 ‘Science may never come up with a better office communication system than the coffee break.’ – Earl Wilson Earlier, in the motivation blog, we discovered that one of the roles of management is to be an environmental creator. The way you organise, and process work causes behaviour. Change the way you act, and the behaviour of your employees will change accordingly. Thus, we thought a blog on Office Design would be ideal for a great Office Manager. There have been a lot of research reports published on the links between office design and staff motivation and productivity, which have highlighted noise, air quality, lighting and colour schemes as important aspects which shape how productive we are and how happy we feel in the workplace. In a recent study by employee engagement specialists ‘Best Companies’, they advise managers to: “Regularly take stock of the atmosphere in your office – is it a happy place to be? Are people stressed? Is the design of the space really working to grow close working relationships, or to create divisions and tension? There’s nothing like walking into a company where employees feel truly cared for and valued – the difference in atmosphere is palpable. Consider how you can create an environment that is genuinely buzzing with excitement, motivation and positivity.” People who feel proud of their office environment tend to value their organisation more, be more motivated and put more energy into representing their company in a positive way - Acting as company ambassadors. As well as providing your team with a motivating and engaging environment, office furniture and design will reflect the brand, both internally and externally. Modern design within an office environment will promote the brand as one that is trustworthy, yet fresh and forward thinking, and can genuinely result in clients seeing the organisation in a more positive light. Don’t forget social spaces are also key for your team to stay productive, mingle and improve working relationships and greater cohesion. Another benefit of a well-designed office space lies in recruitment. First impressions count for a lot and striking reception areas and well-designed meeting rooms can enable you to attract the right people and keep them engaged and productive. Well, that’s the why sorted. Now for the how. 1. Open plan. An open plan design gives your team easy access with others, so they don’t feel isolated or boxed in. So why not try installing open-plan workstations and breakout pods to aide business innovation and teamwork? Be aware though, it is often best to combine this with a quiet space that anyone can use when they need to concentrate on their work for the day. 2. Windows. Letting in sufficient natural light will increase energy levels and alertness in the office. When inviting the light into your office, position the computer monitors out of the direct light and remember to use blinds to manage the sunlight. 3. Focus on health and delegate a space for relaxation. A place to escape the stresses of an office is crucial to get the most from your team. These spaces can serve several purposes, such as lunch spots or informal meeting rooms. 4. Clear office clutter. Let the team feel at ease, not overwhelmed. Eliminating excessive wires and loose papers from the office improves productivity and creates a better impression for potential clients or future employees. 5. Upgrade your technology. Simple changes in technology, like faster Wi-Fi or touchscreen tablets, are in increasing demand, enabling a more agile workplace. Better technology tends to improve productivity in the workplace while increasing communication and engagement across the organisation. 6. Security. Ensuring a safe and secure environment is essential in fostering a good working environment. Security measures such as lighting, electronic access cards, a manned reception desk and efficient CCTV can be great investments, if used correctly. 7. Exercise space for budget happy employers. This increases endorphins which will encourage happy and motivated team members. Adding a small gym (if budget allows) space to an office environment can, therefore, help boost motivation levels and keep your workforce healthy. An obvious alternative is gym memberships. Now you’ve got a beautiful, productive and motivational office space! If you have read our other blog posts you’re also a great leader, motivator, HR manager and budget extraordinaire! Contact Tatry Group for a free on-site cleaning assessmentWe would love to quote for your cleaning. It costs nothing and at the very least will allow you to see if you’re getting value for money. We will visit you and put together a full quotation document including references, testimonials, cleaning schedule, insurance details, risk assessments and a breakdown of cost.
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