How To Optimise Office Space For Productivity

Salary and vacation days aren't the only things that impact job satisfaction. The office space people work in makes a big difference to job satisfaction, too.  

Employees who enjoy their work environment are more likely to feel engaged and motivated, which can lead to increased productivity. 

A positive office environment that meets the needs of employees can also raise office morale and foster a sense of community and teamwork. This results in employees feeling more connected to their colleagues and the company.

This is shown in research: Studies have shown that a well-designed and aesthetically pleasing workplace environment can lead to higher employee satisfaction, which in turn can lead to increased productivity and retention rates.

So, in order to attract - and keep - top talent, optimising office space is essential. The WELL Building Standard - ​​a performance-based system designed for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of environments that impact people's health and well-being - highlights seven main concepts for a healthier office:

Air

Air quality can have a huge impact on employees' health, comfort, and productivity. One change that can tick multiple boxes is adding plants throughout the office. Greenery can both improve air quality and boost morale - and this is backed by science! Marlon Nieuwenhuis, from Cardiff University's School of Psychology, spoke of research into this topic on Science Daily, "Our research suggests that investing in landscaping the office with plants will pay off through an increase in office workers' quality of life and productivity."

Water

The human brain is made up of 73% water! "Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1-3%) can impair energy levels, impair mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance," tells Healthline. Providing access to safe drinking water - such as putting water coolers in the office - and encouraging hydration can have a big impact on performance.

Nourishment

Food can impact health and therefore overall performance. Giving employees access to nourishing foods - such as access to fresh fruit and improving the quality of snacks on offer - can increase employee satisfaction and productivity. 

Nourishment doesn't end with actual food - how it's consumed matters, too. It's important to allow employees to have adequate breaks and access to dedicated eating areas to promote mindful eating. 

Light 

An office that focuses on employees' health and productivity needs to have two sources of light: Natural light and blue-enriched light bulbs. 

Natural light has been shown to improve productivity and mood. To take full advantage of this ensure that windows are unobstructed and that employees have access to sunlight.

In working areas, investing in blue-enriched light bulbs is a great way to go. These lights are a type of LED light bulb that emits light in the blue spectrum. They're designed to mimic the natural light spectrum of sunlight, to promote alertness and productivity. 

Fitness

Exercise can make a huge difference to people's physical health as well as mental well-being and productivity. 

A Harvard study showed evidence that regular exercise boosts mental abilities such as enhanced creativity, quicker learning, sharper memory, and improved concentration.

An office space can promote physical activity by having accessible stairwells, shower facilities for employees who go to the gym, and bicycle storage. 

Comfort

Employees spend upwards of eight hours a day in offices, so comfort is essential. While air quality and lighting go a long way in making a workspace more comfortable, to further enhance an office, furniture and temperature also play a role. According to a 2010 study, at a temperature of 77 F (25 C), participants typed with just a 10% error rate, but when it cooled down to 68 F (20 C), error rates increased to 25%. So, the right temperature does make a difference.

Ergonomic chairs are another way to increase comfort in an office. Not only are they more comfortable, but they also reduce muscle strain and help maintain proper posture. 

Mind

Everybody needs to take a break from their computer multiple times a day in order to work efficiently. Taking regular screen breaks can help reduce eye strain, fatigue, and headaches.

Then there are longer breaks. Having access to break areas away from computers - such as outdoor seating or a lounge area -  can be beneficial for employees' mindsets.  

A cluttered workspace can be distracting and make it difficult for a lot of people to focus. A clean and organised office where everything that employees need is easily found can create a productive environment that people actually enjoy being in. 

Optimising your office space for productivity is a crucial step in creating a work environment that people like being in. By taking the time to assess your current office setup and implementing some of the strategies above, you can create an office environment that encourages productivity and creativity.