4 Tips for Better Office Architecture
Make Sure You Have The Proper Ergonomics
It isn’t even necessary to mention science for this one (however we will anyway), just because it makes perfect sense. If your back is aching due to your desk chair or computer screen being improperly adjusted then you won’t be as productive. Ensure that where you will place your ergonomic furniture is part of your office relocation project plan.
Take five minutes to adjust until you get it exactly right. Focus specifically on the heights that your computer monitor, desk and desk chair are at so that your upper arms will be perpendicular to the floor and your thighs will be parallel to the floor. Also, your wrists should be nearly straight. Make sure that you keep everything within easy reach so that none of your muscles need to strain. Your body will really thank you. Trust us on this one.
Get Rid Of The Clutter
This one is another no-brainer, however keeping your desk free of clutter will significantly increase organization and productivity. If you are a manager, enforcing a “clean desk” policy can be difficult. However, one thing you can do is work towards a more paperless desk by encouraging your employees to scan documents.
As an employees, try to keep your personal space as neat and tidy as possible. This includes your computer folders. If you develop a system and stick to it you will save a lot of time rather than having to scroll through a long list of documents and attempting to locate the one you are looking for.
Here are some simple tips to help you get started: Choose a pattern for naming your files and stick with it. Label each relevant event or project. Create an organized filing system. Also take the time to occasionally delete documents that are no longer needed or come up with an “Old Projects” folder to put them in.
Choose Productive Colors
It has long been proven that color affects employee’s productivity at work. Angela Wright, who is a renowned color psychologist, developed the Color Affects System. She determined that while people may have certain color preferences, the effects that color have on people are universal.
Wright’s theory states that green creates a balance that is calming, red affects your entire body, yellow inspires creativity and blue stimulates your mind. However, it isn’t just enough to choose a color. What is even more important is the intensity and saturation of your chosen color. Muted colors soothe, while bright, highly saturated colors stimulate. Here is a good blog on the psychology of colour.
If you aren’t able to change the colors of your entire office, choose accents so that various teams have colors surrounding them that suit their kind of work the best.
Become One With Nature
If you are unable to change your office’s color scheme and cannot control the lighting design, one of the easiest and quickest way to maximize your work productivity is to add a small potted plant.
Two studies conducted in 2011 and 2013, found that placing a plant on your work desk increases cognitive attention and productivity, in addition to filtering the air to get rid of bacteria and mold. This keeps your employees healthy, productive and happy.
