Boosting Productivity with Creative Office Environments
Have you noticed that in bright spaces you get more work done than you do in plain, boring spaces?
Think of a stereotypical office with white walls, cubicles, and harsh lighting versus an office with pops of color, open areas, comfortable seating, and common areas to meet with coworkers. Which one of these options sounds better to you? Most likely you said the more creative space. So how can you incorporate some of these elements into your office? Here are some ideas for designing creative office environments to help boost productivity.
Lighting
One of the most important factors in any office space is lighting. Harsh lighting from fluorescent bulbs can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue. All these factors lead to poor productivity. Natural lighting from windows, light therapy devices, or natural colored light bulbs are best for boosting productivity.
Seating and Desks
Employees perform better when they are comfortable and have supportive furniture in their offices. When people are comfortable, they are less likely to lose time adjusting their chair position and having to stand up and stretch to relieve pressure. Poor posture and extended periods of sitting can also lead to health problems later in life. Having adjustable desks that allow for standing and sitting in a well-made supportive chair can help reduce these risks.
Bring Nature Inside
Having a small plant in your office can help brighten and bring life to your space. Plus, some potted plants produce oxygen and can help keep the air in your office clean. If you are someone who has a hard time keeping plants alive, faux plants still have a positive effect on your mood.
Colors
You’ve probably heard of color theory and how different colors elicit different emotions, but did you know that you can use this theory to boost productivity in office spaces? Shades of blue are considered to be the best for boosting mood and productivity. Colors like red and yellow might be seen as happy colors, but they can lead to overstimulation, anxiety, and agitation when used as a primary color in an office, so use them sparingly. One thing to remember with this is to not go overboard. Too much of a single color or too many different colors can be overwhelming.
Multifunctional Spaces
Having more than one area to work in can help to shift the brain and stay focused. For office environments try adding office pods, lounges, small conference rooms, or comfortable break rooms for employees.
Whether you are working from home or have returned to the office, your work environment can have a significant impact on your productivity. In fact, employees who are happy at their jobs are 12% more productive than those who aren’t. For employers, this 12% increase in productivity can lead to large increases in profit, making investing in more creative offices worth it. For help redesigning your office space schedule a consultation today with our amazing team here at Office Interiors.
