While the typical company cubicle farm may be space efficient, many companies are realizing that standardized, unimaginative workspaces are actually hindering work rather than encouraging it. Employees who have access to collaborative workspaces, comforting amenities, and some basic decor work harder, more effectively, and bring more imagination to their workday. They see their office as a reflection of their style and their values. Use these tips to improve your office space to help employees feel more at home in the office.
Encourage Breaks with a Cozy Break Room
The water cooler used to be the iconic place for employees to gather and chat but as companies valued productivity over fraternization, the water cooler found itself ousted from the office. Smart business owners understand that a cohesive team is more important than those extra minutes of productivity. Resurrect the water cooler or better yet create a break room that encourages communication and comfort. Provide coffee, small snacks, and an area to prepare meals. Companies who want to go above and beyond can take it a step further with a ping pong or foosball table to encourage breaks, fun, and conversation throughout the day.
Let the Light In
Windows used to be reserved for upper management but businesses that let natural sunlight shine in not only save on electricity costs but also improve performance and health. Employees who are exposed to natural light sleep better, report better health, and less depression. While a full office remodel may not be in the cards, removing walls and barriers to the light and arranging desks so everyone has access to a window is one simple way to improve your office space and your employees’ lives.
Create a Collaborative Space
While you may have a meeting room, if you aren’t providing employees with an open workspace that encourages collaboration and innovation, you’re missing out. Offices need a dedicated space for employees to work together. Offer your employees a collaborative workspace replete with comfortable chairs, large tables, and plenty of whiteboards. Encourage groups or employees who prefer background noise to use the space whenever they feel the need. A collaborative space encourages employee interaction and innovation.
Spruce Up the Place with Pictures
While there’s value in posting news and updates all over the office, if your work space is devoid of any art, you aren't engaging your employees. Offices that display art and pictures helps employees feel more comfortable and at ease in their work area. Even if it’s just selfies from the last company picnic or a local artists’ painting, creating an inviting workplace means including some creature comforts like art.
Allow Office Creativity and Customization
Shockingly enough, many offices don’t encourage employees to customize their desk or office. A few pictures may trickle in over the years but overall, one desk looks like the other. When employees feel at home, they work longer, harder, and more efficiently. Encourage employees to decorate their office or desk to their own tastes by offering a variety of office furniture and holding decoration contests, awarding prizes to employees who truly make their space their own. When an employee’s office reflects their style and values, it helps the employee settle into their space and more comfortably perform their work.
While the decor may not be a top priority to upper management, it does benefit the overall morale of your office. These five tips are just a starting point for managers seeking to make their office a more innovative and collaborative space.
