The connection between office design and employee productivity is undeniable. The COVID pandemic and the shift to hybrid and work-from-home have placed more importance on intentional office spaces to encourage employees to enter the workspace again. Even small design choices can have significant effects on employees, improving focus, productivity and morale, and getting employees back into the office. Employees can benefit from this, as happier workers, resulting in lower staff turnover and higher returns on investment. But how do you achieve?

Here are 5 strategies you can take to boost productivity through smarter office design.

1. Optimise lighting within the workspace

Optimising lighting within the workspace can have general and mental health benefits. Boosting natural lighting within a workspace can boost focus through improving mood and energy levels. This is because natural light can reduce eye strain as it changes throughout the day, unlike LED lights, leading to higher levels of concentration and more productivity, with studies showing that it improves productivity by 18-20%. In addition, it can increase and enhance mood, leading to higher overall job satisfaction. For employees, using natural light can also mean lower overhead costs, as there is less electricity being used, leading to higher potential profit margins.

2. Create multi-zone workspaces

Workplaces need to be appropriate for all kinds of workers and all types of work. This type of workspace is it necessary to have several different types of space, from quiet zones, collaborative zones, lounge areas and private pods. Some employees may be introverted or work better in silence, whilst others, more extroverted employees, work better in louder, more open plan spaces, which is why it’s important to offer all of these options. Also, it means that there are purposeful zones for those who are doing collaborative work, which can boost the productivity of the session, as there are no distractions through group work spaces. Overall, creating the correct work environment can improve the productivity of everyone using the space whilst enhancing teamwork and creativity. For business owners, there is a growing demand for this kind of flexible working space, boosting the value of the space, placing it as a valuable asset.

3. Prioritise ergonomics and physical comfort

Comfort should be necessary when thinking about office design, for the health of employees. Poor ergonomics, especially in office work, can lead to short-term and permanent back issues, fatigue and reduced concentration, which can overall reduce concentration, thus productivity at work. It can also discourage employees from entering the office as they are more comfortable at home, which can further lead to lower morale in the workplace and lower productivity. Investing in adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, wrist supporting accessories, and monitor arms can help to reduce injuries and discomfort, as well as create space that encourages movement, or even offering free gym classes. In the long term, employees will have fewer sick days, better posture and improved health, which overall improves productivity. You can also improve comfort by ensuring technology, such as lifts, is as efficient as possible to avoid long waits by investing in frequent lift servicing.

4. Incorporate biophilic elements and inspiring aesthetics

Biophilic design is a design choice which involves adding natural elements to the workspace. Not only can this help to improve air quality, which can make employees feel healthier and improve their general health, leading to fewer sick days, but it can also reduce stress and improve focus by improving mood. Incorporating elements such as indoor plants, living walls, natural materials like wood and stone and nature-inspired colour pallets to create a ‘zen’ feel. Furthermore, adding artwork, textures colour schemes can invoke calm or creativity depending on what you would like the space to produce, as a visually appealing space can boost motivation and emotional wellbeing. These spaces can make employees feel more energised, relaxed and engaged, meaning they are encouraged to come into the office more and feel more motivated to work hard.

5. Design with acoustics in mind

Noise is one of the biggest productivity killers in open office spaces. Although open plan spaces can feel modern and encourage morale within the company, they can also lead to distraction and a great drop in productivity. For example, using acoustic panels, sound-absorbing materials, carpets and ceiling baffles can all help to absorb sound, stopping it from travelling too far and reducing echo. This can also be done through layout techniques, as previously mentioned, such as quiet zones and breakout pods, which give employees the choice to either work in loud or quiet spaces, whilst boosting the value of the office for owners.

Final thoughts

Overall, office design is one way to boost productivity, whilst encouraging workers to re-enter the office and adding value. When you start to see design as an asset rather than a luxury, you can really make a difference in your entire workforce. So, what’s stopping you? Invest in your workplace today!