People always underestimate how important the right workspace can be for improving productivity. I’m not necessarily suggesting that you install a Red Bull style slide to take employees to the meeting room. I am, however, suggesting that a few small design tweaks can make all the difference to general peace of mind and productivity at work.
Ergonomics
As someone who has to visit the osteopath on a regular occasion, this one is top of my list. The simple fact is that you’re not going to be productive if your back is in pain. Not that this needs scientifical citing, but this is how you should sit at a computer.
If you’re currently sitting reading this at work, then take a moment and notice how you are positioned. Focus on the height of your chair and desk, and the alignment of your body. Your thighs and forearm should be parallel to the floor, with everything within easy reach. If this isn’t the case, then adjust.
Clutter
Now we know that our desks are at the right height, it’s time for ‘operation productivity: step 2’. Lose the clutter. While it might be impossible to enforce a strict ‘clean desk’ policy, as some of us may be inherently messy, it would be worth simply encouraging the office to go paperless. That way, there’s less chance of paper piling up on desks creating clutter in your personal space.
Having a clean space is known to improve productivity, not to mention organisation. That goes too for your online space. Especially if you’re going paperless, make sure you organise your computer files, and more importantly, back them up!
Colour
So we’ve worked on minimising distractions in the form of clutter. Now let’s add a few distractions. Colour. Surprisingly, colour is actually thought to improve productivity. So long as you don’t have some technicolour maze running along your walls.
A great way of adding a splash of colour to your office is by investing in office graphics. One of my favourite office walls displays I’ve seen recently, and not just because we have the same name, is Lucy the Cow at LeftMedia. Talk about a creative and inspiring workspace.
Light
The last point (although there are plenty more such as having plants, space for privacy etc) is lighting. To be more specific, natural lighting. According to this study, natural lighting is an extremely important factor for improving energy, creativity, and productivity. While every employee might not be able to squeeze their desks right by a window, it’s important to at least get some indirect natural light. Thankfully, my new office in Brighton is streaming with natural light, and because I’m currently the only employee, I get first choice on desk space.
Ultimately, productivity and your environment at work is going to largely depend on company culture, but making these few design tweaks will help. Plus, there’s no harm in plastering a giant cow on your walls.
