Simple and effective tips to improve workplace productivity
In the 21st century, every person is looking for work-life balance and, most importantly, mental health. The office atmosphere has a lot to do with how well your employees work, whether they are in the office or at home. With our simple and effective tips to improve workplace productivity, you, as a manager or office administrator, will get the most out of your workforce within a limited span of time.
As a manager or an office administrator, your greatness lies in making the employees feel at home and not making them feel they are at work. Here is how you can create a perfect office space that improves productivity and employee enthusiasm.
Tips to improve workplace productivity
Ample Lighting
- Flowers blossom where there is natural light. The same theory applies to humans as well. As more employees are working with their blue lights on, it is an added necessity to supplement the natural light with bright, unobtrusive lighting.
- This is where the significance of green building steps in. Many organizations started designing their offices by installing skylights that maximize the amount of natural light that comes in. By creating an office space that is well lit and welcoming, it improves the mood of the employees and thereby productivity.
Minimal clutter
- Office space can be a mess. We all admit that. When it comes to an office, there will be papers lying here and there, chairs unorganized, and obviously the chattering. Studies have shown that most people find clutter distracting, and that impacts their overall quality of work.
- So the first step in crafting the life we want is to get rid of everything we don’t. So make sure the work desks are organized and in order. Tidying up each day prevents clutter overload. You will be able to get more done while your employees feel happy to work.
Look into the Details
There is no happy workplace without happy employees. As happiness is directly linked to passion and productivity, employee satisfaction must be the prime area of concern for employers. You can take a look at these ergonomic options and decide what to adopt.
- Desk chairs- should have good back support, sturdy armrests, and cushioned seating.
- Chair Levels- Desks and work tables should be at the right level so users do not strain wrists and necks.
- Standing workstations- can be considered for those who prefer not to sit all day and to avoid backpain.
- Modular furniture- can allow team members to rearrange an area to suit their needs
This is one of the many reasons why employees hesitate to return to the office. They have flexibility and can choose chairs of their choice when they work from home.
Greenery
- First of all, humans are animals, and there is no human existence without the influence of nature. It is scientifically proven that those who live near waterbodies experience less stress compared to the rest of the population. So make sure you give a green touch to your office.
- It is always best to choose an office space with a view. Office spaces overlooking rivers and lakes will improve productivity. If this option is too expensive, then invite nature indoors by using indoor plants that improve oxygen circulation in the room. You can consider photos and artwork on the walls around you.
Prioritize Ambience
There is nothing boring about a regular office that is confined to the four walls of a building. Workplace productivity depends on workplace satisfaction. The more comfortable your workspace, the more efficient and productive it is. If you are an employer who is eager to improve workplace productivity, then you should consider making the below changes.
- Relaxing Music- Music not only heals the soul but also has a soothing effect on the brain. Additionally, it helps reduce the impact of outdoor traffic noise. So invest in a good sound system that enhances the office mood. Playing white noise or ASMR audio can significantly improve focus and mood.
- Diffuser- Set up your office space with a diffuser with essential oils such as basil and rosemary. This will make the employees feel less stressed than looking at a blank wall.
The plus point here is that even when your employees work in a virtual office, you can send diffusers as occasional gifts. This will make the employee feel valued and thereby improve productivity.
Fengshui
A perfect workplace never exists. But here is something that you can do to make it less ordinary: Fengshui is an ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings and objects to achieve harmony and balance with the environment. The system is similar to the Indian system of Vastu.
- Splash of colors- Avoid overusing orange and red because it causes anxiety. By the same token, using dull grays and browns makes the workplace demotivating, which depletes the charm of an institution. So it is always advised to use a light blue backdrop with splashes of bright color.
- Inspirational Office Decor- Employees should feel inspired to work when they arrive at the office. Decorative items like artwork featuring inspirational themes keep employees motivated and motivate them to work. It is necessary to note that decorative items should be in line with business values and ideals.
- Add a water feature- to a corner of your workspace. This will create a peaceful and calm environment. As it is said earlier in this article, it will significantly reduce stress, and employees will work in a calm environment.
Final Thoughts
Dale Carnegie, in his book How to Make Friends and Influence People, said that if you have a need, make it the need of others. An ambient workspace makes the employees feel valued and helps them build good employee-employer relationships. So finding the right balance is important. I hope these handy tips to improve workplace productivity will boost your employee morale and their productivity.
The way employers look at employees has changed over the last two decades. An office could be productive only when the employees are satisfied. So any physical space cannot be the best fit for the office. However, finding a space is not difficult anymore with the introduction of co- working spaces. You can get all the features of a perfect office space while balancing the profit and productivity aspects. While choosing an office space, you should definitely give it a try.
