Productivity, it is what all managers try to get from their workers. Some managers crack the whip, others coat their tongues in honey, but what so many offices neglect is the layout. It has become clear, over the years, that the layout of an office has a huge effect on the wellbeing (and thus productivity) of the workers. Have you, as a manager, ever stopped to think that maybe your employees see their cube as a metaphorical prison… or something like that? As a former cubicle worker myself, I can attest to feeling like Gollum as I spent my days sitting in front of a computer screen, growing pale and losing my hair. Needless to say, this feeling had huge effects on my productivity. So I studied a variety of sources (news, research papers, and even Feng Shui) to come up with a few ways to make an office environment better. To all my fellow cube-trolls, I hope this will help brighten your day (literally).

Step 1: Lose the Cube

Now this is a paradigm breaking concept, isn’t it? The cubical was originally put into place to give the feeling of a quiet work place (all while saving floor space!). So, what has the cube become? It has become a sign of mediocrity, shame, isolation, monotony, and boredom. No child grows up seeing the cube in the future. Dropping the cubicle will bring an open and fresh feeling to your office. Open spaces promote a community feeling and improve loyalty amongst workers. A little aside is that they will actually be less likely to cyber-slack as other people will be able to see them (read: panopticism) and everyone wants to appear productive. There might be some extra socializing, but the loss is negligible compared to the gains. The cube is only still around because its perceived as so normal, let go of that perception and watch your productivity rise.

If your employees are doing work that will occasionally require a block-out of distractions, it is good to have a few cubes set up in a separate area in the office. This is great because employees can choose to go in there if they need the peace and quiet. This choice will do wonders for worker satisfaction and loyalty.

Step 2: Dynamic Personalization

Each employee should have a desk that belongs to him or her. However, they should be allowed to control what is and is not in their personal workspace. Since they will be spending a large amount of time at this desk, it should be somewhere that they are comfortable in. Allowing employees to customize will make them comfortable and happy. In addition, the office environment should be a changing place. Not the layout necessarily, but it is good to keep things changing. Hanging things on the walls, images, and general pieces of environment enhancing “flair” should be dynamic. Keeping things from getting boring is extremely important. In addition, allowing employees to suggest and create things to be put up is a good way to build loyalty. I once saw a wall in an office that was a blackboard with a large supply of sidewalk chalk. Employees could use the chalk to write or draw on the board and it became a sensation. During breaks, employees would draw images or add to existing ones. It created a strong sense of participation and community that carries over into the work they did. This kind of environment really fosters happiness and openness.

Step 3: Natural Light Good!

Studies have repeatedly shown that having natural lighting (or at least a view of the outside) in a hospital has helped patients get better faster. This same phenomenon has been shown in work environments and employee productivity. A simple Google search will reveal just how much evidence is out there that proves this. No worker wants to sit down and feel like a high-tech troglodyte.

If there is no natural light available, it becomes even more important to have an open office environment. In addition, install lights that simulate natural light. Florescent lights are good but they give off a very stagnant feel. Vary them up with a few natural light simulators for a more comfortable lighting effect. Also, keep things bright but try not to overdo it. Too much lighting can cause headaches. Most importantly, listen to what your employees are saying and take their suggestions seriously (novel concept, right?).

Step 4: Comfy, Cozy, and Productive

Next on the list is to ensure that your employees are comfortable. This is particular step is fairly self explanatory. No one wants to come in to work and sit on a wooden stool all day. So, for the sake of your employee’s behinds, it is good to have decent chairs for them. That being said, do not go and buy them all the $1000 chair, just something that is nice to sit in. Intelligent discretion is the name of the game here.

Step 5: Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient art of interior design based around directing the flow of the mystical energy “chi” around the room in a productive manner. Provided you are still reading and have not disregarded this section as voodoo witchcraft, I would like to point out that even if you do not buy in to the chi side of it, Feng Shui makes some good points. For example, avoid having long barren corridors. If you have a long hall put plants and stuff on the sides. While Feng Shui says this is to redirect chi flows, I say it is to give your employees something to focus on and enjoy. It adds personality to your firm. Feng Shui states that you should not have sharp corners facing your workplace because they send bad chi and “poison arrows” towards you. I say avoid them because it hurts when you run into them while holding a hot cup of coffee. So just point them elsewhere, no need to hang a crystal ball above the corners (that’s a legit Feng Shui cure).

Author Bio: If you are interested in making your office a comfortable workplace, check out Seattle Office Furniture

Category: Business Management
Keywords: Seattle office furniture, office layout, desk chairs seattle, office furniture seattle, office chair