5 Design Tips for a Productive Workplace

Even though we all laugh at the movie Office Space, no one actually wants to work in this type of environment. There may be some aspects that we relate to, but overall, people hope for a better work experience. Having a positive, productive workplace not only benefits our professional lives but also our personal ones. A happy day at work means a happy evening at home.

The fact is that work isn’t always fun. There are difficult clients to deal with, tiresome business meetings and employees that don’t see eye to eye. So how can you design a productive, peaceful workplace that combats work-related stress?

Here are five design tips to get you started.

1. Natural Lighting

Lighting is one of the most effective ways to keep your employees feeling focused and motivated. Poor lighting can cause eyestrain, fatigue, headaches and irritability. In fact, sitting in a dark space all day can lead to depression. The good news is that lighting is inexpensive, so start by installing natural light bulbs or light therapy products. Open windows and doors to let in natural light as well.

2.Ergonomic Office Furniture

The more uncomfortable your office furniture is, the more time your employees will spend stretching, adjusting and moving around. If they suffer from back or neck pain, they’ll be out of the office more, too. This is why it pays to provide your employees with ergonomic chairs and desks. If you’re on a strict budget, check out refurbished furniture instead.

3. Clutter Free Space

Clutter is not helpful for focus or productivity. While it’s difficult to keep the entire workplace free of clutter, you can encourage healthy habits. Set an example by keeping your own space organized. Spend 10 minutes each day filing papers and organizing documents.

4. Color Scheme

Color has a huge impact on our moods and brain function. Choosing the right color can boost productivity; choosing the wrong color can leave your employees feeling sleepy. Here is what research has shown us about colors.

• Blue: Good for productivity. Stable and calming. Helps workers focus on the task at hand.
• Green: Good for people who work long hours. Calm and efficient. Reduces eye fatigue.
• Yellow: Optimistic, with the ability to increase creativity.
• Red: Good for workplaces where physical productivity is required. Increases heart rate and blood flow. Invokes passion and emotion.

5. Temperature and Scents

The temperature of your workspace is important, but we know how hard it can be to keep everyone comfortable. According to the American Society for Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, 76 degrees is ideal for summer and 72 degrees for winter. You can also amp up the mood of your workplace by adding scents. Scents affect our moods and mindset, so try these options:

• Pine: Increases alertness
• Cinnamon: Improves focus
• Lavender: Enhances relaxation
• Peppermint: Lifts the mood
• Citrus: Boosts energy levels

Studies show that a well-designed office can increase productivity by 20%, so any changes you make are a very good investment. Imagine what a few of these adjustments could do for your own work environment!