Why Performance and Productivity Increase when you Modernize Office Décor
Let's face it, offices have changed dramatically in the last few years. Since many leaders are already re-imagining their office setups, now is the perfect time to reboot and modernize office décor and design. In this post we will look at 5 data-proven new office interior design ideas to modernize office décor and boost productivity.
Why Modernize Your Office Space?
It should come as no surprise that the right environment can help inspire creativity and boost productivity among office workers.
"A modernized office design is about more than a modern office look. It takes employee wellness into consideration"
“A quality workspace design leads to a less stressful and more productive atmosphere,” said a Forbes article on the impacts of office design. “It's essential that employers take the physical work environment of their employees into consideration.”
A modernized office design is about more than a modern office look. It takes employee wellness into consideration. According to Forbes, this is a valuable business investment, leading to higher levels of employee satisfaction and productivity.
5 Ways to Modernize Your Office & Boost Productivity
In general, the modernized office is about openness, collaboration and employee comfort. While many say removing cubicle barriers is the new normal, many still choose the privacy and noise dampening qualities of cubicles. That doesn't mean there aren't spaces that can be turned into flexible, open spaces where employees will want to congregate and collaborate.
1. ART
Studies show that the right art in office décor can improve and support company culture and encourage more productivity, including a 2014 Harvard study.
“The findings suggest that art connected to the organization's mission, rotating exhibitions and diverse collections are valued by workplace viewers,” said the Harvard researchers.
2. Natural Light
Access to natural light and views of the outdoors is the most sought after amenity in an office according to a 2018 study. According to the Harvard Business Review, 47% of employees admit they feel tired or very tired from the absence of natural light or a window at their office, and 43% report feeling gloomy because of the lack of light.
3. Plants
Introducing indoor plants to an office has been shown by numerous studies to improve employee health, morale and productivity (Exeter University Research).
4. Meeting Rooms and Community Tables
While many businesses want an office with an open floor plan with no cubicles these days, others prefer to stick to a more traditional space with full cubes. Despite what proponents of open floor plans say, cubicles make an office quieter. If you have a large team on the floor with people on sales or support calls all day, the cubical remains a key tool. Still, collaborative spaces are important. If the open floor plan doesn't work for you office, consider dedicating some kind of open space with communal desks tables and lounge seating where teams can meet and collaborate effectively.
5. Flexible/Alternative Desks & Equipment
Making tools like standing workstations and ergonomic chairs available to your employees is a proven way to help improve productivity and promote worker health, according to HealthLine.com. It stands to reason that healthy, comfortable employees get more work done.
Conclusion
As we leave pandemic era social distancing behind, now is a good time to consider modernizing office setups. The five tips above are simple, proven ways to boost productivity with your office design. In addition to these, it is important to consider productivity amenities. New laptops or offering multiple charging stations at flexible workstations, for example, allows your employees to work in ways they prefer. Games, healthy snacks and relaxation amenities are also helpful to promote a strong company culture, loyalty and productivity.
Are you a Microsoft Dynamics GP user? Accounts Payable just got Easier with Fidesic AP
Find more joy in your job. Leave the busy work to us.
