Work productivity is one of the many factors that determine a company’s success in its business venture. As it is, this aspect is determined by several factors, such as hiring a quality set of workers who are capable of performing the necessary duties and responsibilities assigned to them and maintaining high levels of satisfaction among the employees. To put it simply, the efficiency that dictates the chances of having increased productivity largely relies on workers being contented with their jobs and showing excellence in their work performance.
While there are other factors aside from the aforementioned such as great top-to-bottom management, transparency, and rightful business practices, none of these is more interesting than office design. In other words, workplace aesthetics can also have a direct effect towards workforce’s satisfaction with their respective jobs and, on a grand scale, overall productivity.
Numerous studies have been conducted to show the direct correlation between workplace aesthetics and company productivity. Indeed, the physical working environment—the proverbial four corners of the office—is the most essential factor in determining a worker’s ability to focus with his or her tasks. On the macro scale, it is an all-important factor in defining a workforce’s capability to perform harmoniously in the workplace.
A good office layout boosts productivity by having it integrated with the business objectives and the vision-mission statements of the company. Likewise, it is important to take into account comfort, privacy, flexibility, and access in devising an office layout, as these are crucial in helping workers becoming more productive. Unfortunately, not all company executives are aware of the fact that office design promotes productivity at work. Even though they knew of the fact, some of them would not consider it as something that is worth investing.
Whether companies are starting their business operations from scratch or are redecorating their current office spaces, it is important that they establish a physical workplace that would project not just their image or brand towards their customers or clients, but also increase productivity among employees. Many established companies invest on ergonomically designed office furniture and custom made items. These businesses are so serious about making their offices look better that they work with HR professionals especially those that are experts in HR solutions and even HR outsourcing firms.
In order to understand what good office design does to enhance a company’s overall productivity, here are some of the “little things” to consider that would help enhance employee satisfaction and efficient work performance:
- Cleanliness of every workstation. Workers are encouraged to personalize their own workspace in the office, but it is also equally important that they prioritize cleaning and organizing their office stuff before starting their workday. This includes organizing all equipment, supplies, furniture, and other office items like filing cabinets. That way, workers are able to focus with their work and avoid distractions that could ruin their workflow.
- This is an important aspect of good office design that cannot be also ignored, because denying workers the comfort to perform their jobs would facilitate a drastic decrease in productivity. Indeed, having a table and chair at work must put into account posture when sitting and the position of the arms and eyes towards the monitor and the keyboard.
- Noise reduction. Any work environment has its own noise level, which is dependent on how many people are in the workplace and the design of the office. However, it still pays to have noise reduced as low as possible, knowing that most, if not all, employees tolerate such when they do work. Generally, noise distracts workers and increases their stress levels, which could jeopardize their productivity.
Office design can pay great dividends for companies who are trying to become successful with their ventures as advised by HR outsourcing firms. Taking into consideration lighting, ergonomics, noise reduction, cleanliness, and other factors not mentioned above would definitely help employees satisfied with their work and employers ensure continuity as an organization.
