Recent study results show that contemporary office designs may stimulate creativity and collaboration among employees.
A study conducted by the research agency Perspective found that 81 per cent of office workers in New Zealand believe the physical environment of their workplace has an impact on their happiness. Nine out of 10 workers agreed that if they are happy at work, they are more productive. Productivity improves your bottom line, as work is accomplished more smoothly and efficiently. Employees are also more likely to collaborate and innovate if they are comfortable in the workplace.
Whether you are starting or developing your company, taking steps to improve the physical environment of the workplace is necessary for taking care of the physical, mental and social well-being of your employees. Look into the following office features and see how you can develop them to keep your workers happy and healthy.
Fittings, Fixtures and Furnishings
When designing an office, everything from the basic features to the decorative features must be considered. Floor, wall and ceiling materials, as well as furniture, may affect the overall mood and productivity of the office.
One of the challenges of an open office setting is the distractions caused by background noise. There are a variety of options to reduce the noise levels, from sound-absorbing ceiling tiles to white noise machines. Arranging furniture away from high-traffic areas such as hallways, elevators and stairs also prevent employees from being distracted from what they see in their peripheral vision.
Use of Colours
Colour psychology has proven to affect the emotions of the people in the room. Light colours create the impression of more space, while dark shades make the area look more intimate. Furniture pieces with complementary colours blend well with the room while those with contrasting colours stand out.
Although it’s important to optimise office colours for productivity, don’t forget to consider your brand’s colour palette. If your brand is modern and exciting, use bright and bold colours to influence the mindset of your employees. If your brand is all about tradition and security, use neutral colours.
Bringing Nature to the Office
A report about the global impact of biophilic design in the workplace shows that incorporating natural elements – such as plants and sunlight – have a positive effect on employees. A common way of bringing the outdoors to your office design is by adding large potted plants in the layout or placing smaller potted plants on desks. The use of natural materials such as wood and steel not only gives the office a timeless look, but it also helps bring employees closer to nature.
If your office lacks places of natural light, add large windows with glass panes. Place large mirrors across windows or in dark corners to reflect more light from the outside.
Encouraging Movement
Encouraging employees to move around helps them recharge from an intense meeting or from sitting at the desk all day. This can be as simple as arranging furniture to require workers to walk around or by providing long walkways from the main office to the conference room or café.
If the budget permits, optimise the stairs not only as a means of getting around one floor to another, but also as a place where workers can interact and collaborate. Make sure the staircase is designed to be durable and versatile for your space. Consider designs such as stairs with steel stringers or with timber treads.
Interactive Space
A room or space where employees can naturally assemble creates a platform for the exchange of ideas. While break rooms and meeting rooms allow employees to interact, the key is arranging the common room in such a way that people move freely. Instead of a rigid desk arrangement, a relaxed layout urges employees to sit somewhere and have a conversation.
Private Space
Optimising the workplace and interacting with colleagues indirectly inspires productivity. Employees should be able to access a private space where they can focus while working on their task. The private space doesn’t necessarily have to be a separate room or an isolated cubicle; it can be their own workstation. Adequately spaced chairs and tables give employees sufficient personal space, where they can think without distraction or take calls comfortably.
Being mindful of the design of your office and incorporating elements bring a positive effect on well-being will help workers become happier. When employees are happy, they are more motivated and this will improve your business. With the right work environment, employees can channel their inspiration into their work and allow that inspiration to take shape.
Boosting Office Productivity with Designer Stairs from Ackworth House
With over 40 years of experience, Ackworth House can create designer stairs that balance aesthetic and function. Our team of architectural stair specialists has designed and built stairs that comply with New Zealand’s building regulations.
We provide a wide range of stair designs to give you an idea of what works best for your house or commercial property. Our clients can choose from stair treads, stringers and balustrades made of timber, glass, steel or concrete. Our products can be customised to suit your preference, whether you’re looking for floating, classic or contemporary stairs.
Our extensive list of clients, which includes homeowners and business owners, attests to the quality of our products and services. Talk to us today or visit our showroom at 5/17 Crowhurst Street, Newmarket, Auckland.