the workplace, consider some of the following suggestions:

• Ergonomics:
Most of us spend half of our waking hours at work; we need to feel comfortable. Let’s face it, when you’re in pain, it’s hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Making sure furniture and equipment, such as computers and keyboards, are ergonomically correct for the user can keep the employee focused on the job.

• Acoustics:
It can be hard to concentrate when you can hear everything that’s going on around you. Not everyone can have a private office, and open office spaces are often used. Consider partial height walls in these areas to add privacy and help block the noise. Another tip to reduce noise distractions is to add ambient sound, such as background music.

• Lighting:
No one wants to stare at a computer screen all day that has a glare on it. This is one of the reasons why lighting design is such an important factor in office environments. Three layers of lighting should be used throughout: general lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. Using indirect lighting (general lighting layer) can prevent monitor glares. Accent lighting can add personality and energy. Task lighting allows employees to have some control over the amount of light they need. Natural light (whether from windows or skylights) is also important, as it can improve the moods of employees.

• Efficiency:
Employees need space. Make sure employees have a large enough desktop to meet the needs the job requires. If a desk is too small, employees can become disorganized, taking time away from their duties to search for a document they need. Providing them with ample storage is also a good idea, so they have a place to file documents they may need in the future.

• Color and Texture:
If you’ve been to our office or watched the tour on YouTube, you have seen the use of varying textures and colors that bring energy to our space. Working in a creative field, it is not hard to be inspired in our office environment. No matter what kind of job you have, you should be in an environment that has some color and texture. Color choices can vary depending on the needs of the job; neutral colors can be used for a more calming space, while brighter colors can be used for a more stimulating space. If you can’t paint, add art or furnishings with color.

If you apply these tips to your office environment, don’t be surprised when your employees’ work production improves.