What’s an essential part of any business? Its workers. If they’re happy and inspired, things usually run smoothly. Businesses are committing more and more time and funds to creating the perfect office. Once the equation is just right, an office can become a space that both boosts productivity and keeps workers satisfied.
With the rising popularity of stand-up desks and working-from-home set-ups, offices have received a real shake-up in recent years. Plus, it can be tricky trying to understand what will work for your business. So we’ve rounded up the tips that are a must-try! Here are our top tips for creating a workplace where productivity thrives.
Ample Natural Lighting
No one’s rushing into a drab, hole-in-the-wall office that’s dark. Even if you don’t have many windows in your building, you can still create an abundance of light, which will keep everyone’s spirits high.
Make sure any windows that you do have are unobstructed. Halogen light bulbs are highly recommended. They’ll create an inviting space that most closely mimics the look of sunlight. Try to choose glossy finishes on furniture and lighter tones for maximum brightness. Carpet comes in a wide variety of modern colours and helps create a warm and welcoming work environment.
Colours Matter
In the past, classic white walls were the only colour offices were decked out in. That’s no longer the case, with companies like Google popularising fun and inspiring workplaces splashed with colours. That’s the green light colour experimentation.
Different colours carry different messages and impact us in various ways. So depending on the type of business, specific shades will be better suited than others. Here’s a quick rundown of what colours “say” what:
- Blue – calming, it’s known to boost creativity, free-flowing ideas and productivity. Blue’s perfect for teams that need to be creative on the daily.
- Red – bursting with energy and action, red’s for the go-getters. Perfect for businesses that are very physically demanding or for motivating the Sales department.
- Neutral shades – off-white, grey and soft browns are perfect for companies within a traditional industry. Sleek and clean these shades help create light and bright offices.
But before you get the paintbrush out, there are also subtle ways to incorporate trendy colours into your office space. Feature walls, artwork and accent furniture are good options. Plus, it’s crucial to balance out colourful walls with more understated flooring.
Go Natural To Create Balance
Sadly stress is common in the modern-day workplace. Creating a more calming and welcoming office space will help everyone keep their cool. Where do we go for the most peace and satisfaction? Most of us head outdoors. Bring nature inside with a few quick styling tweaks. Try to decorate the office with greenery. Go for low-maintenance indoor varieties like the snake plant, lilies or palms.
Prioritising natural materials, like wood and stone, can also be beneficial. Think about choosing wooden desks and shelving. While timber flooring is usually way outside most companies’ budgets, timber-like alternatives exist. Vinyl looks and feels like timber but without the hefty price tag.
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